Question

The lack of formal states in Africa made gaining cooperation with local officials more difficult. For this reason, Belgium and France established _________.

1) Commonwealths
2) Systems of direct rule
3) Dependencies
4) Systems of indirect rule

Answer 1

Belgium and France established systems of indirect rule in Africa to control and exploit resources through local power structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lack of formal states in Africa made gaining cooperation with local officials more difficult. For this reason, Belgium and France established systems of indirect rule. This colonial strategy involved using existing local African power structures to administer colonial governance, thereby enforcing European colonial policies through local rulers. In situations where there were no chiefs, colonial authorities would appoint someone to fulfill those roles, sometimes against the interests of the local people. This form of indirect rule allowed European powers to control and exploit African territories and resources more effectively, reinforcing their colonial dominance over the region.