Question

In the 19th century, European countries claimed that the conquest of Africa would bring the benefits of Western Civilization to that continent. From the perspective of African peoples, the effect was:

a) Fewer agricultural products for foreign trade.
b) The loss of political independence.
c) New national boundaries based on ethnic and cultural similarities.
d) Global appreciation for African cultures and encouragement of their development.

Answer 1

The primary effect of European conquest on African peoples was the loss of political independence due to the dismantling of native governments and imposition of colonial rule that disregarded established ethnic and cultural boundaries. So, the correct answer is option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effects of European conquest in Africa, from the perspective of African peoples, included significant socio-economic and political impacts. Among these, the most pronounced were:

• Loss of political independence: Native governments were often dismantled or subordinated, leading to loss of sovereignty and self-determination. This was part of the Scramble for Africa where Europeans redrew boundaries according to their interests, without regard for ethnic and cultural lines.
• Economic exploitation: Colonizers extracted natural resources and agricultural products, funneled the profits to Europe, and imposed a dependency that, in some cases, continued even after the colonies gained independence.
• Disruption of societies: The introduction of new national boundaries by European powers often neglected existing ethnic, cultural, and territorial divisions, contributing to ongoing turmoil.

The correct answer to the question posed is b) The loss of political independence.