Final answer:
The key to the whole continent that needed to be defended was the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Before the Suez Canal was built, the Cape of Good Hope was a crucial route for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key to the whole continent that needed to be defended was the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
Its strategic location at the southern tip of Africa made it important for controlling shipping during the colonial era.
Before the Suez Canal was built, the Cape of Good Hope was a crucial route for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.