Question

The value of the industrial mission depends on the nature of the tribes. Even the less advanced, more primitive tribes may benefit, if not only mechanical and artisan work, such as the carpenter’s or blacksmith’s craft, but also the simpler techniques of agriculture are taught. The sinking of wells, the system of irrigation, the introduction and planting of useful trees, the use of domestic animals for agricultural purposes— all of these will render native land more productive.

—adapted from F.D. Lugar,The rise of our East African Empire (1893)
How does this justify European imperialism in Africa?
A. European missionaries converted African tribes to Christianity.
B. European statesmen needed to preserve the balance of power.
C. European imperialists brought new technologies to Africa.
D. Europeans brought advances manufacturing to Africa but neglected farming.

Answer 1

The passage justifies European imperialism in Africa by arguing that even the less advanced and primitive tribes can benefit from the industrial mission brought by European imperialism. It suggests that the introduction of new technologies and techniques, such as mechanical and artisan work, carpentry, blacksmithing, agriculture, sinking of wells, irrigation, planting of useful trees, and use of domestic animals for agricultural purposes can render the native land more productive. Therefore, option C, "European imperialists brought new technologies to Africa," is the correct answer. The passage argues that European imperialism and the industrial mission it brought can have a positive impact on Africa and its people, and can contribute to the development of the region. This argument was often used by European imperialists to justify their expansion into Africa, as they believed that they were bringing civilization, progress, and development to a region they saw as primitive and backward.