HSY2602: EARLY STATE
FORMATION, SLAVERY
AND COLONIAL
CONQUEST IN AFRICA
ASSESSMENT 3 Unique number: 810620 DUE:22 APRIL 2025
, This assessment is mandatory. Submit the assessment before the closing date
of 22 April 2025
Write a 1000-1500 word (4-5 page) essay. Select ONE of the following essay
topics: Study Unit 4: The scramble for Africa 1. ‘The bringing of “civilization”,
religion and infrastructure were key factors that motivated the Scramble for
Africa. As a result, European imperialism can be seen as being largely beneficial
for the African continent’. Do you agree with this statement? Substantiate your
examples drawn from the various territories in Africa that came under the
European rule. HSY2602 Study Guide, Pages: 253–294; 298–320
Scramble Africa
The Scramble for Africa: A Critical Examination of European Imperialism
Introduction
The Scramble for Africa, which took place between the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, was driven by European nations seeking to expand their influence,
extract resources, and establish political and economic dominance over African
territories. While some argue that European imperialism brought benefits such as
infrastructure, religion, and aspects of Western civilization, a closer examination
reveals that the negative consequences far outweighed the positive. The
imperialist project was largely exploitative, leading to the disruption of African
societies, economic exploitation, and long-term political instability. This essay
critically examines the extent to which European imperialism was beneficial for
Africa, using examples from different regions of the continent.
The Motivations Behind the Scramble for Africa