AFRICAN STUDIES

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1: Some have suggested that economic consideration, more than

anything led to the abolition of the slave trade. Discuss.

Ans: By the end of the 18th century, the British West Indian Islands had had
all the slaves they needed and in fact about 50% of the slaves were
being re-exported.
Division in the ranks of the West Indian Planters
Since Brazil and Cuba were producing sugar in greater quantities and
more cheaply during the second half of the 19th century, the British
West Indian sugar could not be sold on the continental markets
The industrial revolution (1800-1830)
High demand for raw materials. Sugar, cotton etc.
Ship owners were also now deriving far more profit from conveying raw
cotton and unrefined sugar from Brazil and the United States to Europe
and Britain than from conveying slaves to the West Indis

Q2. The Atlantic slave trade had far reaching consequences (effects
of the slave trade) on history of Africa. Discuss

Ans. It led to an unpardonable destruction of population

The raiding which the trade generated and steadily intensified caused a
great deal of misery, bloodshed, destruction and whole villages and
towns were burnt down as many people were killed as were caught

The demand for slave increase the incidence of civil and inter-state
wars

It tended to eliminate other industries which existed before it. These

included the manufacture of beads, cloth and casting and other crafts in
gold and bronze

The slave trade was mainly responsible for the late development of the
production of cash- crops in west Africa

It redefined African humanity to the world

Q3. Was the scramble of Africa chiefly motivated by economic
considerations?

Ans. Yes it was chiefly motivated by economic consideration

The need for new markets for surplus manufactured goods caused by
the spread of the Industrial Revolution from England to France, Russia,
Germany and Italy during the second half of the 19th century.

The demand for raw materials became also very acute and competitive
and it therefore became the aim of the industrial countries to control
the sources for the supply of such raw materials as cotton, rubber and
minerals.

A third economic factor in the race for colonies was the investment of
surplus capital.

The second half of the 19th century was the era of nationalism in Europe

The industrial revolution and the capitalist system produced not only
surplus capital but also surplus working power.

The sense of racial superiority felt by Europeans also made them want
to export their culture and civilisation to Africa.

Q4. How important were economic factors in the history of

imperialism

(Colonialism)?

Ans. Positive

Provision of an infrastructure of motor roads, railways, the telegraph,

the telephone and airports.
The introduction of the money economy
Impact on the primary sector of the economy

Negative

The infrastructure was not as adequate nor as useful as it could have

been
Economic growth was based on the natural resources of the area. This
meant that areas not naturally endowed were totally neglected.
Total and deliberate negligence or discouragement of industrialization
Q5. Examine the impact of colonial rule on Africa?

Ans. Political impact

Positive

The establishment of a greater degree of continuous peace and stability

The geo-political appearance of the modern independent states of
Africa
The introduction of two new institutions- a new judicial system and a
new bureaucracy or civil service

Negative

The geo-political set-up created far more problems than it solved

The weakening of the indigenous systems of government.
The mentality it created among Africans that government and all public
property belonged not to the people but the white colonial rulers

Economic impact

Positive

Provision of an infrastructure of motor roads, railways, the telegraph,

the telephone and airports.
The introduction of the money economy
Impact on the primary sector of the economy

Negative

The infrastructure was not as adequate nor as useful as it could have

been
Economic growth was based on the natural resources of the area. This
meant that areas not naturally endowed were totally neglected.
Total and deliberate negligence or discouragement of industrialization

Social impact

Positive

The overall increase of the population of Africa during the colonial

period

Urbanization
Spread of Christianity, Islam and western education
 Provision of a lingua franca

Negative

The creation and widening of the gap between the urban centres and
rural areas

Q6. Is Ghana becoming a neo-colonial state? Discuss.

Ans. Yes, Neo-colonialism is... the worst form of imperialism. For those who
practice it, it means power without responsibility and for those who
suffer from it, it means exploitation without redress. In the days of old-
fashioned colonialism, the imperial power had at least to explain and
justify at home the actions it was taking abroad. In the colony those
who served the ruling imperial power could at least look to its
protection against any violent move by their opponents. With neo-
colonialism neither is the case.

In particular, Nkrumah makes the following points about neocolonialism

in 1965:

It continues to actively control the affairs of the newly independent

state
In most cases neocolonialism is manifested through economic and
monetary measures. For example the neocolonial territories become
the target markets for imports from the imperial centre(s)

While neocolonialism may be a form of continuing control by a

state's previous formal colonial master, these states may also
become subjected to imperial power by new actors. These new
actors include the United States or may be international financial
and monetary organizations

Because of the nuclear parity between the superpowers, the conflict

between the two take place in the form of "limited wars." Neocolonial
territories are often the places where these "limited wars" are
waged.

As the ruling elites pay constant deference to the neocolonial masters,

the needs of the population are often ignored, leaving issues of living
conditions like education, development, and poverty unresolved

Q7. Only written sources could provide proper basis for history. Discuss

Q8. Why was Africa portioned politically and systematically

occupied in the period that it was?

Ans. It was because of economic reasons

 The need for new markets for surplus manufactured goods caused by
the spread of the Industrial Revolution from England to France, Russia,
Germany and Italy during the second half of the 19th century.
The demand for raw materials became also very acute and competitive
and it therefore became the aim of the industrial countries to control
the sources for the supply of such raw materials as cotton, rubber and
minerals.
A third economic factor in the race for colonies was the investment of
surplus capital.
The second half of the 19th century was the era of nationalism in Europe
The industrial revolution and the capitalist system produced not only
surplus capital but also surplus working power.
The sense of racial superiority felt by Europeans also made them want
to export their culture and civilization to Africa.

Q9. What is the divine mandate giving to us by God according to

Gen 1: 26-28?

Ans. To be Fruitful (Gen. 1: 28);

To Fill and subdue the earth (Gen. 1: 28)

To Rule the Earth (Gen. 1:28)

Man as the Bearer of the Imago Dei

Mans Preordained habitation (Acts 17:26)

Q10. Discuss the Effects of the fall of Man on Human Societies

Ans. Pollution of human societies and cultures

Imago Dei marred but not obliterated

Q11. Give any three Sources of Africas Struggles and explain each
of them?

Ans

External (What others have done to us and continue to do to us)

Internal (What we have done and continue to do to ourselves)

The greatest challenge (what we continue to do to ourselves .)

Q12. Discuss on Africas culture and their leadership challenges

Ans

Culture Defined
The Role of Culture in human development
 Perspectives on Power, Position, and Pedigrees distorted

Performance subjugated to power, position, pedigrees and the

associated benefits

Concept of Time and the value of time distorted

Disinterest in Forward Planning

Q13. Discuss on any three Key Religious factors for emancipation

Ans

Believe that God created all men equal with equal potential to be
successful
Need to take charge of our circumstances and assume responsibility
that will bring about change

Need to believe in ourselves and the endowments God has bestowed

upon all humanity

Q14. Discuss the six (6) individual factors

Ans.

A. The God factor

The reality of God

Obedience and submission

The Relevance of God

The folly of Atheism

Life is full of puzzles and riddles

Life assumes better meaning when it has reference to God

B. Passion or Vision factor

Vision defined
The relevance of vision for life

Vision and passion must go together

C. Industry (hard work) factor

Man was created to be productive

Man was created to rule

Man finds fulfillment in work

 Everyone has the capacity to be reproductive

God did not discriminate

D. Perseverance Factor

The necessity to persevere

The role of perseverance to successful living

Abraham Lincoln as an example

E. Discipline Factor (Gal 5: 19-22( (1timothy 2:1-10)

Systematic Instruction given to a disciple

Physical Discipline

Spiritual Discipline

Intellectual discipline

Moral Dicipline

F. Courage Factor

The ability to confront, overcome or deal with fear, pain, danger,

uncertainty, threats, intimidation and discouragement (Ephesians 1:16-
18)

G. Service Factor