This document provides questions and guidance for answering questions about European imperialism in Africa from 1871-1900. It begins by outlining factors that led European nations to participate in the "scramble for Africa," including strategic, economic and political motivations as well as the impacts of industrialization and developing technologies. Subsequent questions require analyzing these factors in more depth and making judgments about their relative significance. Other questions address the aims of the 1885 Treaty of Berlin, implications of the Boer Wars for British foreign policy, and the extent to which African peoples benefited from European colonization. Guidance is provided for each question emphasizing the need for depth, balance, fully explained arguments, and use of factual evidence from the context provided.

1. CAMBRIDGEASHISTORYREVISION
AGEOFIMPERIALISM
QUESTIONSANDANSWERS

2. QUESTION1PAG19
Why did European nations take part in a “scramble for Africa” in the
period from 1871 to 1900?

3. QUESTION1PAG19
Strategic, economic and political factors:
• opportunity for territorial expansion without risking major war
• developments in transport, medicine and weaponry
• impact of the Industrial Revolution in Europe
• exploiting Africa under the pretext of spreading civilisation. (see pages 8–11)
More is required than a basic list of reasons. Depth of understanding
will be demonstrated by explaining the relative signi cance of each
causal factor and showing how the causal factors are interconnected.
(see model answers on pages 164–5)

4. “The Industrial Revolution in Europe was the main reason for the
SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA between 1871 and 1900.” How far do you
agree?
QUESTION2PAG19

5. This question requires knowledge and understanding of the same basic
factual material as Question 1. This time, however, students are
required to make a judgement, weighing the relative significance of the
Industrial Revolution in Europe (the need for new sources of raw
materials and markets) against other factors that led to the ‘scramble
for Africa’. A clear argument is required that either agrees or disagrees
with the statement in the question. The argument must be fully
explained, supported with facts and show a balanced assessment of
the evidence. (see pages 8–11)
QUESTION2PAG19

6. What were the aims of the Treaty of Berlin (1885)?
QUESTION3PAG19

7. The aims of the treaty were:
• to regulate the activity of European nations in Africa in order to prevent
conflict between them
• to ensure that European nations respected one another’s African possessions
• to ensure that vital transport routes (such as the Congo and Niger rivers)
remained open to all. (see pages 12–13)
Depth of understanding will be demonstrated by explaining:
• the historical context of the treaty – rival nations competing for limited land in
Africa
• the determination of European nations to avoid conflict with one another
• the idea that Africa was seen as a ‘safety valve’ – a place where European
nations could enhance their power and prestige without risking major war
• that the treaty provided a moral justification for European exploitation of
Africa by stating that slavery must be abolished throughout Africa.
QUESTION3PAG19

8. What were the implications of the Boer Wars for the British foreign
policy?
QUESTION4PAG19

9. Implications of the Boer Wars on British foreign policy include the
following:
• It highlighted fundamental weaknesses in the British army. The high
costs of the war, both in human and monetary terms, led to political
debate about whether Britain should continue with its imperialist
policies.
• A deterioration in Anglo–German relations. Other European countries
had been heavily critical of Britain’s actions during the Boer Wars.
Britain began to feel vulnerable and moved away from its long-term
policy of ‘splendid isolationism’. This led to the Anglo–Japanese
Agreement of 1902, the Entente Cordiale in 1904 and the Anglo–
Russian Entente of 1907.
QUESTION4PAG19

10. The danger here is that students write generally about the Boer Wars
rather than focusing on the specific requirements of the question.
Producing a good answer depends on a full understanding of the
significance of the Boer Wars for Britain and the careful/appropriate
selection of relevant factual material. (see pages 14–16)
QUESTION4PAG19

11. Source A below is the telegram that German Kaiser Wilhelm II sent to
the Boer leader Paul Kruger in 1896. Why did this telegram cause such
anger in Britain?
Telegram text: I express to you my sincere congratulations that you and
your people, without appealing to the help of friendly powers, have
succeeded, by your own energetic action against the armed bands
which invaded your country as disturbers of the peace, in restoring
peace and in maintaining the independence of the country against
attack from without.
Telegram from Kaiser to Paul Kruger, 3 January 1896.
QUESTION5PAG19

12. In the telegram, the Kaiser is congratulating Kruger for inflicting an
embarrassing defeat on the might of the British Empire. Britain saw this
as a provocative intrusion into an issue concerning a part of Africa over
which Britain claimed control. The statement ‘without appealing to the
help of friendly powers’ could imply that, in any future conflict,
Germany was prepared to support the Boers against Britain. (see pages
14–16 and 18–19).
Depth of understanding will be demonstrated by outlining the historical
context of the telegram:
• growing tensions between Germany and Britain
• showing how the Kaiser could be seen as breaking the Treaty of Berlin –
interfering in an area of Africa that was clearly under British influence
• showing how the telegram greatly increased Britain’s fear of being isolated –
leading to its move away from the policy of ‘splendid isolation’.
QUESTION5PAG19

13. To what extent did the African people benefit from the “scramble for
Africa”?
QUESTION6PAG19

14. Benefits include:
• efficient systems of administration and government
• provision of education
• new systems of transport and communication
• water, sanitation and medical systems
• improved methods of farming.
However, not all European nations provided these things in their African
lands. Drawbacks include:
• random partitions, ignoring tribal/ethnic boundaries
• Africans were given no say in running their own countries
• African cultures were undermined
• exploitation by European nations.
The answer must be focused on the actual question. Listing the advantages
and disadvantages of the ‘scramble’ on the people of Africa will show
balance – understanding of both sides of the issue. However, a clear
argument is required, showings the extent to which the student believes the
African people bene ted. For the argument to be convincing, it must be
balanced, fully explained and supported with factual evidence. (pg 16–17)
QUESTION6PAG19

15. Look at
Source B,
which
shows a
cartoon
published
in 1906.
What
point was
the artist
trying to
make?
QUESTION7PAG19
A British cartoon published in 1906, commenting on events in
the Congo. The cartoon is called “In the rubber coils”

16. People depicted:
• African male being attacked by the ‘snake’
• African woman, clutching her baby, moving away in fear
• The ‘snake’ has a human head; evidence that this is King Leopold II of Belgium
includes
– crown, representing kingship
– beard (see picture on page 9)
– cartoon deals with events in the Congo
– Leopold’s main interest was rubber (‘in the rubber coils’).
Context: the cartoon relates to King Leopold’s exploitation of the Congo
and its people, so that he could amass a fortune from rubber. His use of
forced labour was effectively a form of slavery, which had been
expressly banned by the Treaty of Berlin.
Message: the cartoonist is heavily critical of Leopold’s exploitation of
the local population in the Congo. (see pages 9, 12, 13 and 18)
QUESTION7PAG19

17. The best answers will go beyond a basic face-value interpretation. For
example, by:
• making the point that cartoons usually reflect (and, indeed, help to
shape) public opinion; being a British cartoon, it is safe to assume that
the British people greatly disliked what Leopold was doing in the Congo
• pointing out the irony of this: Britain itself was heavily criticised by
the rest of Europe for its own actions during the Boer Wars.
QUESTION7PAG19

18. Why did the USA move away from its traditional isolationist foreign
policy in the period 1871-1914?
QUESTION1PAG23

19. Reasons for the USA’s move away from isolationism include the
following:
• Industrial growth: the economic downturn of 1893 alerted industrialists to the
dangers of relying on the domestic market. Exporting to Europe, where
protectionism was practised, was difficult, so the USA wanted to gain access to
the Chinese market. This required overseas bases and a strong navy.
• The impact of the war with Spain in 1898: the US acquisition of overseas
possessions (e.g. Guam).
• The actions of President Theodore Roosevelt: Panama Canal, Platt
Amendment, Roosevelt Corollary.
Please answer why rather than simply how. The best answers will
display understanding of the political debate that raged in the USA over
this issue. (see pages 20–3)
QUESTION1PAG23

20. How far was President Theodore Roosevelt responsible for the USA’s
move towards a more expansionist foreign policy?
QUESTION2PAG23

21. This question requires the same basic material as that used in Question
1. Here, however, students need to make a judgement regarding the
relative significance of Theodore Roosevelt moving the USA towards
expansionism. Answers need to contain a clear, consistent and
balanced argument. (see pages 20–3).
QUESTION2PAG23

22. Look at the
cartoon.
What does
it suggest
about the
emergence
of the USA
as a world
power by
the time it
was
published
in 1906?
QUESTION3PAG23

23. People depicted:
• European monarch (representing European imperialism)
• Inhabitant of ‘Santo Domingo’, looking less than pleased about the interest being shown in his
island
• US ‘marine’, representing US power in the Americas.
Context: the Monroe Doctrine (1823) was the USA’s attempt to prevent further
European attempts to gain possessions in the Americas. In 1823, the USA was in no
position to enforce the doctrine and relied on British help. By 1906, however, the USA
was able to use its own power to enforce it. The country had gained effective control
over the Caribbean area (as shown by the Platt Amendment and Roosevelt Corollary).
Message: the USA is a powerful country with a strong navy (as shown by the size of the
gun). It is not only able but more than willing to defend its control over the Caribbean
area. As an American cartoon intended for an American audience, there is an element
of ‘boasting’ about the USA’s power. (see pages 20–3)
The most effective answers will be able to put the cartoon into context by reference to:
• the USA’s increasing control over the Americas, and particularly the Caribbean
• the development of the US navy
• the reasons for the USA’s increasingly expansionist foreign policy.
QUESTION3PAG23

24. To what extent had Japan become a major world power by 1905?
QUESTION1PAG27

25. In support of the view that Japan had become a major world power by
1905:
• It experienced rapid and highly impressive industrialisation and
modernisation under Emperor Mutsuhito and his Meiji government after 1867.
• There was an increase in prosperity and military strength.
• Japan won its the war against China (1894–95).
• It signed the Anglo–Japanese Alliance in 1902.
• It defeated Russia in the Russo–Japanese War (1904–05).
QUESTION1PAG27

26. Challenging the view:
• Japan’s success in the war against China (Shimonoseki Treaty, 1895) was
curtailed by the Triple Intervention of Germany, France and Russia.
• By forming an alliance with Japan in 1902, Britain had its own strategic
motives.
• Although a major power, Russia was militarily weak, its navy was outdated
and widely dispersed, with the majority of its troops based a long way away
from the Far East.
• Japanese expansion in East Asia had become a concern to the Western
powers, which were keen to protect and extend their own trading activities
in the region. The USA, in particular, saw Japan as a threat to what it
considered the ‘open door’ to trading activities in China. Any further
ambitions that Japan might have had in the region were, therefore, kept in
check by the Western powers.
• it was not until the First World War that Japan was able to expand its
power and influence sufficiently to gain major power status. (pages 24–7)
QUESTION1PAG27

27. Explain why Japan was able to defeat one on the major European
powers in the Russo-Japanese War.
QUESTION2PAG27

28. Reasons for Japan’s defeat of Russia include the following:
• Russian arrogance in assuming military superiority over Japan.
• Japan’s rapid and devastating response in attacking Port Arthur (February 1904).
• The Russian fleet was dispersed worldwide, whereas the Japanese fleet was
localised.
• Russian troops had to endure a long overland journey across Asia.
• With Russian forces tired and incomplete, Japan gained rapid success in Manchuria.
• Russia’s Baltic fleet had to make a long journey to the Far East. Since 1902, Britain
was in alliance with Japan (partly as a means of protecting British interests against
Russia). Britain refused to allow the Russian fleet to use the Suez Canal, forcing it to go
around the horn of Africa. By the time the Russian fleet arrived in the Straits of
Tsushima (May 1905), Japanese ships were ready for them.
• Slow-moving and outdated Russian ships were no match for Japan’s
modern warships. (see pages 25–7)
QUESTION2PAG27

29. The source is a
French illustration
from 1904. It
shows other
countries looking
on while the
champion of
Europe (Russia)
takes on the
champion of Asia
(Japan). What can
historians learn
from this
illustration?
QUESTION3PAG27

30. People depicted:
• two ‘wrestlers’ – the larger one represents Russia, the smaller one Japan
• those watching outside the ring are clearly representative of a variety of
different countries from Europe, Asia and beyond, representing the worldwide
interest in the Russo–Japanese War.
Context: the map on the floor of the ring shows the Chinese Empire,
the disintegration of which led to the disputes between Japan and
Russia. Japanese attempts to take land from China had been partly
thwarted by opposition from European countries (e.g. France, Russia
and Germany – the Triple Intervention), which were concerned about
their own interests in China. Japanese interests in China particularly
clashed with those of Russia.
QUESTION3PAG27

31. Message: the cartoon dates from the beginning of the Russo–Japanese
War. The two ‘wrestlers’ are clearly ill-matched. The Russian is drawn
big, powerful and con dent. His opponent is depicted as willing, but
small and weak. Russia is seen as a major world power; Japan is not.
There is a clear expectation that Russia will win the war. It is a French
cartoon intended for a French audience. Japan is depicted as an
‘upstart’, trying to establish itself as a major world power, but not able
to compete with the might of the European powers. (see pages 24–7)
QUESTION3PAG27

32. Which
side of the
argument
outlined in
the
historical
debate on
the next
slide is the
more
convincing
and why?
QUESTION1PAG38

33. The danger here is that students produce an answer that lacks balance
– they explain why they support one side of the argument with little or
no reference to the alternative viewpoint.
Effective answers will contain a clear argument, but will be
appropriately balanced and supported by factual evidence. (see pages
28–37)
QUESTION1PAG38

34. Which of the following posed the greatest threat to international peace
in the period from 1871 to 1914 and why?
• Imperial rivalry over the “scramble for Africa”.
• The emergence of the USA as a major world power.
• The emergence of Japan as a major world power.
• Rivalry between Germany and France.
• Rivalry between Britain and Germany.
QUESTION2PAG38

35. Answers should demonstrate clear understanding of how each of the
alternative suggestions helped to create tension between nations
between 1871 and 1914. There should, however, be a clear and
consistent argument explaining which had the most significant impact
and why. (see Chapter 1)
QUESTION2PAG38

36. How successful was Bismarck’s foreign policy between 1871 and 1890?
QUESTION1PAG39

37. In answering ‘how successful’ type questions, it is necessary to establish
success criteria – in this case, Bismarck’s aims. Concerned about the
vulnerability of the new German state, Bismarck aimed to create a series of
alliances that would both protect Germany and isolate potential enemies,
while at the same time keeping out of the race for overseas possessions to
avoid conflict with possible rivals such as Britain. The Dreikaiserbund failed
due to disputes between Russia and Austria-Hungary.
The Dual and Triple Alliances did provide Germany with allies, but both
Austria-Hungary and Italy were militarily weak. To fully isolate France –
potentially the main threat to Germany – Bismarck needed to maintain an
alliance with Russia; to some extent, he was successful in this through the
Reinsurance Treaty. However, while these alliances were intended as
defensive, the secrecy which surrounded them caused concern elsewhere
in Europe, leading to alliances between France, Russia and Britain. (28–32)
QUESTION1PAG39

38. In what ways did German foreign policy change after 1890?
QUESTION2PAG38

39. Following Bismarck’s dismissal, Kaiser Wilhelm adopted a more
aggressive foreign policy, characterised by actively seeking overseas
possessions and rapid naval development. He allowed the Reinsurance
Treaty to lapse and adopted a far less diplomatic approach to
international relations than Bismarck had done (e.g. the Kruger
Telegram). His actions increased tensions in Europe, as other countries
believed that Germany was preparing for war. (see pages 30–8)
QUESTION2PAG38

40. Did the changes to German foreign policy after 1890 make a major war
more or less likely?
QUESTION3PAG38

41. A clear, consistent and balanced argument is required, supported by
appropriate and accurate factual material. It could be argued that
Wilhelm’s more aggressive foreign policy made war more likely by
increasing tensions between the major European countries. On the
other hand, it could be argued that the alliance system that emerged as
a result was designed for defensive rather than aggressive purposes,
and actually helped to preserve peace. (see pages 28–38)
QUESTION3PAG38

42. Why was Serbian nationalism such a threat to Austria-Hungary?
QUESTION4PAG38

43. The Habsburg Empire contained many different national groupings.
Giving in to the demands of Serbian nationalism would lead to the
spread of nationalism elsewhere and the collapse of the empire.
Serbia’s alliance with Russia was also a major threat to Austria-Hungary.
(see pages 33–5)
QUESTION4PAG38

44. Explain why each of the following countries was keen to form alliances
with other European nations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries:
• Germany
• France
• Russia
• Britain
QUESTION5PAG38

45. Reasons include:
• Germany: a newly unified country in a potentially vulnerable position in
Europe (surrounded by potential enemies). Germany wanted to isolate
potential enemies and, in particular, avoid the possibility of facing war on
two fronts (from Russia and France).
• France: angered by defeat in the Franco–Prussian War. Feared the growing
power of Germany and the implications of the Triple Alliance. Desperate to
avoid being isolated.
• Russia: fearful of the Triple Alliance and did not want to be isolated. Defeat
in the Russo–Japanese War highlighted weaknesses in Russia’s military
strength, making it vulnerable.
• Britain: fearing German naval development and feeling isolated following
Europe’s reaction to the Boer Wars, Britain ended its policy of splendid
isolation. (see pages 28–38)
QUESTION5PAG38