Question

Which is an accurate statement about the partitioning of Africa by European imperialist nations during the 1800s?

• A. New nations were based on old tribal boundaries
• B. The cultural and ethnic diversity of the African people was disregarded
• C. The continent was divided equally among the colonial powers
• D. African unity was encouraged

Answer 1

The correct option is B The cultural and ethnic diversity of the African people was disregarded

European investors were attracted to southern Africa because of its natural resources. Colonial powers exploited Africa's natural resources during the 1800s. During the 1800s European traders were competing for raw material and market in Africa.

In 1884 to avoid conflict they met at the Berlin Conference to set up a rule for colonizing Africa. No African were invited. After the Berlin conference, European countries rushed to colonize Africa.

The borders that were established for many African nations during the 1800s was based on territorial claims of colonial rulers. As they partitioned Africa, they paid little attention to traditional tribal boundaries and disregarded the cultural and ethnic diversity of the African people.