Question

Why are the borders of some African countries straight lines?

• A. It was how European powers drew up boundaries to demarcate conquered territories.
• B. These borders have existed from before the establishment of the idea of nations.
• C. The general consensus among the African people was that the continent required such borders.
• D. The government of Africa had divided their lands in the 1700s and this was a convenient way to do so.

Answer 1

The correct option is A It was how European powers drew up boundaries to demarcate conquered territories.

Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Germany established the boundaries of most of the African countries to secure their claims over Africa in the 1800s. This scramble for Africa was done at a conference in 1845.