Africa Under Colonialism

Question 1

What were the main reasons for colonisation in Africa

Answer 1

1. high demand for raw materials as a result of the industrial revolution
2. Social Darwinism- The Europeans believed that other inferior cultures needed to be brought into the light of civilisation
3. Strategic and military consideration
4. missionaries considered Africa chaotic and hence advocated for the opening up of Africa

Question 2

methods used to acquire colonies

Answer 2

1. Diplomacy
2. signing of treaties
3. Military force
4. Treachery and tricks
5. Divide and rule

Question 3

What is indirect rule?

Answer 3

This rule involved utilising already existing traditional structures to administer rule

Question 4

Who propagated indirect rule in the British

Answer 4

British colonial agent, Frederick Lugard

Question 5

Reasons for indirect rule

Answer 5

1. inadequate personnel
2. inadequate funds
3. To avoid resistance from local people
4. Prior successes involving indirect rule, especially in India and Uganda
5. British did not want to destroy existing administration as a result of the terms of the policy of effective occupation

Question 6

Examples of African Chiefs who were appointed in Kenya:

Answer 6

1. Kinyanjui wa Gathirimy in Kiambu
2. Karuri wa Gakure in Murang’a
3. Wang’ombe wa Ihura in Nyeri

Question 7

Into how many parts was the colonial administration in Kenya divided:

Answer 7

Central government and local government

Question 8

Describe the hierarchy of colonial administration

Answer 8

Colonial secretary, governor, provincial commissioners, district commissioners, district officers, chiefs, headsman

Question 9

What was the duty of the colonial secretary

Answer 9

based in London, he was overall coordinator of the colonial policies passed by the British parliament

Question 10

Duty of the governor

Answer 10

He was head of administration within the colony

Question 11

role of the provincial commissioners

Answer 11

supervised the work of the district officers and the district commissioners at the provincial level

Question 12

role of the district commissioner

Answer 12

coordinated the work of the district officer, implemented the policies and laws at district level, offered security

Question 13

role of the district officer

Answer 13

maintained law and order, took orders from the district commissioner

Question 14

role of the chiefs

Answer 14

organized chief barazas and collected taxes. serves as link between the people and governor

Question 15

impact of the local government

Answer 15

Exploited local resources and initiated development
Helped in arbitration of disputes through the district African Courts
Helped maintain law and order

Question 16

Factors that undermined the local government

Answer 16

Poor transport and communication leading to poor coordination of activities
Rivalry between the settlers and the locals
Racial discrimination for Africans
The British lacked funds and experienced personnel to facilitate the administration