Past paper questions 20mks

Question 1

‘Imperial expansion created more cooperation than conflict between
the Great Powers before 1914.’ How far do you agree?

Answer 1

FOR;
Berlin Conference and Treaty 1884–5 settled a number of issues and set
out clear parameters for future claims on territory on the African continent.
Despite earlier conflict the British and French reached a settlement at
Fashoda which paved the way for closer cooperation and the eventual
Entente Cordiale. The powers were able to cooperate in China especially in
response to the Boxer rebellion. The two confrontations in Morocco were
both solved by negotiation.
Candidates might also refer to the Anglo Japanese Treaty of 1902

AGAINST ;

Anglo-French competition produced tension between the two throughout
most of the late nineteenth century especially over Egypt and their
competing plans to link territories across or down the continent culminating
in confrontation at Fashoda. The British also came into conflict with
Germany over German support for the Boers especially the Kaisers Kruger
telegram. German under Wilhelm II set out in search for a ‘place in the sun’
which led to tension with existing colonial powers. This led to 2 Moroccan
crises which also raised tensions by crystallising the two sides in the
European alliance system