1. Question:
To what extent was European imperialism a positive force for African cultural, political and economic development?

2. Preparation: 15 Minutes Read and Understand the question
Read and Analyze the Documents
Brainstorm & Outline: Do Not write a complete rough draft!

3. Brainstorm positive and negative effects
Loss of land to Europeans
Loss of independence/slavery (paternalism)
Loss of life: new diseases, warfare with Europeans, famine due to cash crop economy
Loss of culture (assimilation)
Division of continent = increased tribal conflict
Lower tribal warfare
Increased sanitation, health
Schools=formal education
Increased life-span
Improved technology: railroads, roads, telegraph etc…
Export crops = increased income
Access to new manufactured goods

4. Historical Context: Imperialism in Africa ran from roughly 1885-1960’s
Define Terms: clearly establish what imperialism was, and the European motives for colonizing Africa

5. Road Map Introduce and define terms Establish historical context
Establish 3 areas to analyze: economic, political, cultural development

6. Thesis Statement #1:
European imperialism had an overall negative effect on Africa’s development.

7. Thesis Statement #2:
European imperialism had both positive and negative effects on Africa’s development.

8. Thesis statement #3:
Although economic growth and political stability were outcomes of European imperialism in Africa, these positive effects are outweighed by the loss of life, freedom, and culture suffered by African peoples.

9. Use of Documents: Place in Context Note potential bias (Doc 2)
Transition into and out of
Analyze/Interpret

10. Non-Document Knowledge:
The Berlin Conference
Social Darwinism
Forms of Imperial control: Colony, protectorate etc…
Assimilation
Paternalism
King Leopold in the Congo
Effects of cash crop economy
King Menelik

11. Structure:
4 or 5 paragraphs
Topic Sentences
Transitions

12. Analysis: The art of mentioning:
As a result of the 1885 Berlin Conference colonial boundaries exacerbated tribal conflict, leading to political chaos and instability.

13. Extension Connect this topic to a future historical event
African independence was a natural extension for this DBQ
Example: European imperialism had long lasting effects on Africa. As new African nations emerge in the late 20th century, their development will greatly impacted by the colonial legacy.