Question
(b) Assess the contribution of Seyyid Said to the economic hinterlands. development of pre-colonial East African Coast and its __ (12 marks) -5(a) Account for the emergence of nationalism in Either Tanganyika Or Kenya. __ (10 marks) (b)Economic liberation is the key to sustainable development in East Africa. Do you agree? (10 marks)
Solution
4.1
(217 Votes)
Blair
Professional ยท Tutor for 6 years
Answer
**(b) Assess the contribution of Seyyid Said to the economic development of pre-colonial East African Coast and its hinterlands.**Seyyid Said played a crucial role in transforming the East African coast and its hinterlands into a major economic hub during the 19th century. His contributions can be assessed through several key aspects:* **Consolidation of Omani Rule and Expansion of Trade:** Seyyid Said moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in 1840, solidifying Omani control over the East African coast. This political stability provided a secure environment for trade to flourish. He actively encouraged trade with Europe, America, and Asia, exporting ivory, cloves, spices, and other goods. This expansion of trade brought significant wealth to the region.* **Development of Zanzibar as a Trading Center:** Under Seyyid Said's rule, Zanzibar became the dominant trading port in East Africa. He invested in infrastructure, building wharves and warehouses to facilitate trade. Zanzibar's strategic location allowed it to control the flow of goods between the African interior and the rest of the world.* **Promotion of Clove Production:** Seyyid Said recognized the economic potential of cloves and actively promoted their cultivation in Zanzibar and Pemba. He encouraged Omani landowners to establish clove plantations, transforming the islands into major producers of this valuable spice. This led to a significant increase in agricultural production and export revenue.* **Expansion of the Ivory Trade:** Seyyid Said played a significant role in expanding the ivory trade. He established trade routes that extended deep into the African interior, facilitating the flow of ivory to the coast for export. While this trade had devastating consequences for elephant populations, it generated substantial wealth for the region in the short term.* **Development of Coastal Towns:** The growth of trade under Seyyid Said's rule led to the development of coastal towns like Mombasa, Kilwa, and Bagamoyo. These towns became important centers of commerce and attracted merchants from various parts of the world.**(5a) Account for the emergence of nationalism in Either Tanganyika Or Kenya.** (Addressing Tanganyika)The emergence of nationalism in Tanganyika can be attributed to several factors:* **Grievances against Colonial Rule:** German and later British colonial rule created resentment among the indigenous population. Policies like forced labor, land alienation, and discriminatory laws fueled discontent and a desire for self-determination.* **Rise of African Associations:** African associations, initially formed for social and cultural purposes, evolved into platforms for political expression. These organizations provided a space for Africans to articulate their grievances and mobilize against colonial rule. The Tanganyika African Association (TAA) played a crucial role in this process.* **Influence of World War II:** The Second World War exposed the vulnerabilities of European powers and inspired nationalist movements across Africa. The participation of African soldiers in the war further fueled their desire for independence.* **Role of Educated Elites:** Educated Africans, exposed to Western ideas of self-determination and democracy, played a key role in articulating nationalist demands. Figures like Julius Nyerere emerged as leaders of the independence movement.* **United Nations Trusteeship:** Tanganyika's status as a UN Trust Territory provided a platform for international pressure on the British to grant independence. The UN's emphasis on self-determination further strengthened the nationalist movement.**(b) Economic liberation is the key to sustainable development in East Africa. Do you agree?**While economic liberation is a crucial component of sustainable development, it is not the *sole* key. It is more accurate to say that sustainable development requires a multi-faceted approach that includes economic liberation alongside other vital factors.**Arguments for Economic Liberation as Key:*** **Reduced Dependence on External Forces:** Economic liberation reduces reliance on foreign aid and external market forces, allowing East African nations to control their own economic destinies.* **Increased Investment and Job Creation:** Economic liberation can attract foreign investment and stimulate local entrepreneurship, leading to job creation and economic growth.* **Improved Resource Management:** Control over resources allows for better management and utilization for the benefit of the local population.**Arguments Against Economic Liberation as the *Sole* Key:*** **Need for Good Governance:** Economic liberation without good governance can lead to corruption and mismanagement, hindering development.* **Importance of Social Development:** Sustainable development also requires investments in education, healthcare, and social welfare.* **Environmental Sustainability:** Economic growth must be balanced with environmental protection to ensure long-term sustainability.**Conclusion:**Economic liberation is a necessary but insufficient condition for sustainable development in East Africa. It must be accompanied by good governance, social development, and environmental sustainability to achieve true and lasting progress.