Question
2 a) Examine the legacy of Arab administration n the coast of East Africa. marks) (10 (b) Discuss the process of colonization of East Africa by the British and the Germans to 1890. marks) (3(a) Citing examples discuss the fnethods used by Europeans to impose colonial rule on the people of Eist Africa. (8 marks) b) Examine either the Hele or the Bunyoro resistance to the establishment of colonial rule __ (12 marks)
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Answer
**2 (a) Legacy of Arab Administration on the Coast of East Africa:**The Arab presence on the East African coast, dating back to at least the 7th century, left a lasting legacy in several key areas:* **Swahili Culture:** Arab interaction with Bantu communities led to the development of Swahili, a Bantu language heavily influenced by Arabic. Swahili became the *lingua franca* of trade and communication across the coast and facilitated cultural exchange. This fusion is also evident in architecture, cuisine, and other aspects of coastal life.* **Trade Networks:** Arabs established and dominated extensive trade networks connecting East Africa with the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. They traded goods like ivory, gold, slaves, and spices, stimulating economic growth in coastal cities and integrating the region into global commerce. This trade also led to the establishment of important port cities like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar.* **Islam:** Arab traders and settlers introduced Islam to the East African coast. The religion spread widely, particularly among the ruling elites and merchant classes, shaping religious practices, legal systems, and social structures in the region. Mosques and Islamic schools were established, contributing to the intellectual and spiritual development of coastal communities.* **Architecture and Urban Development:** Arab influence is visible in the distinctive architectural style of coastal towns, characterized by coral stone buildings, ornate doorways, and narrow streets. They introduced advanced building techniques and urban planning concepts, contributing to the development of thriving urban centers.**2 (b) Colonization of East Africa by the British and Germans to 1890:**The colonization of East Africa by Britain and Germany unfolded through a complex process involving:* **Early Exploration and Missionary Activity:** Explorers and missionaries, often acting as precursors to colonial expansion, mapped the interior, established contacts with local communities, and spread European ideas and values. This paved the way for greater European involvement.* **Chartered Companies:** Both Britain and Germany utilized chartered companies, like the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC) and the German East Africa Company (GEAC), to establish a foothold in the region. These companies were granted economic and administrative powers, allowing them to exert control over territory and resources.* **Treaties and Agreements:** European powers engaged in a series of treaties and agreements, often with local rulers, to secure territorial concessions and establish spheres of influence. These agreements, often signed under duress or through manipulation, legitimized European claims to East African territory.* **Berlin Conference (1884-1885):** The Berlin Conference, a pivotal event in the Scramble for Africa, formalized the partition of East Africa between European powers. It established rules for colonial acquisition and solidified British and German claims to specific territories, minimizing conflict between European rivals.* **Suppression of Resistance:** Both the British and Germans faced resistance from local populations opposed to colonial rule. They employed military force and other coercive measures to suppress these uprisings and consolidate their control over the region. By 1890, both powers had established administrative structures and laid the foundations for colonial rule.**3 (a) Methods Used by Europeans to Impose Colonial Rule:**Europeans employed various methods to establish and maintain colonial rule in East Africa:* **Military Force:** Superior military technology, including firearms and artillery, allowed Europeans to subdue local resistance and impose their will. Military expeditions and punitive raids were used to quell uprisings and maintain order. Example: British campaigns against the Nandi resistance in Kenya.* **Divide and Rule:** Europeans exploited existing rivalries and divisions between ethnic groups to weaken resistance and consolidate their control. They often favored certain groups over others, creating imbalances of power and fostering resentment. Example: Favoring Baganda collaborators in Uganda.* **Economic Control:** Europeans established control over land, resources, and trade networks. They introduced cash crops, imposed taxes, and established labor systems that benefited the colonial economy while often exploiting African labor. Example: Introduction of sisal plantations in Tanganyika.* **Administrative Structures:** Europeans established administrative systems, including bureaucratic structures, legal systems, and police forces, to govern the colonies. These systems were designed to maintain order, enforce colonial laws, and facilitate the extraction of resources.* **Ideological Justification:** Europeans used ideologies like paternalism, the "civilizing mission," and Social Darwinism to justify their colonial rule. These ideas portrayed Africans as inferior and in need of European guidance, legitimizing colonial domination.**3 (b) Hehe Resistance:**The Hehe, led by Chief Mkwawa, mounted a fierce resistance against German colonial rule in the late 19th century. Mkwawa skillfully employed guerilla tactics, utilizing his knowledge of the terrain and the support of his people to evade and harass German forces. The Hehe inflicted significant casualties on the Germans in several engagements, delaying their advance and demonstrating the potential for effective African resistance. However, the Germans eventually prevailed through superior firepower and a scorched-earth policy that devastated the Hehe economy and undermined their ability to sustain the resistance. Mkwawa eventually committed suicide rather than be captured, becoming a symbol of resistance against German colonialism.