Name: Uwaysa Patel
Student number: 64618536
Module code: HSY2602
Assignment number: 01
Semester: 02
Unique code: 657250
Due date: 07/06/2021
, What were the various responses of Africans to colonialism, and why? Your
answer should cover especially the issues of resistance, accommodation,
acculturation and exploitation.
Resistance to European rule was fiercer and more powerful than that of the great
African states, and resistance to particular colonial measures such as tax collection and
forced labour were fiercer. However, despite their continued resistance Africans were
faced with 3 unfavourable options: accommodation, acculturation, and finally,
exploitation. In this essay, the various responses of Africans towards colonialism will be
highlighted and discussed.
With regards to accommodation in West Africa, the British had limited administrative
and military resources. Lugard responded to this dilemma through an “indirect rule”,
whereby the British would rule over the West Africans through their traditional
authorities i.e. their chiefs or clan leaders. This way, the native population would still feel
like they have their freedom, their affairs would be managed by them but under the
guidance of the British. Furthermore, Lugard did not believe in equal education for the
Africans. He believed that Africans did not deserve the same human rights as the
Europeans.1
In northern Nigeria, the former Sokoto caliphate was used to establish indirect rule
throughout British Africa. Each of the Sokoto caliphates (regional governors) was
allowed to continue their duties as normal, such as the collection of tax, running
traditional courts, etc. This tricked the natives into thinking that nothing much has
changed 2. When in fact, the British were using the emirs to instil progressive European
ways in the native people.
The kingdom of Buganda was ruled by the Kabaka (king) with the assistance of the
Katikkiro (Prime Minister) and the council that included the head of clans 3. In addition,
on the arrival of the Swahili traders, many pages as well as Kabaka Mutesa were
converted to Islam. Buganda began to feel the pressure from the outside world for the
first time. However, Mutesa was pleased with the foreign influence and therefore, he
welcomed the Protestant Church Missionary Society and the Catholic White Fathers.
Soon enough, Buganda became a target of competition between 4 religious factions. He
was able to deal with it until he died in 1884.
1
Study Guide for HSY2602 page 253
2
Study Guide for HSY2602 page 254
3
Study Guide for HSY2602 page 25
Student number: 64618536
Module code: HSY2602
Assignment number: 01
Semester: 02
Unique code: 657250
Due date: 07/06/2021
, What were the various responses of Africans to colonialism, and why? Your
answer should cover especially the issues of resistance, accommodation,
acculturation and exploitation.
Resistance to European rule was fiercer and more powerful than that of the great
African states, and resistance to particular colonial measures such as tax collection and
forced labour were fiercer. However, despite their continued resistance Africans were
faced with 3 unfavourable options: accommodation, acculturation, and finally,
exploitation. In this essay, the various responses of Africans towards colonialism will be
highlighted and discussed.
With regards to accommodation in West Africa, the British had limited administrative
and military resources. Lugard responded to this dilemma through an “indirect rule”,
whereby the British would rule over the West Africans through their traditional
authorities i.e. their chiefs or clan leaders. This way, the native population would still feel
like they have their freedom, their affairs would be managed by them but under the
guidance of the British. Furthermore, Lugard did not believe in equal education for the
Africans. He believed that Africans did not deserve the same human rights as the
Europeans.1
In northern Nigeria, the former Sokoto caliphate was used to establish indirect rule
throughout British Africa. Each of the Sokoto caliphates (regional governors) was
allowed to continue their duties as normal, such as the collection of tax, running
traditional courts, etc. This tricked the natives into thinking that nothing much has
changed 2. When in fact, the British were using the emirs to instil progressive European
ways in the native people.
The kingdom of Buganda was ruled by the Kabaka (king) with the assistance of the
Katikkiro (Prime Minister) and the council that included the head of clans 3. In addition,
on the arrival of the Swahili traders, many pages as well as Kabaka Mutesa were
converted to Islam. Buganda began to feel the pressure from the outside world for the
first time. However, Mutesa was pleased with the foreign influence and therefore, he
welcomed the Protestant Church Missionary Society and the Catholic White Fathers.
Soon enough, Buganda became a target of competition between 4 religious factions. He
was able to deal with it until he died in 1884.
1
Study Guide for HSY2602 page 253
2
Study Guide for HSY2602 page 254
3
Study Guide for HSY2602 page 25
