Question 1

What was Manifest Destiny and how did it affect Native Americans?

Accepted Answer

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand across the entire North American continent. It was used to justify the displacement and destruction of Native American tribes, as settlers moved westward. This led to forced removals, such as the Trail of Tears, and violent conflicts like the Sioux Wars. The concept also promoted the idea of American cultural and racial superiority, which had long-lasting negative effects on indigenous populations.

Question 2

Why did European countries want to colonise Africa in the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

European countries colonised Africa for several reasons: economic (raw materials like rubber, diamonds, and gold; new markets for goods), political (national prestige and rivalry with other European powers), and ideological (the 'civilising mission' to spread Christianity and European culture). The discovery of valuable resources and the need for strategic military bases also drove the 'Scramble for Africa'. The Berlin Conference of 1884-85 formalised the division of Africa among European powers without African input.

Question 3

How did Native Americans resist westward expansion?

Accepted Answer

Native Americans resisted westward expansion through various means, including armed conflict (e.g., the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 where the Sioux and Cheyenne defeated General Custer), diplomatic negotiations (e.g., signing treaties that were often broken), and cultural preservation (e.g., the Ghost Dance movement). Some tribes, like the Cherokee, tried to adapt by adopting European farming practices, but ultimately faced forced removal. Resistance was often met with overwhelming military force and government policies like the Dawes Act, which aimed to break up tribal lands.

Question 4

What were the main challenges of building the Transcontinental Railroad?

Accepted Answer

The Transcontinental Railroad, completed in 1869, faced immense challenges: geographical obstacles like the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, harsh weather conditions, and the need for massive labour forces. The work was dangerous, with accidents and disease causing many deaths. The railroad also led to conflicts with Native American tribes whose lands were crossed, and it relied heavily on immigrant labour, particularly Chinese and Irish workers, who faced discrimination and poor working conditions. Despite these challenges, the railroad revolutionised transport and trade across the US.

Question 5

What was the 'civilising mission' and how was it used to justify imperialism?

Accepted Answer

The 'civilising mission' was the idea that European powers had a duty to 'civilise' non-European peoples by spreading Christianity, education, and European culture. It was used to justify imperialism by framing colonisation as a benevolent act, even though it often involved exploitation and violence. For example, in Africa, missionaries and colonial officials argued that they were bringing progress and ending practices like slavery. However, the 'civilising mission' was deeply racist, assuming European superiority, and it ignored the existing cultures and societies of colonised peoples.

Question 6

How did the expansion of the US and European empires affect indigenous peoples' ways of life?

Accepted Answer

Expansion drastically altered indigenous ways of life. In the US, Native Americans were forced onto reservations, losing their traditional lands and hunting grounds, which led to the decline of the bison population and economic hardship. In Africa, colonisation disrupted local economies, imposed new borders that divided ethnic groups, and introduced forced labour and taxation. Cultural practices were suppressed, and many indigenous people were converted to Christianity. Resistance was met with violence, and diseases brought by Europeans caused high mortality. The long-term effects include loss of language, culture, and political autonomy.

Expansion: opportunities and challenges

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