Introduction
Studying historical primary sources and analytical records regarding given materials is a critical skill that can assist in the academic study of information. Colonial wars and expansions are information that lends itself to being studied from a historically accurate perspective. At the same time, articles that consider all related problems and developments can shed light on what circumstances are essential for consideration. Thus, connecting sources to address a specific issue is an aspect that can effectively help to increase reliable awareness of the topic of colonialism.
The Main Thesis, Arguments, and Evidence in the Secondary Source
European imperial expansion in Africa is an appropriate historical event to examine aspects of this event through the lens of secondary sources. One such article is Tanja Bührer (2008), which reveals the role of the Berlin Conference in marking the beginning of the Scramble for Africa. The central thesis of this text is that the Berlin Conference is often unfairly considered the starting point of colonialism in Africa. The arguments in favor of this point of view are that colonial activity was quite active before the conference, which indicates that this event did not impact the continent’s conquest.
The author mentions the occupation of Tunisia as an example of active efforts to establish a British protectorate in Egypt (Bührer 2008). Another argument given by the author is that the original motive for holding the conference was Otto von Bismarck’s goal to avoid European tension (Bührer 2008). The text mentions sources related to European colonialism, including agreements between countries and the conference results. This is evidence confirming the true significance and influence of the conference on the conquest of Africa. The place of this document in historiography can be assessed as significant since it seeks to establish a fair assessment of the historical event.
Connecting Secondary and Primary Sources: Complementing, Nuancing, or Contradicting Each Other
Jules Ferry’s speech on French colonial expansion is an example of a primary source that can confirm or refute the data outlined in the article by Tanja Bührer. These documents touch on related concepts of European colonialism but reveal different points of view. Thus, we can say that they complement each other since they belong to the same chronological period. Ferry’s speech was delivered in 1884, while the Berlin conference was held in 1884-1885 (Bührer 2008; Ferry 1884).
In addition, similar imperial motives can be traced both in Ferry’s speech and in the presentation of the Berlin conference, which sheds light on the diplomatic and political processes of that time. Considering the similarities and nuances that make the two sources complementary, we can say that they indirectly respond to each other. This shows the similarity of documents in terms of interaction.
Critical Engagement: Evaluating Strengths, Shortcomings, and Insights from Previous Readings
A critical examination of the article on the Berlin conference is necessary to identify some of its strengths. One is to place the event in a broader historical context. This allows the author to take a comprehensive look at the current situation in Europe, which leads to conclusions about more objective conference results (Bührer 2008). Another strength is the diplomatic data that allows us to consider how the parties promoted their positions and what they were.
The negative aspect of the article is the limited consideration of the personal motives of European countries. This may prevent consideration of the goals of starting expansion. The strength of Jules Ferry’s speech is the economic rationale that the author provides. This allows us to understand better the motives for colonization and the benefits European countries could receive.
Another positive element is the clear argumentation of the geopolitical need for expansion (Ferry 1884). The disadvantage of the primary source is the ethnocentric views that have a negative connotation towards other races. My readings from previous weeks helped me work on analyzing sources that provide essential tools and techniques to evaluate each document critically.
Conclusion
In conclusion, analyzing secondary sources and historical documents is helpful in fully understanding the importance and consequences of European colonization of Africa. Jules Ferry’s speech and analysis of the Berlin conference reveal the motives and consequences of decisions taken by different countries. In addition, the disadvantages and advantages of each document can be considered to determine their reliability. Linking the two sources helps explore the context of colonization from different perspectives.
References
Bührer, Tanja. 2008. “Berlin Conference.” In A Historical Companion to Postcolonial Literatures – Continental Europe and its Empires, edited by Prem Poddar, Rajeev S. Patke, Lars Jensen, John Beverley, Charles Forsdick, Pierre-Philippe Fraiture, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Theo Dh’aen, Lars Jensen, Birthe Kundrus et al., 210-211. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Jules François Camille Ferry, “Speech Before the French Chamber of Deputies, March 28, 1884.” In Discours et Opinions de Jules Ferry, edited by Paul Robiquet, pp. 199-201, 210-11, 215-18. Translated by Ruth Kleinman.
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