Africa: History Practice Test (SS7H1a-c)

Which phrase best describes one of Nelson Mandela's most important contributions to South Africa?

• serving as South Africa's first ambassador to the United Nations

• preventing communist-led rebels from overthrowing the South African government

• leading the process by which black South Africans gained civil rights and were allowed to vote.

• negotiating with Great Britain for South African independence.

Answer explanation

Nelson Mandela's most significant contribution was leading the struggle for civil rights, enabling black South Africans to vote. This was pivotal in dismantling apartheid and establishing a democratic society.

After the Nationalist party came into power in South Africa in 1948, why did they set up the system of apartheid?

• to create industrial jobs for rural South Africans

• to separate the races and discriminate against non-whites (blacks)

• to give all people of South Africa(black and white) the right to vote

• to create an education system that would modernize the country

Answer explanation

The Nationalist party established apartheid to enforce racial segregation and discrimination against non-whites, particularly blacks, ensuring white supremacy in South Africa's political and social systems.

Which statement best describes the 'Scramble for Africa'?

• European nations gave back control of almost all African territory

• European nations took control of almost all African territory

• Asian nations took control of almost all African territory

• African nations gave back control of almost all European territory

Answer explanation

The 'Scramble for Africa' refers to the period in the late 19th century when European nations aggressively colonized and took control of almost all African territory, leading to significant political and social changes in the continent.

What was a significant factor in the rise of nationalist movements in Africa during the 20th century?

• Support from European colonial powers

• Desire for economic independence and self-governance

• Increased European immigration to Africa

• Decline in global trade

Answer explanation

The rise of nationalist movements in Africa was largely driven by the desire for economic independence and self-governance, as many Africans sought to end colonial rule and establish their own nations.

Who was the first black African to be elected president of South Africa?

• Desmond Tutu.

• Josia Thugwana.

• Martin Luther King Jr

• Nelson Mandela

Answer explanation

Nelson Mandela was the first black African elected president of South Africa in 1994, marking a significant moment in the country's history after the end of apartheid. The other options are not correct.

In what African country would you likely have seen this sign during 1975? (Click text to reveal the picture)

• Nambia

• Egypt

• United States

• South Africa

Answer explanation

In 1975, South Africa was under apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation. Signs indicating racial divisions were common, making South Africa the likely country for such a sign during that time.

What was a major consequence of the 'Scramble for Africa'?

• Increased unity among African nations

• Establishment of European-drawn borders

• Immediate independence for African countries

• Creation of a single African government

Answer explanation

A major consequence of the 'Scramble for Africa' was the establishment of European-drawn borders, which often disregarded existing ethnic and cultural divisions, leading to long-term conflicts and instability in the region.

How did the Berlin Conference of 1884 cause conflicts in Africa that continue to the modern day?

• The conference encouraged rapid industrialization, which led to famine as many Africans stopped farming.

• The conference ignored existing boundaries when creating colonies, leading to territorial disputes after decolonization.

• The conference created economic barriers to trade, which hurt African countries' abilities to import goods.

• The conference allowed Europeans to sell weapons to African countries, leading to an arms race on the continent.

Answer explanation

The Berlin Conference disregarded existing ethnic and cultural boundaries, leading to arbitrary borders. This has resulted in ongoing territorial disputes and conflicts in Africa, which persist even after decolonization.

What was one of the primary goals of the Pan-African Movement in the twentieth century?

• to bring an end to colonial rule in Africa

• to improve trade between African and European countries

• to encourage foreign investment in Africa

• to encourage African countries to create market economies

Answer explanation

One of the primary goals of the Pan-African Movement was to bring an end to colonial rule in Africa, as it sought to unite African nations and promote self-determination against colonial powers.

What was one effect the end of apartheid had on South Africa's political system?

• Black South Africans were allowed to vote and hold office.

• White South Africans were allowed to vote and hold office.

• Black South Africans were allowed to vote, but not allowed to hold office.

• White South Africans were allowed to vote, but not allowed to hold office.

Answer explanation

The end of apartheid allowed Black South Africans to gain political rights, including the ability to vote and hold office, marking a significant shift towards a more inclusive political system.