how could this document be used to explain a driving force behind european imperialism in africa?

February 23, 2026

This kind of question is usually from a DBQ (document-based question) about European imperialism in Africa, so the key is to connect what the document shows to a major motive such as economic gain, political power, or cultural beliefs.

Core idea

The document can be used to explain a driving force behind European imperialism in Africa by showing how it reflects one of three main motives:

Economic interests (need for raw materials, new markets, or cheap labor).
Political/military competition and national prestige.
Social/ideological beliefs (racism, “civilizing mission,” Social Darwinism).

Your job in an answer is to:

Describe what the document actually shows.
Name the specific driving force (economic, political, or social/ideological).
Explain how details from the document prove that motive.

If the document is about resources or trade

If your document shows:

Maps of mineral resources, rubber, or other raw materials.
Charts of imports/exports increasing after conquest.
Graphs of European trade with African regions.

You could write something like:

The document illustrates that European nations were attracted to Africa’s economic wealth in raw materials and markets.
Evidence: it highlights resources like gold, diamonds, rubber, or trade growth after colonization.
Explanation: this supports the idea that industrialized European economies needed new sources of raw materials and places to sell manufactured goods, which pushed them to seize African territories.

If the document is about national pride or empire-building

If your document shows:

A map of Africa colored by European empires.
A political speech bragging about empire size.
Statements about “glory,” “prestige,” or “power.”

You could argue:

The document reveals a political and nationalist driving force behind imperialism.
Evidence: it emphasizes the number or size of colonies, or uses language about national greatness and competition with rival powers.
Explanation: this shows that European countries wanted colonies to enhance prestige and power, and to keep up with or outdo rivals in the “Scramble for Africa.”

If the document is about “civilizing,” race, or Social Darwinism

If your document shows:

Language about “civilizing the natives,” “White Man’s Burden,” or racial superiority.
Missionary reports about bringing Christianity, schools, or “progress.”
References to Africans as “savages” or “backward.”

You could interpret it as:

The document displays a social/ideological driving force: racist beliefs and a supposed civilizing mission.
Evidence: it suggests Europeans have a duty to improve or rule Africans, or that Europeans are inherently superior.
Explanation: this ideology provided a moral and pseudo-scientific justification (Social Darwinism) for conquering and ruling African peoples.

Simple answer template you can adapt

You can plug your specific document into a clear 2–3 sentence answer like this:

This document can be used to explain a driving force behind European imperialism in Africa because it shows that Europeans were motivated by [economic / political / social] interests. The document’s focus on [resources / trade / empire size / national prestige / “civilizing” Africans, etc.] suggests that [European nations sought profit, power, or to spread their culture/religion]. This supports the idea that [economic competition, nationalism, or racist ideologies] helped push European countries to colonize Africa.

If you tell what your specific document shows (map, quote, chart, poem, etc.), a tailored 1–2 sentence answer can be written directly to match it.