Grade 8 History Final Exam

When did World War I begin?

1914.

What were the two main alliances at the start of WWI?

The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (Britain, France, Russia).

What were the four main causes of tension before WWI?

Nationalism, militarism, imperial competition, and previous conflicts.

What event sparked the start of WWI?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo by a Serbian nationalist.

Why did a small conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia turn into a world war?

Because alliances caused other countries to be pulled into the conflict.

Why is WWI sometimes called the Great War?

Because of the massive destruction, new technology, and worldwide involvement.

What is propaganda?

Information spread to influence people's opinions and behaviour.

How was propaganda used during WWI?

To encourage support for the war, promote patriotism, and make the enemy look evil.

What forms of propaganda were common during WWI?

Posters, newspapers, and films.

How did propaganda target men?

It made them feel patriotic and responsible to enlist in the army.

How did propaganda target women?

It encouraged them to work in factories, send supplies, and promote national pride.

What was the main goal of wartime propaganda?

To control public opinion, keep morale high, and prevent criticism of the war.

Where was the Ashanti Kingdom located?

In present-day Ghana, West Africa.

What made the Ashanti Kingdom strong and wealthy?

Its centralised government, powerful military, and control of trade routes.

What goods did the Ashanti trade?

Gold, kola nuts, and later slaves.

Who led the Ashanti Kingdom?

The Asantehene (king), advised by chiefs and councils.

What was the Golden Stool?

A sacred symbol representing the soul of the Ashanti nation.

How did the Ashanti respond to European colonisation?

They resisted British rule fiercely.

What eventually happened to the Ashanti Kingdom?

It was colonised by the British despite strong resistance.

What does the Ashanti Kingdom symbolise today?

African strength and independence.

What was the Scramble for Africa?

The rapid invasion, division, and colonisation of Africa by European countries in the late 1800s.

Why did European countries scramble for African land?

To gain raw materials, new markets, and national prestige.

What made it easier for Europeans to conquer Africa?

Advances in weapons and medicine.

Were African leaders involved in the division of Africa?

No, European powers divided Africa without consulting African leaders.

Which European countries were major colonisers in Africa?

Britain, France, Belgium, and Portugal.

What were the main economic reasons for colonising Africa?

To get valuable resources like gold, diamonds, rubber, ivory, and fertile land.

What were the political reasons for colonisation?

European countries wanted more global power and prestige.

What were the cultural reasons for colonisation?

Europeans believed they had to "civilise" Africans, an idea based on racism and superiority.

What was the Berlin Conference?

A meeting held in Germany (1884-1885) where European powers divided Africa.

Were Africans invited to the Berlin Conference?

No, no African leaders were invited or consulted.

What were the effects of the borders drawn at the Berlin Conference?

They ignored African ethnic groups and caused long-term conflict.

What did "effective occupation" mean at the Berlin Conference?

That a European power could claim land if it could control and govern it.

How does the Berlin Conference still affect Africa today?

It caused lasting problems like border disputes and ethnic conflict.

What were the social effects of colonisation in Africa?

Traditional leadership was weakened and land was taken from Africans.

What were the political effects of colonisation?

African borders and governments were changed to serve European interests.

What were the economic effects of colonisation?

Resources were exported to Europe, and Africans were forced into low-paying labour.

How did colonisation affect South Africa specifically?

It created racial segregation and laws that favoured white settlers.

What system in South Africa was influenced by colonisation?

The apartheid system.

What was one limited benefit of colonisation in Africa?

Infrastructure like railways and roads was built, mainly for resource transport.