Question
How did the British rule their African colonies?
They left existing governments completely in place.
They established centralized administrations.
Local leaders remained in place, but Britain had ultimate authority.
Britain made the rules, but local leaders could override them if they disagreed.
They left existing governments completely in place.
They established centralized administrations.
Local leaders remained in place, but Britain had ultimate authority.
Britain made the rules, but local leaders could override them if they disagreed.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The British rule in their African colonies was characterized mainly by the establishment of local leaders who remained in place, but Britain maintained ultimate authority. This method of governance is often referred to as indirect rule.
Under this system, the British relied on existing local power structures and customary laws, allowing local leaders to govern their communities while British officials oversaw their actions and retained ultimate control. This approach was seen as a way to manage vast territories with relatively few British officials, as well as to maintain some degree of local stability and reduce resistance to colonial rule.
In summary, the correct characterization would be: **Local leaders remained in place, but Britain had ultimate authority.**
Under this system, the British relied on existing local power structures and customary laws, allowing local leaders to govern their communities while British officials oversaw their actions and retained ultimate control. This approach was seen as a way to manage vast territories with relatively few British officials, as well as to maintain some degree of local stability and reduce resistance to colonial rule.
In summary, the correct characterization would be: **Local leaders remained in place, but Britain had ultimate authority.**