Answer to Question #316173 in History for Dora

Question

Identify and explain the views of the following scholars about African history and state one reason you do not agree with each of them.

1. Hugh Trevor -Roper

2. Hegel

3. A.P. Newton

Answer 1

1.Hugh Trevor believed that at the time that Africa had no history because history begins with writing and thus with the arrival of the Europeans. Their presence in Africa was therefore justified, among other things, by their ability to place Africa in the 'path of history'. I disagree with him about demeaning African continent thus did not value them. He saw Europeans as superior to the Africans thus they came to civilize them.

2.From Hegel's perspective, Africa is said to be unhistorical; undeveloped spirit – still involved in the conditions of mere nature; devoid of morality, religions and political constitution. Hence he holds that there is a justification for Europe's enslavement and colonization of Africa. The way he was describing African continent did not meant well for it. He didn't believe that one day African will realize it's potential and match the rest of the world.

3. A.P. Newton on Africa: Dahomey, Kongo. In the lectures on the philosophy of history and religion Hegel characterized the African as a being generically remote and alien, a savage and lawless animal-man with no concept of any Absolute Being distinct from and above his own sensual and material needs.