How did African leaders react to the threat of partition?

African leaders reacted to the threat of partition with resistance, negotiation, and adaptation to the new political realities.

African leaders' reactions to the threat of partition were varied and complex, reflecting the diversity of the continent and the different circumstances in which they found themselves. Some leaders chose to resist the European powers militarily. For instance, the Ashanti in West Africa, led by their queen mother Yaa Asantewaa, waged a war against the British in 1900, known as the War of the Golden Stool. Similarly, in East Africa, the Maji Maji Rebellion was a widespread military resistance against German colonial rule.

However, not all African leaders chose to resist militarily. Some opted for negotiation and diplomacy in an attempt to preserve their sovereignty and protect their people's interests. For example, King Leopold II of the independent Congo Free State negotiated with European powers to maintain his rule. He used diplomacy to convince the European powers that his rule was beneficial for them, as it provided a stable and friendly regime in the heart of Africa.

In addition to resistance and negotiation, some African leaders chose to adapt to the new political realities brought about by the partition. They recognised that the European powers were technologically superior and that outright resistance might lead to the destruction of their societies. Therefore, they sought to work within the new colonial systems to protect their people's interests and preserve their cultures. For instance, the Buganda Kingdom in East Africa negotiated a treaty with the British, which allowed them to maintain their traditional political structures under British supervision.

In conclusion, African leaders' reactions to the threat of partition were diverse and multifaceted. They ranged from military resistance to negotiation and adaptation, reflecting the complex realities of the African continent during this period.