Contextualization

Imperialism, especially the part of its history concerning Africa, was a phenomenon that deeply marked the course of contemporary history and still reverberates in the geopolitics and socio-cultural dynamics of the current world. The marks of this process, which intensified in the 19th century and extended until the mid-20th century, permeate economic, political, social, and cultural issues of the African continent and also of other territories that experienced European colonization.

In the socio-historical context, one of the main characteristics of imperialism in Africa was the arbitrary administrative and territorial division carried out by European powers, which disregarded the ethnic and cultural diversity of the continent. This division, consolidated at the Berlin Conference (1884-1885), generated conflicts still present in African reality. In addition, unrestrained exploitation and cultural and economic subjugation catalyzed resistance processes that, in turn, are essential to understanding the formation of many of the current African Nation-States.

Introduction

It is indisputable that understanding imperialism in Africa is essential to comprehend the historical-political configuration of that continent and also the formation of the contemporary world. In this sense, this project aims to deepen students' knowledge about this theme, providing a more robust understanding of the imperialist and colonialist context that marked Africa between the 19th and 20th centuries.

Understanding imperialism in Africa implies grasping the power dynamics that guided territorial occupation and control, as well as the resistance logics of local populations, the processes of space occupation and territory formation, the ethnic-cultural diversity, and the socio-economic, political, and technological characteristics that marked this period.

In this project, three key topics will be addressed: The context of the 'Imperialist Race,' the Berlin Conference and its implications, and the resistance and struggles for independence in the African continent. Knowing and deepening these themes will be crucial for understanding not only the past but also the contemporary reality of Africa.

Activity

Activity Title: 'Recreating the Imperialist Race: A Board Game about Imperialism in Africa'

Project Objective

The main objective of the project is to provide a playful and educational experience about the period of Imperialism in Africa, through the construction, in groups of 3 to 5 students, of a board game that should represent the Imperialist Race, the Berlin Conference, and the African resistance and independence struggles.

Detailed Project Description

The groups should research the proposed topics and create a board game that represents the historical process of imperialism in Africa. The game should be designed to be played by four players representing the main imperialist powers (France, England, Germany, and Belgium).

Each group should create a set of cards representing historical events, conquered territories, conflicts, and resistances that occurred during the imperialist period.

This activity should be carried out in stages, with the main ones being: planning, research, game development, game testing, and final adjustments.

Required Materials

1. Cardboard and/or cardboard for the game board and cards.
2. Markers, colored pens, and/or inks to illustrate the board and cards.
3. Research material: books, articles, reliable websites, documentaries, etc.

Project Step-by-Step

1. Planning: Students should divide tasks among group members and outline a project execution plan considering the available time.

2. Research: In this stage, students will conduct in-depth research on the three key topics of the project. Each group must ensure they understand the concepts and historical events in a way that makes them clearer to other players.

3. Game Development: With the information collected in the research, students will start building the board, cards, and game rules. It is important that the game is balanced and represents the events as accurately as possible.

4. Game Testing: Before finalizing the game, it is important for the group to play some matches to check for flaws, ensure clear rules, and verify that the game is fun and educational.

5. Final Adjustments and Delivery: After testing, students should make necessary adjustments and deliver the finalized game along with the rules.

Project Delivery

In addition to the board game, each group must submit a written report divided into four sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

In the introduction, students should present the historical context of Imperialism in Africa and the relevance of studying this theme.

In the development, they should discuss the three key topics (Imperialist Race, Berlin Conference, and African resistance), describe the methodology used for game construction, explain the game rules, and clarify how it represents historical events.

In the conclusion, students need to recap the main points, discuss what they learned about the theme, and how the game helped to better understand African Imperialism.

In the bibliography, the group should list all references used, including books, videos, websites, among others.