Introduction
The study of African history has long been shaped by diverse historiographical traditions, each reflecting broader ideological and methodological perspectives. Among these, conservative historians—often characterised by their emphasis on traditional narratives, political stability, and a cautious approach to radical interpretations—have played a significant role. This essay examines the main concerns of conservative historians, such as their focus on institutional continuity, Eurocentric frameworks, and resistance to decolonising narratives, and explores their contributions to the writing of African history. By analysing key examples from the 20th century, particularly in the context of colonial and post-colonial Africa, the essay argues that while conservative approaches have provided foundational empirical work, they have also been critiqued for perpetuating biases. Drawing on verifiable academic sources, this discussion highlights the tension between tradition and innovation in African historiography, offering insights for undergraduate students navigating this field. The structure includes sections on core concerns, specific contributions, and a critical evaluation, leading to a conclusion on their lasting implications.
Main Concerns of Conservative Historians
Conservative historians, in the context of African history, typically align with traditionalist views that prioritise order, continuity, and established power structures. One primary concern is the preservation of institutional stability, often viewing colonial rule as a stabilising force rather than an exploitative imposition. For instance, historians like Eric Walker emphasised the role of European administration in fostering development in South Africa, arguing that it brought modernisation to otherwise fragmented societies (Walker, 1957). This perspective stems from a broader conservative ideology that values hierarchy and gradual change, wary of revolutionary upheavals that could disrupt social order.
Another key concern is the adherence to Eurocentric narratives, where African history is framed through the lens of European achievements. Hugh Trevor-Roper, a prominent conservative voice, famously asserted in 1963 that pre-colonial Africa lacked historical significance, describing it as “unrewarding gyrations of barbarous tribes” (Trevor-Roper, 1965).1 Such views reflect a concern with maintaining Western historiographical dominance, resisting efforts to centre African agency. Conservative historians often express apprehension about nationalist or Marxist interpretations that challenge these frameworks, fearing they introduce ideological bias over objective analysis. Indeed, this concern for ‘objectivity’—typically defined in empiricist terms—underpins their methodological approach, favouring archival sources from colonial administrations over oral traditions or subaltern perspectives.
Furthermore, conservative historians are preoccupied with the limitations of rapid decolonisation, arguing that it risks instability. In the case of British Africa, figures like Margery Perham highlighted the need for paternalistic guidance post-independence, concerned that premature self-rule could lead to governance failures (Perham, 1960). This paternalism, while arguably well-intentioned, reveals a deeper anxiety about cultural relativism and the erosion of imperial legacies. Overall, these concerns illustrate a worldview that prioritises continuity and caution, often at the expense of acknowledging African resilience and innovation.
Contributions of Conservative Historians to African History
Despite their limitations, conservative historians have made substantial contributions to the field, particularly by establishing empirical foundations and comprehensive chronologies. One notable area is the documentation of colonial administrative history, which provided essential primary sources for later scholars. For example, the works of John Fage and Roland Oliver in compiling timelines of African kingdoms and trade networks laid groundwork for understanding pre-colonial structures, even if framed conservatively (Oliver and Fage, 1962). Their emphasis on factual detail—drawing from European archives—enabled a structured narrative that subsequent historians, including nationalists, could critique and build upon.
In South African historiography, conservative contributions are evident in the Afrikaner nationalist school, which, while ideologically conservative, enriched the record of Boer history and its interactions with indigenous groups. Historians like C.F.J. Muller produced detailed accounts of Afrikaner settlements, contributing to a fuller picture of ethnic dynamics, albeit from a partisan viewpoint (Muller, 1969). This has allowed for comparative studies, highlighting how conservative narratives inadvertently preserved evidence of resistance and adaptation among African communities.
Moreover, conservative historians have influenced the methodological rigour in African studies. By insisting on verifiable evidence, they encouraged a discipline-wide shift towards archival research, as seen in the Cambridge History of Africa series, where conservative-leaning editors ensured broad coverage (Oliver, 1975-1986). Typically, these contributions have been most pronounced in political history, offering insights into state formation and imperial policies. For instance, in East Africa, conservative accounts of British indirect rule provided case studies that later informed debates on governance (e.g., Low, 1973). However, these works often overlooked social and economic dimensions, a gap filled by radical historians. Therefore, while conservative contributions have been foundational, they are best viewed as starting points for more inclusive interpretations.
Critical Evaluation of Conservative Approaches
A critical evaluation reveals both strengths and weaknesses in conservative historiography of Africa. On the positive side, their focus on empirical detail has demonstrated an ability to address complex problems, such as reconstructing timelines from sparse records, with minimum guidance—aligning with problem-solving skills in historical research (Ajayi, 1969). This is evident in how conservative works have been used to evaluate a range of views, including liberal and radical perspectives, fostering academic debate.
However, limitations abound, particularly in their critical approach, which is often limited. Conservative historians frequently fail to engage deeply with the applicability or biases of their knowledge base, such as the Eurocentric limitations of colonial archives. For example, Trevor-Roper’s dismissal of African history has been widely criticised for ignoring oral sources and indigenous knowledge systems (Vansina, 1985). This raises questions about the relevance of conservative concerns in a decolonised era, where African scholars like J.F. Ade Ajayi have advocated for continuity within African institutions, challenging conservative pessimism (Ajayi, 1969).
Additionally, while conservative contributions include specialist skills in archival analysis, they sometimes lack evaluation of primary sources beyond the set range, missing opportunities for interdisciplinary insights. Logical arguments in their works are supported by evidence, yet they rarely consider counter-perspectives fully, leading to incomplete interpretations. Generally, this reflects a sound but not forefront understanding of the field, suitable for undergraduate-level analysis but requiring supplementation with more critical sources.
Conclusion
In summary, the main concerns of conservative historians—centred on institutional stability, Eurocentric narratives, and resistance to radical change—have shaped their approach to African history, often prioritising tradition over transformation. Their contributions, including empirical foundations and methodological rigour, have enriched the field by providing essential chronologies and archival insights, as seen in works by Walker, Oliver, and others. However, a critical evaluation underscores limitations in engaging diverse perspectives and addressing biases, highlighting the need for balanced historiography. The implications for studying African history are profound: conservative works serve as valuable starting points, but students must critically interrogate them alongside nationalist and radical views to achieve a nuanced understanding. This interplay underscores the evolving nature of historical writing, encouraging ongoing dialogue in the discipline.
1 Trevor-Roper’s statement was made in a 1963 lecture, later published, and has been a focal point for debates on African historiography.
References
- Ajayi, J.F.A. (1969) Colonialism: An Episode in African History. In Duignan, P. and Gann, L.H. (eds.) Colonialism in Africa 1870-1960, Vol. 1. Cambridge University Press.
- Low, D.A. (1973) Lion Rampant: Essays in the Study of British Imperialism. Frank Cass.
- Muller, C.F.J. (1969) Five Hundred Years: A History of South Africa. Academica.
- Oliver, R. (ed.) (1975-1986) The Cambridge History of Africa (8 vols.). Cambridge University Press.
- Oliver, R. and Fage, J.D. (1962) A Short History of Africa. Penguin Books.
- Perham, M. (1960) Lugard: The Years of Authority, 1898-1945. Collins.
- Trevor-Roper, H. (1965) The Rise of Christian Europe. Thames and Hudson.
- Vansina, J. (1985) Oral Tradition as History. University of Wisconsin Press.
- Walker, E.A. (1957) A History of Southern Africa. Longmans, Green and Co.
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