A. Adu Boahen's African Perspectives on Colonialism carefully classifies African responses to European colonialism during both phases of invasion and occupation in the 19th century with precise labels according to their nature or period. However, reactions can also be roughly grouped into two diametric characterizations: peaceful and violent. Although creating this dichotomy appears to be a gross generalization and oversimplification of the African colonial experience, more importantly it allows for a different perspective – one that exposes the overwhelming success of the typically peaceful or pacifist reaction, in contrast to the few gains and great losses of violent forces. Answer. In order to analyze Boahen's work and produce a coherent interpretation of his evidence, definitions and connections between the terms in question are essential. Therefore, peaceful responses are defined as devoid of bloodshed and aggressive confrontation, while violent responses are defined as coalition or faction uprisings involving open hostility. In the context of African resistance to colonialism, success is defined as achieving the objective of the party in question as well as maintaining the achieved objective so that it has a lasting positive impact on the country. These objectives generally fall into the two categories of state sovereignty and amity. Although generally considered the product of peaceful reactions, death and destruction are overall the most notable consequences of violent opposition. Furthermore, this pattern observed from the results of both types of responses is better understood when presented in terms of periods: invasion and occupation. There are several examples of peaceful conflicts.... middle of paper... ...l to the socio-economic. Even more fascinating is the equally consistent trend that states that conducted peaceful negotiations with colonialists were far more successful than their violent counterparts in achieving or maintaining sovereignty and peace, even if they sometimes had to sacrifice themselves. one for the other. For reasons beyond the scope of this article, Boahen makes a conscious decision not to highlight this apparent trend. Ultimately, peaceful responses did not result in a harmonious relationship between the colony and the colonial power; however, unlike their violent counterparts, they did not result in an equivalent number of deaths, injuries and devastating consequences to the colony's infrastructure. Works Cited Boahen, A. Adu. African Perspectives on Colonialism. (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1987.)