1: What did we do for this project?

The end goal of this project was to understand the concept of imperialism, American trials, and
colonialism in Africa. To begin this project, we read the novel Things Fall Apart, written by Chinua
Achebe. The reading and discussion process of this book helped us start to get a grasp on African
colonialism in the 1890s. Rather than reading this from the perspective of the British, the book was
written from the perspective of the Igbo people. This style of learning was contradictory to what I usually
learned in school, and I enjoyed learning from the Igbos perspective. After we read the book, we learned
about African Colonialism from the British perspective. We studied the Industrial Revolution,
Imperialism, Social Darwinism, the Berlin Conference, and various other relevant information regarding
the colonialism of Africa. After gaining a sufficient amount of knowledge on African colonialism, we
prepared for our imperialism on trial exhibition. Our trial would be the discussion and decision of whether
or not the Things Fall Apart main characters suicide was caused by himself or the British missionaries in
his village. This exhibition required each person to be separated into separate groups, these included:
attorneys, jurors, and witnesses. I was chosen to be the clerk, which is subcategorized in the attorney
group. Basically, I helped organize the sequence of events happening for our section (we were the
plaintiffs). I also wrote and delivered the closing statement for our mock trial.
2: What role did you play in the trial?
As mentioned above, I was the clerk in the trial. I worked with the group of attorneys and made sure that
their questions werent objectionable, what order we would call up witnesses, and who would question
who for direct and cross examinations. Since our class was the plaintiff group, we were trying to convince
the jury and judge that Okonkwo (the main character of Things Fall Apart) was a victim to the British
missionaries rule, and it was their fault that he committed suicide. Because of this, we had the burden of
proof. We attempted to convince the judge and the jury by strategically asking our witnesses questions to
prove our point. Other than this role, I wrote and delivered the closing statement of our argument. I had to
be sure I was emphasizing our strong points and concede to the defence with rationale.
3: How did you strengthen your skills during this project?
For the duration of this project, I had to strengthen my public speaking and leadership skills. In the
beginning the project when I was working with the attorneys, I had a power struggle with my close friend
- we werent sure how to work together. She is used to being a leader - and I am used to acting as a
follower. In this case, we had to switch places with each other and learn to step down/step up, depending
on the situation and assignment. I think I succeeded in working as a leader, but could definitely strengthen
this skill further. I also strengthened my public speaking skills, by choosing to deliver the closing
statement at the mock trial exhibition. I have always struggled with this kind of thing, and throughout the
duration of high school I have been working on intentionally strengthening my skill of public speaking. I
believe I did really well in delivering the closing statement, and I am so glad I chose to take on this
difficult but rewarding role.

4: What enduring understandings will you take away from this project?

I have so many enduring understandings because of this project. One of the most important things I
learned was the process of colonialism and how unfair and disregarding the British/Christians were to the
Igbo peoples culture and ways. Before we started this project, I didnt know anything about Africa where countries were located and its history. Now, I have studied and memorized all parts of Africa, and
have learned the true, unsugarcoated history of the African and British peoples. I have also learned about
the Berlin Conference, the Industrial Revolution, Darwinism, and a number of many other things. I also
learned about the American justice system, something I have never learned about. Overall, I thought this
project was challenging, interesting, and very fulfilling and informational.