Scrambling for Africa: A British Explorer in Morocco (1889) 

Welcome to Historical Method Man, where we dive into history from a unique perspective. In this episode, we're going to explore Joseph Thomson (1858-1895), a British explorer associated with the Royal Geographic Society, and his journey into Morocco's Atlas Mountains in 1889.
Thomson's expedition was driven by a noble mission to contribute to scholarly knowledge. His previous travels in Central Sudan piqued his interest in exploring Morocco, which had Moorish influence and trans-Saharan connections. His goal was to map the Atlas Mountains, a region that European explorers had struggled to access due to challenges in securing permissions from local leaders.
During his journey, Thomson frequently defied orders and permissions from these local leaders, even ignoring a direct denial from the Sultan of Morocco. He used cunning strategies to navigate obstacles and consistently returned to checkpoints despite previous rejections.
However, it's important to highlight that Thomson's narrative often overshadowed the significant contributions of his local guides. These guides possessed invaluable expertise but remained largely in the background. Thomson sometimes painted himself in a more dominant light, criticizing his guides and even his interpreter, despite being their guest.
In his writings, such as "A Journey to Southern Morocco and the Atlas Mountains" (Proceedings of the Royal Geographic Society and Monthly Record of Geography, January 1889), Thomson didn't fully acknowledge the crucial role played by his hired men. Instead, he framed his journey as a personal triumph over local challenges, positioning himself as the central hero.
Join us as we delve into Joseph Thomson's remarkable journey, offering a unique perspective on this historical exploration. This episode also sheds light on the Eurocentric attitudes prevalent in the era of African exploration. Subscribe, like, and share to stay engaged with our unconventional historical narratives. Explore the past with Historical Method Man.
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