Transition Zone Human Geography Cultural Diffusion Change

Empires What does history tell us about empires? Rise and fall of Egypt Kush river civilization (Sudan) 2000BC – 300 AD Axum trading empire (Ethiopia) 100AD – 700AD

Empires Mali Empire Mansa Musa (King of the City of Gold) Everyone thinks it’s good to be legendary, and have a lot of bling… but how did it turn out? What do all the empires have in common? (pg 514)

Colonization Trading began with Africa after tales of Mansa Musa’s wealth came to Europe Africa was source of raw materials for Europe 1800s Berlin Conference to regulate colonization Merged animist cultures with Muslim societies What are the ethical issues of colonization?

Conflict in Sudan Tons of cultural differences in Transition Zone Arabic people in the northern cities Rural people in south prefer secular government Led to conflict where 300,000 people died 2011, South Sudan becomes independent following Darfur rebellion

Culture Different ethnic groups coexist in areas influenced by Arab, European and indigenous cultures Ethnic Groups Mande (Senegal & Mali) Wolof (Senegal) Hausa (Niger) Fulani Berber

Culture Migration – rural to urban Poverty – lack of health care High infant and female mortality rate Less than ¼ of people living in Transition Zone have clean water

Family & the status of women Value strong families In rural areas, extended families live together Patriarchal Families are organized into Clans Cities – mostly nuclear families

Oral Tradition Definition – the practice of passing down stories from generation to generation by word of mouth Shows itself in folktales, myths, and proverbs.

Your assignment Do some additional research about oral tradition Think of a story important to yourself or your family history Write the story down and recite it to the class.