Africa and the Atlantic World Thematic Activity

Introduction African Empires in transition: Gold Trade Decline of Mali rise of Songhay. Portugal looking to find a sea routes to the spice islands of the east sacks East Africa, most of Swahili speaking regions including Kilwa and Mombasa. Portugal gradually become interested in the gold trade which brought them inland and in contact with the existing African institution of slavery.

Portugal in Africa Largest empire of the time: Africa’s Songhay Empire a pro-Islamic faction under the leadership of great leaders like Sunni- Ali and King Aski Muhammad

Songhay Askia Muhammad tried to expand Islamic influence in Africa but ran into resistance from tribal groups and non-muslims. The demise of this powerful state was precipitated by the increasing European influence in Africa.

Kongo Kongo under the leadership of King Afonso I saw the rise of a powerful, unified kingdom in the Kongolese region of Africa. Their leader King Afonso I converted to Roman Catholicism developed close relations with the Portuguese. Leaders like Queen Nzinga of Ndongo tried to preserve African autonomy and stem the tide of the slave trade and European intrusion.

Thematic Examination Theme I: 1.The relationship of change and continuity across the world history periods covered in this course.

Theme I: negative change Slave Trade Expansion of economics, the triangle of trade Rise and fall of kingdoms Relations with Europe Arrival of new faiths Inability to maintain cultural traditions Lack of indigenous African technology

Theme II: 1.Impact of interaction among major societies (trade, systems of international exchange, war, and diplomacy).

Theme II: the negative effects of European intrusion. Demise of African cultural traditions Demise of the empires of West Africa (Songhay, Kongo) Intolerance and contempt. Slavery/depopulation Triangle of trade, economic dependence Introduction of manufactured goods from Europe

Theme III: 1.Impact of technology and demography on people and the environment (population growth and decline, disease, manufacturing, migrations, agriculture, weaponry).

Theme III: A demographic nightmare Introduction of firearms-technology Lack of African technology Lack of early manufacturing Demography of the slave trade startling numbers. A total of 16,000,000 persons lost in the trans-Atlantic slave trade African diaspora

A view of slavery Olaudah Equiano Dutch perspective Death rates? 50 percent on the “middle passage”. Sugar plantations: surviving the journey- chance for survival on these plantations? Better than Europeans—had immunity to certain diseases. 20% of slaves sold—under the age of 10. Some estimates that 70% were male.

The slave trade Initially obtained in the African manner, eventually moving to the “trade” with African leaders who had become dependent upon the manufactured goods from Europe. Tribal politics of Africa Afonso document Africans often bought slaves from the Portuguese for gold, that the Portuguese coveted.

Theme IV: 1.Systems of social structure and gender structure (comparing major features within and among societies and assessing change).

Theme IV: Creation of a Matriarchal state. Role of women Lack of military defense Vulnerability to colonization Impacted education and intellegencia Stagnated manufacturing and specialization of labor. Ruined many kin based systems Enhanced polygamy

Theme V: 1.Cultural and intellectual developments and interactions among and within societies.

Theme V: Cultural developments Syncreticism of African faiths Antonian movement Afro-American cultures diffused Cultural advancements in music, languages, and cuisine. Resistance Fulani movement

Theme VI 1.Changes in functions and structures of states and in attitudes toward states and political identities (political culture), including the emergence of the nation- state (types of political organization).

Theme VI: Political realities Firearms and slavery meant political instability and political srife. Europeans devastated the Africans political experience. Role of women? Dependence on Europe for political and civic duties Increased warfare Tribalism/regionalism Beginnings of colonization