Rights and Influences of Indigenous and Foreign Religions in Africa

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the rights of Indigenous Servants, the influence of foreign religions, and the historical context of colonialism and decolonization in Africa.

Indigenous Servants (IS)

Retained names/cultural identities, married individuals, owned property, worked towards buying freedom, could not be transferred.

Generational Aspect of Indigenous Servitude

A second-generation Indigenous Servant was not kept under servitude and could rise to command positions over free citizens.

Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

Conditions for emergence included exploratory missions to Sub-Saharan Africa, pre-existing indigenous servitude systems, and the need for labor in the Americas.

Triangular Trade Model (First Stage)

Transport of manufactured goods from Europe to Africa.

Triangular Trade Model (Second Stage)

Capture and transportation of slaves from Africa to the Americas.

Triangular Trade Model (Third Stage)

Return of goods produced by slave labor back to Europe.

Total Slaves from Africa to Americas (1440s-1867)

Approximately 12 million.

Abolition of Slavery (Britain)

Passed in 1807.

Abolition of Slavery (US)

Abolished in 1865.

Abolition of Slavery (Brazil)

Lasted until 1888.

Gun-Slave Cycle

Consequences of the slave trade in Africa, perpetuating violence among groups.

First Hijrah (Islam in Africa)

Muhammad's disciples sought refuge in Axum, marking Islam's initial appearance in Africa in the 7th century.

Arab Expansion into Africa

Occurred from 639-641 AD, shortly after Muhammad's death.

Islamic Strongholds in Africa

Included North Africa, Horn of Africa, much of West Africa, and East Africa.

Muslims in Africa (2002 Population)

Made up 45% of Africa's population.

Introduction of Christianity to Africa

Primarily in Ethiopia during the 3rd/4th centuries.

African Independent Churches (A.I.C.)

Emerging during the 19th to 20th Century, significantly influenced by missionaries.

Africanization of the Church

Process where African Christians took active roles in spreading the ‘Word’.

Christianity as a Symbol of Civilization

Viewed as a marker of Westernization and modern education.

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

Located in Yamoussoukro, one of the largest Christian structures in the world.

Christianity's Cultural Rejection Outcome

Strong opposition against new elements introduced.

Christianity's Complete Acceptance Outcome

Could lead to erosion of traditional culture.

Christianity's Adaptation Outcome (Syncretism)

Blending process where new culture strengthens existing cultural foundations.

Islam vs. Christianity (Secularity)

Islam exhibits greater secularism compared to Christianity.

Islam vs. Christianity (Flexibility)

Islam is more adaptable regarding relationships with local cultures.

Scramble for Africa (Years)

Period from 1885 to 1910.

Colonization (European Engagement Years)

Lasted from the 1880s to the 1980s.

Independence/Decolonization (Years)

Occurred from 1945 to 1994.

Neo-colonialism (Years)

Began in the 1960s and continues to the present.

Economic Shift Post-Slave Trade

Led to a reconfiguration of power dynamics in Europe.

White Man's Burden

Ideological components reflecting belief in European civilization's supremacy.

Berlin Conference (1884-85)

Convened by Otto von Bismarck to mediate the colonization of the Congo.

Principle of Effective Occupation

Promoted by the Berlin Conference to encourage territorial administration by colonial powers.

French Colonial Focus

Focused on a West-East axis across Africa.

British Colonial Focus

Controlled a South-North axis across Africa.

Glory, Gold, and God

A slogan encapsulating the motivations behind European imperialism in Africa.

Indigenous Agents Supporting Colonialism

Included noble patrons, interpreters, lay converts, and church elders.

Politico-military Power (Colonial Strategy)

Employing military force to suppress resistance.

Europeanization/Westernization (Colonial Strategy)

Assimilation policies to reshape African identities.

Arbitrariness of New Political Boundaries

Borders drawn without regard for existing ethnic or cultural divisions.

British Colonial Strategy (Indirect Rule)

Utilized existing traditional systems, creating local governance structures.

French Colonial Strategy (Direct Rule)

Implemented centralized authority with weak territorial institutions.

Educated African Class

Emerged from colonial policies, leading to increased pressure for representation.

Kwame Nkrumah

Prominent leader in Ghana who led the country to independence in 1957.

Pan-Africanism (Movement)

Advocated by figures like Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X after WWII.

Atlantic Charter (Post WWII)

Pledges influencing African independence movements.

Ghana's Independence

Achieved in 1957, led by Kwame Nkrumah.

South Africa's First Non-Racial Elections (Date)

Held in 1994 when the ANC won.

Non-Colonized African Countries

Ethiopia and Liberia.