Africa Vocabulary List (1900-Present)

A comprehensive list of vocabulary terms related to African history from 1900 to present.

Trans-Saharan trade (Pre-1450)

Involved a network of trade routes connecting sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa.

It was vital for the exchange of goods such as gold, salt, ivory, textiles, and slaves.

Caravans, typically led by Berber and Arab merchants, crossed the Sahara Desert, which facilitated cultural transmission and the spread of Islam, helping to establish prominent trading cities like Timbuktu and Gao as centers of commerce, education, and culture

Mali (Pre-1450)

A historical West African empire noted for its wealth and trade.

The Trans-Saharan trade was vital for this empire, linking it to North Africa and enabling the exchange of essential commodities such as gold, salt, ivory, textiles, and enslaved individuals.

Berber and Arab merchants traversed the Sahara Desert with camels, enhancing the Empire's wealth and facilitating the rise of influential cities like Timbuktu and Gao.

These hubs became centers for culture and education, contributing to the spread of Islam

Timbuktu (Pre-1450)

Was a major city in the Mali Empire, recognized as a key hub for learning and trade.

Its strategic location enabled it to thrive economically and culturally, attracting scholars, traders, and travelers from various regions

Mosque of Jenne (Pre-1450)

An important architectural landmark in Mali, exemplifying the Sudano-Sahelian style.

Its design and historical importance underline the cultural and religious developments in the region before 1450

Mansa Musa (Pre-1450)

The famed emperor of the Mali Empire, noted for his pilgrimage to Mecca and immense wealth.

Was the renowned emperor of the Mali Empire, celebrated for his pilgrimage to Mecca and his extraordinary wealth, which contributed to the Empire

Swahili (Pre-1450)

Before 1450, it played a vital role in commerce, enabling interactions between local populations and foreign traders from regions like Arabia, Persia, and India.

The use of Swahili enriched the local cultures through the incorporation of Arabic vocabulary and Islamic traditions, resulting in a unique blend of African and Arab influences in trade, art, and governance.

Great Zimbabwe (Pre-1450)

A historic city in Zimbabwe known for its impressive stone structures and trade.

It served as a major center for trade and politics in southeastern Africa, showcasing the wealth and power of the Shona people.

The city was at its peak between the 11th and 15th centuries, with its ruins reflecting significant advancements in architecture and economy.

Trans-Atlantic slave trade (1450-1750)

The forced transport of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas.

This trade involved millions of Africans, significantly impacting African societies and economies, as well as contributing to the foundation of plantation economies in the Americas.

It resulted in demographic shifts, social disruption, and the exploitation of enslaved individuals, affecting generations on both sides of the Atlantic.

Benin (1450-1750)

A historic kingdom located in present-day Nigeria known for its advanced culture.

The kingdom was a major political and economic power in West Africa, extensively engaged in trade with European countries.

Dahomey (1450-1750)

A West African kingdom known for its significant role in the slave trade.

Dahomey was a powerful kingdom in present-day Benin, known for its military prowess and unique customs, including the deployment of female warriors. It became a major supplier of enslaved individuals to European traders, impacting the region's dynamics and economy.

Imperialism (1750-1900)

A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization.

This often involved the domination of one nation over another through military force, economic control, or cultural assimilation, significantly transforming societies and leading to resistance and conflict.

It enabled the exploitation of resources and the establishment of empires, reshaping global trade patterns and interactions.

Scientific racism (1750-1900)

The use of scientific techniques and hypotheses to support or validate racist beliefs.

It often involved misusing biological and anthropological research to justify racial hierarchies and discrimination, influencing social policies and reinforcing stereotypes.

Civilizing Mission (1750-1900)

The justification for imperialism, claiming to bring civilization to 'primitive' societies.

This ideology suggested that colonizing powers had a moral obligation to educate and uplift Indigenous populations, often disregarding their cultures and traditions.

It rationalized the expansion of empires and led to widespread social and cultural disruption.

Social Darwinism (1750-1900)

The belief that certain societies or races are naturally superior to others, leading to the idea that stronger nations have the right to dominate weaker ones.

This ideology was used to rationalize colonial expansion and the inequalities inherent in imperialist practices.

Scramble for Africa (1750-1900)

The rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territory by European powers.

This period saw intense competition among European nations to acquire and claim African lands, often disregarding the rights of indigenous peoples.

Congo Free State (1750-1900)

A large area in Central Africa that was privately controlled by King Leopold II of Belgium.

It was known for its brutal exploitation of resources and people, particularly in the rubber trade, leading to significant human rights abuses and population decline.

Leopold II (1750-1900)

The King of Belgium known for his exploitative rule over the Congo Free State.

His regime was marked by severe human rights violations and exploitation of local populations for resource extraction, particularly rubber.

Zulu Kingdom (1750-1900)

A South African kingdom known for its military strength and conflict with the British.

It played a key role in resisting colonial expansion during the 19th century.

Notable for its skilled warriors and the famous figure of Shaka Zulu, who centralized power and expanded territory during the early 19th century.

Xhosa Cattle Killing (1750-1900)

A historical event in which Xhosa people killed their cattle in a failed bid to rid themselves of colonial oppression.

This movement was driven by a prophecy that the dead cattle would be resurrected, bringing about the end of colonial rule.

The event resulted in widespread famine and suffering among the Xhosa people.

Decolonization: Ghana (1900-Present)

The process of deconstructing colonial ideologies and granting independence to colonies.

Became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957, inspired by nationalist movements and led by figures like Kwame Nkrumah.

It marked a significant moment in the decolonization process across the continent.

South Africa (1900-Present)

Country at the southern tip of Africa known for its diverse cultures and history of apartheid.

It was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that lasted from 1948 until the early 1990s, fundamentally shaping the country’s political and social landscape.