Humanities Final

Definition of Tragedy

A serious form of drama involving a great person who experiences a reversal of fortune due to a tragic flaw (hamartia).

Tragic Hero

Typically a man of high status whose downfall is caused by a personal flaw and circumstances, leading to widespread consequences.

Hamartia

The tragic flaw that leads to the hero's downfall, often linked to hubris (excessive pride).

Catharsis

The emotional release experienced by the audience, evoking pity and fear, as per Aristotle's theory of tragedy.

Nemesis

The inevitable punishment or downfall that befalls the tragic hero due to their hubris, representing divine justice.

Catastrophe

The final event in a tragedy where the protagonist is overthrown, leading to their death.

Isolation of the Hero

Othello's gradual isolation throughout the play contributes to his tragic downfall, emphasizing the theme of alienation.

Role of Hubris

Othello's arrogance and misplaced trust in Iago lead to his tragic error in judgment, showcasing the destructive nature of hubris.

Catharsis in the Audience

The audience experiences a profound sense of waste and loss, reflecting on the consequences of Othello's actions.

Redemption

Despite his tragic end, Othello's character evokes sympathy, suggesting a complex moral landscape.

Cultural Context

The play reflects societal attitudes towards race and gender during Shakespeare's time, adding layers to Othello's tragedy.

Literary Devices

Use of foreshadowing and dramatic irony enhances the tragic elements, leading to a more impactful narrative.

Jealousy and Betrayal

Central themes that drive the plot and lead to Othello's downfall, particularly through Iago's manipulation.

Love and Trust

The complexities of love in Othello's relationship with Desdemona highlight the fragility of trust.

Race and Identity

Othello's status as an outsider in Venetian society adds depth to his character and tragedy.

Fate vs. Free Will

The tension between Othello's choices and the forces that lead to his downfall raises questions about destiny.

Gender Roles

The portrayal of women in the play reflects the patriarchal society, influencing character dynamics and outcomes.

Moral Ambiguity

The characters' motivations and actions challenge the audience's perceptions of right and wrong.

Definition of Golden Age

A period marked by great achievements in arts, culture, and science, often following a time of turmoil.

Cultural Flourishing

Golden Ages often lead to advancements in literature, philosophy, and the arts, influencing future generations.

Historical Context

Each Golden Age is shaped by its unique historical circumstances, including political stability and economic prosperity.

Comparative Analysis

Different regions experience their Golden Ages at various times, reflecting diverse cultural developments.

Impact on Society

These periods often result in significant social changes, including shifts in power dynamics and cultural identity.

Legacy

The achievements of these Golden Ages continue to influence contemporary society and culture.

Origins of the Slave Trade

The trans

Economic Factors

The profitability of sugar, tobacco, and cotton plantations fueled the demand for enslaved labor.

Impact on Africa

The slave trade led to significant demographic and social changes in African societies, including the disruption of communities.

Middle Passage

The brutal journey across the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by inhumane conditions and high mortality rates.

Abolition Movements

The growing awareness of the moral implications of slavery led to abolitionist movements in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Legacy of the Slave Trade

The effects of the slave trade continue to resonate in contemporary society, influencing racial dynamics and cultural identities.

Christopher Columbus (1492)

His voyages opened the Americas to European exploration and colonization, altering global trade routes.

Ferdinand Magellan

Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe, demonstrating the vastness of the Earth and the potential for global trade.

Impact on Indigenous Peoples

The Age of Exploration resulted in the colonization and exploitation of indigenous populations, leading to cultural and demographic shifts.

Technological Advancements

Innovations in navigation and shipbuilding facilitated long

Economic Consequences

The influx of resources from the New World transformed European economies and fueled the rise of mercantilism.

Cultural Exchange

The exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Europe and the Americas reshaped societies on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Back to Africa Movement

Sought to encourage the African diaspora to return to their ancestral homeland, promoting cultural pride and political empowerment.

Marcus Garvey

A key figure in the Back to Africa Movement who inspired a sense of heritage and identity among African Americans.

Trans

Atlantic Slave Trade

Chattel Slavery

A form of slavery where enslaved individuals were treated as property, institutionalized in European colonies.

Economic and Social Implications of Slavery

The demand for cash crops fueled the expansion of slavery, leading to one of the largest forced migrations in history.

Triangle Trade Route

Facilitated the shipment of enslaved individuals, with over 40,000 voyages recorded, each carrying hundreds of slaves.

Scale of the Slave Trade

Over 40,000 voyages were made, each carrying approximately 600 slaves, leading to a staggering scale of human trafficking.

16th Century Slave Exports

Over 275,000 slaves were exported, with numbers increasing dramatically in subsequent centuries.

17th Century Slave Exports

1 million slaves were exported during the 17th Century.

18th Century Slave Exports

6 million slaves were exported during the 18th Century.

19th Century Slave Exports

Over 10 million slaves were exported during the 19th Century.

Middle Passage Death Rate

2 million Africans (10

Conditions During the Middle Passage

Slaves faced unimaginable trauma, including beatings, starvation, and separation from family.

Slave Ships

Designed to maximize profit, with a wall separating men from women and children, leading to further dehumanization.

Olaudah Equiano

Born in 1745 in the Kingdom of Benin, captured at age 11, experienced the Middle Passage, and eventually bought his freedom.

Abolitionist

A person who advocates for the end of slavery.

Mandinka People

A West African ethnic group with roots tracing back to the Great Mali Empire, flourishing from the 13th to 16th centuries.

Senegambians

Approximately 24% of Africans who landed in America as a result of the slave trade, many of whom were Mandinka.

Cultural Practices of Mandinka

Included conversion to Islam and traditional beliefs, playing a significant role in their identity and resistance against slavery.

Cultural Conflicts

Significant clashes that occurred during European colonization, particularly with indigenous populations.

Age of Exploration

A period that led to significant cultural conflicts as Europeans sought labor sources in the New World.

Captain Richard H. Pratt

A figure whose statement reflects the Euro

Hispaniola

The first land where Europeans perpetrated violence against native peoples, leading to widespread depopulation.

Legacy of Slavery

The lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade on modern society, shaping cultural, social, and economic landscapes.

Kunta Kinte

A character from the film 'Roots' that highlights the personal and cultural losses experienced during slavery.

Resource Exploitation

The act of taking resources from native populations, often leading to violence and deprivation.

Colonial Atrocities

Numerous acts of violence committed by Christians during colonization, including massacres of indigenous peoples.

Dismemberment

A form of extreme violence commonly faced by indigenous people during colonization.

Population Estimates

Historical accounts suggest millions of native populations perished due to war, slavery, and exploitation.

Columbus's Justifications

In a letter to Lord Sanchez, Columbus portrayed natives as uncivilized, justifying his exploitative actions.

Colonial Narrative

A common narrative that dehumanized indigenous peoples, framing them as needing salvation.

Disconnect in Columbus's Claims

Columbus's assertions of generosity contrasted with historical evidence of violence and theft.

Narrative Manipulation

A tactic used by colonizers to rationalize their exploitation of native populations.

Technological Advantages

Spanish conquistadors utilized advanced weaponry, such as the arquebus, during their invasions.

Geographical Context

Europe's quicker technological advancements contributed to the military superiority of Europeans.

Horses in Battle

Provided a tactical edge for Spanish forces, enabling them to defeat larger Inca armies.

Spread of Diseases

Diseases to which Europeans had developed immunity decimated indigenous populations, facilitating conquest.

Geographical Orientation of Europe

The east to west orientation allowed for easier dissemination of crops and technologies.

Geographical Orientation of the Americas

The north to south orientation faced diverse climates and terrains.

Three G's

Guns, germs, and steel summarize the factors that contributed to European dominance over indigenous populations.

Carlisle Indian Industrial School

Established to forcibly assimilate Native American children into Euro

Capt. Richard H. Pratt's Motto

"Kill the Indian in him, and save the man," encapsulated the school's philosophy of eradicating indigenous culture.

Cultural Identity Stripping

Children were stripped of their cultural identities, including haircuts and the removal of traditional clothing.

Punishments for Disobedience

Examples include being placed in holes, showcasing the harsh conditions inflicted on children.

Legacy of Boarding Schools

Left lasting scars on Native American communities, contributing to issues such as PTSD and cultural disconnection.

Portrayal of Native Americans in Media

Often negative, reinforcing stereotypes and distorting historical narratives.

Sierra Leone

Located on the west coast of Africa, established as a colony for freed African slaves in the late 18th century.

Ethnic Groups in Sierra Leone

Home to diverse ethnic groups, with the Temne and Mende being the largest.

Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP)

A significant political entity that ruled from 1961 to 1964.

All People's Congress (APC)

A significant political entity during the early years of independence in Sierra Leone.

1991 Civil War

Fueled by corruption and the desire to control diamond resources, leading to widespread violence.

Charles Taylor

Liberia's leader whose involvement exacerbated the conflict in Sierra Leone.

1992 Political Event

President Momoh was overthrown by young military officers, leading to Valentine Strasser's rise.

1996 Political Event

Strasser was ousted by his own officers, marking a period of instability.

1996 Democratic Elections

Resulted in the election of President Kabbah, who faced significant challenges.

1997 Coup

Koroma, head of the AFRC, staged a coup, removing Kabbah from power.

1998 Military Intervention

Kabbah was reinstated with the help of ECOWAS after a military intervention.

1997

1999 Conflict

1999 Lome Peace Agreement

Led to the disarmament of the RUF and granting them political positions.

2001 Disarmament Process

Rebels were provided with food and shelter in exchange for their weapons, followed by a six

Girl Soldiers in Conflict

Approximately 30% of children abducted by rebel forces were girls aged 8

SOBELS

Term for Soldiers of the Sierra Leone Army who were often indistinguishable from rebels.

Blood Diamonds

Blood diamonds are mined in war zones and sold to finance insurgencies, significantly impacting Sierra Leone's economy and perpetuating violence.

Healthcare Funding in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's healthcare system is severely underfunded, with only $6 spent per person annually.