Chapter 19: Sub-Saharan Africa

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 19 on Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on agriculture, political organization, trade, religion, and social structure.

What agricultural advancements did Bantu-speaking peoples bring to Africa?

They spread agriculture and herding, mastering iron metallurgy.

How did bananas contribute to Sub-Saharan Africa's population growth?

Bananas brought by Malay seafarers provided vitamins and potassium to Bantu diets, promoting significant population growth.

What political organization structure was common in early Sub-Saharan Africa?

Kin-based societies led by family heads, with the most prominent serving as chiefs.

What was the significance of the city of Jenne-jeno?

It was established as a center of iron production and trade.

What led to the emergence of chiefdoms in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Increased conflict between villages caused some chiefs to overrule and accumulate territories.

What role did camels play in West African trade?

Camels facilitated quicker transportation, making long-distance trade possible.

What was the capital of the Kingdom of Ghana and its importance?

Koumbi - Saleh was Ghana's capital and a principal trading site.

How did Mansa Musa impact the spread of Islam in Africa?

He established mosques and religious schools, increasing Islam's presence in Africa after his pilgrimage to Mecca.

What was the function of communal land in Sub-Saharan African communities?

Land was claimed communally rather than privately, functioning within familial clans.

What was the Zanj revolt?

A rebellion led by 15 thousand slaves against the Abbasid empire, lasting 14 years.

How did African religions generally view deities?

Many recognized a dominant creator god and other deities associated with nature.

What was the initial appeal of Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Christianity was aimed at improving relations with Christian Egypt but later fell in favor of Islam.

What is a major outcome of Bantu migrations across Africa?

The spread of languages and cultural practices among various African societies.

How did iron metallurgy affect Bantu societies?

It enhanced agricultural productivity and allowed for stronger tools and weapons.

What was the primary form of governance in early West African societies?

Decentralized systems with local leaders governing specific territories.

Which trade goods were central to the economy of the Kingdom of Mali?

Gold and salt were the principal commodities traded in Mali.

How did local geography influence trade in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Natural resources and trade routes shaped interactions between communities.

What was the role of griots in African societies?

Griots were storytellers and historians who preserved oral traditions.

What event marked the height of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa?

His pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 illustrated Mali's wealth and power.

How did the introduction of new crops affect African societies?

Crop diversification led to improved diets and food security.

What was the significance of trade networks in Africa?

They connected various regions and facilitated cultural and economic exchanges.

How did colonialism impact traditional African societies?

Colonialism disrupted local governance structures and economies, leading to social changes