AP African American Studies Unit 1 Exam Study Guide

What is the focus of African American Studies as a discipline?

It studies the experiences of African-descended peoples globally, drawing from various fields to reframe history beyond Eurocentric narratives.

What was the purpose of the Black Campus Movement in the 1960s and 70s?

The movement aimed to demand the establishment of Black Studies programs in universities due to the exclusion of Black perspectives.

What was one major effect of the Black Campus Movement?

The establishment of African/African American studies departments nationwide.

Which misconception about Africa was challenged by scholars?

The idea that Africa had no history or civilizations.

What does the African Diaspora refer to?

The movement of African peoples across the globe via trade, migration, and enslavement, leading to cultural blending.

Give an example of cultural blending found in the African Diaspora.

Afro-Brazilian culture, Haitian Vodou, or African American jazz/blues.

How many languages are estimated to be spoken in Africa?

Over 2,000 languages.

What is 'Animism' in the context of African religions?

The belief in spirits, ancestors, and sacred natural elements.

Who was Mansa Musa and what was significant about his pilgrimage?

Mansa Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire, and his pilgrimage in 1324 showcased his immense wealth and helped spread Islam.

What was the University of Timbuktu known for?

It was a center of Islamic scholarship focusing on law, astronomy, and mathematics.

What economic activity was the Great Zimbabwe known for?

Thriving on gold trade with the Indian Ocean network.

What was the role of Griots in African societies?

They served as storytellers, historians, and genealogists, preserving history in non-literate societies.

What is Syncretic Tradition in the context of African culture?

The blending of African spirituality with Christianity or Islam, exemplified by practices like Haitian Vodou.

How did trade impact the structure of ancient African empires?

Wealth and power often came from controlling trade routes, which legitimized rulers and allowed for the expansion of empires.

What was the significance of Aksum in African history?

Aksum was a major trade empire in the Red Sea region and known for converting to Christianity under King Ezana.

Who was Queen Idia and what was her significance?

Queen Idia was the mother of Oba Esigie of the Benin Empire. She was a powerful warrior and sorceress who played a crucial role in her son's military victories and political stability in the early 16th century, often revered as the 'Elinor of Benin'.

Who was Queen Nzinga and what was her significance?

Queen Nzinga Mbande was a 17th-century ruler of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms in Angola. She was known for her exceptional military and diplomatic skills in resisting Portuguese colonization and slave trade for decades.

When did the Portuguese initiate the transatlantic slave trade?

The Portuguese began the transatlantic slave trade in the mid-15^{th} century.

Where did the early Portuguese slave trade primarily source enslaved people from?

Primarily from coastal West Africa

What were the initial motivations for Portuguese involvement in the slave trade?

To address labor shortages in Portugal and supply labor for sugar plantations on Atlantic islands like Madeira and São Tomé.

What was one significant impact of the early Portuguese slave trade on African societies?

It led to demographic shifts, increased warfare for captives, and the erosion of traditional social structures in many West African communities.