African American History Chapter 1,2,3,4 Vocab Study Guide

Diaspora

The dispersion of Africans across the world, especially due to the slave trade.

Hominins

Early human ancestors in Africa, including species that preceded modern humans.

Hunter-Gatherers

Early human societies that survived by hunting animals and gathering plants.

Dynasty

A sequence of rulers from the same family, especially in ancient African and Egyptian kingdoms.

Pharaoh

Ancient Egyptian ruler, considered both political and religious leader.

Sahel

Semi-arid region south of the Sahara, important in African trade and migration.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes across the Sahara Desert connecting West Africa to Europe and the Middle East.

Matrilineal

Society in which lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother.

Patrilineal

Society in which lineage and inheritance are traced through the father.

Kinship

Family connections and social networks, vital in African societies.

Oba

King or ruler in certain West African societies.

Manumission

Legal process by which enslaved people could be freed.

Carracks/Caravels

Ships developed by Europeans (Portuguese/Spanish) for long-distance trade and exploration.

Guanches

Indigenous people of the Canary Islands, some of whom were enslaved.

Taino Indians

Indigenous Caribbean people encountered by Columbus; many enslaved or killed.

Encomienda

Spanish labor system in the Americas, granting colonists rights to indigenous labor.

Ladinos

African slaves in the Americas who had adopted Spanish culture/language.

Bozales

Newly arrived African slaves in the Americas, usually with little to no European cultural influence.

Elmina Castle

Portuguese fortress on the Gold Coast used as a trading post for enslaved Africans.

Asiento

Spanish permission to import enslaved Africans into colonies; often a profitable monopoly.

Triangle Trade

Trade network connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas exchanging goods, enslaved people, and raw materials.

Middle Passage

Brutal voyage transporting enslaved Africans across the Atlantic to the Americas.

Coffles

Groups of enslaved Africans chained together for overland transport.

Barracoons

Temporary holding pens for enslaved Africans before shipment.

Bilboes

Iron restraints used to chain enslaved Africans during transport.

Tight Packing

Method of cramming as many enslaved people as possible on ships to maximize profit.

Maroons

Groups of enslaved Africans in the Americas who escaped from plantations and established independent, often hidden, communities in remote areas such as swamps, mountains, or forests.

Cash Crop

Crops grown for profit rather than subsistence (e.g., tobacco, sugar, rice).

Indentured Servants

People who worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to the colonies.

Chattel Slavery

Slavery in which people are treated as personal property to be bought, sold, and inherited.

Creole

A person born in the Americas of African descent, often with cultural ties to Africa.

Dismal Swamp

Remote region used as a refuge by runaway enslaved people in colonial America.

Mulatto

Person of mixed African and European ancestry.

Task System

Slavery labor system in which enslaved people were assigned specific tasks to complete daily.

Driver

Enslaved person appointed to supervise other enslaved people on plantations.

Country Marks

Tattoos or scars identifying African origin or ethnic group.

Half Freedom

Status granted to some enslaved people allowing limited autonomy while still under control of owners.

Quaker

Members of the Religious Society of Friends; opposed slavery and promoted equality.

Code Noir

French colonial law regulating slavery, defining the treatment of enslaved people.

Fort Mose

First free Black settlement in colonial North America (Florida), refuge for escaped enslaved people.

Stono Rebellion

1739 slave uprising in South Carolina; major act of resistance.

Negro Election Day

Annual celebration in some colonies where African Americans elected leaders within their community.

Conjure

African-based spiritual practices used for protection, healing, or resistance.

Gullah

African American community in coastal South Carolina and Georgia preserving African traditions.

Great Awakening

Religious revival emphasizing personal faith and spiritual equality

New Lights

Colonists supporting the revivalist message of the Great Awakening.

Freedom Suits

Legal cases where enslaved people sued for their freedom

Somerset Case

1772 English case ruling that slavery was not supported under English law.

Habeas Corpus

Legal principle requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge; used in some cases to challenge slavery.

Loyalist

Colonists loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution.

Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation

1775 offer of freedom to enslaved people who joined the British cause.

Southern Strategy

British military plan during the Revolution to recruit enslaved people and loyalists in the South.