AP World CH 18 & 19
1. What were the results of the effects of the Bantu migrations?
The Bantu migrations resulted in the spread of agricultural practices, ironworking technology, and the establishment of complex social structures across Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly influencing the continent's demographic and cultural landscape.
2. Where did Bananas come from? What role did they play in the development and population of Africa?
Bananas originated from Southeast Asia and were later introduced to Africa. Their cultivation contributed to increased agricultural productivity and supported population growth due to their nutritional value and ability to thrive in diverse climates.
3. Describe Africa's kin-based social organization.
Africa's kin-based social organization was characterized by small, family-centered groups that often made decisions collectively, fostering strong ties among members and creating a network of mutual support and shared responsibilities.
4. What are chiefdoms?
Chiefdoms are political organizations led by a chief, who holds authority over various clans or communities, typically managing resources, gatherings, and social order within a defined territory.
5. The Kingdom of the Kongo was an important area in Africa. A. Why? B. What is the government of the Kongo like? C. Which European country eventually brought the Congo down?
The Kingdom of the Kongo was significant due to its wealth from trade, including ivory and slaves. Its government was centralized, with a king supported by a council of nobles. Eventually, the Portuguese, through exploitation and interference, contributed to the kingdom's decline.
6. What two ways did Islam arrive in Africa?
Islam arrived in Africa through trade and military conquest, rapidly spreading along trade routes and through interactions with Muslim traders and expanding empires.
7. How did camels have an effect on trade? In what ways did they affect it?
Camels revolutionized trade by enabling longer and more efficient trans-Saharan journeys, improving transportation of goods like gold and salt, and facilitating connectivity between distant markets.
8. Where is the Kingdom of Ghana located? What trade was important there? Explain!
The Kingdom of Ghana was located in West Africa, primarily around present-day southeastern Mauritania and western Mali. It thrived on the trans-Saharan gold and salt trade, acting as a critical trade hub.
9. What is Ghana's capital? What was the city like?
Ghana's capital was Kumbi Saleh, characterized by its two distinct towns—one for the king and nobility and the other for merchants and traders—reflecting the city's role as an economic and cultural center.
10. What religion became prominent in West Africa and WHY/HOW?
Islam became prominent in West Africa due to its introduction through trade and its appeal to local leaders and merchants, who found it beneficial for political alliances and trade relations.
11. Who is Sundiata? What empire did he found?
Sundiata is a legendary figure who founded the Mali Empire, known for unifying fragmented territories and establishing a prosperous trade network.
12. What are some important market cities in West Africa?
Important market cities in West Africa included Timbuktu, Gao, and Jenne, known for their vibrant trade, scholarship, and cultural exchange, attracting traders from various regions.
13. Who is Mansa Musa? What is his relation to Islam? Why is this important?
Mansa Musa was the emperor of the Mali Empire, known for his immense wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca, which showcased the influence of Islam and Mali's prominence on the global stage.
14. While trade occurred across the Sahara into West Africa, it was also growing on the East African coast via Indian Ocean trade. Who was involved in trade in this region?
Trade along the East African coast involved a diverse array of participants, including Arab, Persian, Indian, and local African traders, who exchanged goods like gold, ivory, and spices.
15. What two languages blending became Swahili?
Swahili emerged from the blending of Bantu languages and Arabic, reflecting the cultural influences of both African and Arab traders along the East African coast.
16. Describe the Swahili City-States.
The Swahili City-States were thriving trade hubs along the East African coast, known for their distinct architecture, cosmopolitan population, and economic prosperity derived from maritime trade.
17. Where is Kilwa? How did their early inhabitants survive? Who did they trade with and what was traded?
Kilwa is located off the southern coast of Tanzania and survived through trade, exporting gold, ivory, and slaves to partners in Arabia and beyond, supported by its strategic position on the Indian Ocean trade route.
18. What was the best known East African Swahili city-state? What is the Great Zimbabwe? How did the kings there control trade?
The best-known East African Swahili city-state was Kilwa, while the Great Zimbabwe was a powerful inland city characterized by its stone ruins. Kings controlled trade through taxation, trade alliances, and strategic placements of their cities along trade routes.
19. Why did some East African City States convert to Islam?
Some East African city-states converted to Islam due to trade relations with Muslim merchants, political alliances, and the desire for greater access to trade networks.
20. Explain each briefly:
A. Social structures in Africa: Typically hierarchical, emphasizing kinship and lineage.
B. State Building/Government in Africa: Involved centralized authorities such as chiefs or kings, guiding clan decisions and resource management.
C. Sex and Gender Relations in Africa: Varied widely, with some societies granting women considerable authority while others emphasized male dominance.
D. Women's roles: Women often managed households, agricultural activities, and participated in trade.
E. Age Grades: Systems categorizing individuals into age-based groups, determining social roles and responsibilities.
F. Slavery: Practiced throughout Africa, involved various forms including debt bondage and punitive service.
G. Slave trading: Became a significant economic activity, linked to trans-Saharan and Atlantic trades.
21. What happened during the Zanj revolt? What was the outcome?
The Zanj revolt was a significant uprising by enslaved Africans in southern Iraq against their conditions. It ultimately ended in suppression but highlighted the harsh realities of slavery and the demand for freedom.
22. What was the traditional African religion like?
Traditional African religions often involved ancestor worship, a deep respect for nature, and the belief in a universal spirit that governs the world, shaping the moral and social conduct of communities.
23. A. Where did Christianity take hold? B. Describe the Kingdom of Axum.
A. Christianity took hold in North Africa and the Kingdom of Axum.
B. The Kingdom of Axum, located in modern-day Ethiopia, was a major trading empire known for its monumental architecture, adoption of Christianity, and as a center of commerce connecting Africa and the Mediterranean.
24. What was Ethiopian Christianity like?
Ethiopian Christianity developed uniquely, incorporating local traditions and practices, and becoming a key aspect of national identity and governance while remaining distinct from other branches of Christianity.
25. Who did Islam appeal to and why?
Islam appealed to local leaders and merchants, primarily due to its unifying principles, its promotion of trade ethics, and its potential to enhance political and economic influence.
26. How did Islam change when it arrived in Africa?
Islam adapted to local cultures upon arriving in Africa, incorporating indigenous beliefs and practices, leading to the formation of distinct African Islamic traditions that reflected the continent's diversity.
This chapter illustrates the vibrant tapestry of Sub-Saharan Africa's history, emphasizing trade, migration, and the interplay of religions that shaped African societies. Each aspect contributes to our understanding of the complex legacy that defines the continent today.
The Increasing Influence of Europe: Key Insights from Chapter 19
Major Problems in the Byzantine Empire: The Byzantine Empire grappled with internal strife, economic difficulties, and external threats, particularly from emerging powers like the Ottomans (392-393).
Otto I and the Holy Roman Emperor Title: Otto I secured the title of Holy Roman Emperor by consolidating power, gaining control over Italy, and receiving the papal endorsement, thereby reinforcing the connection between the church and state (394).
Tension between Holy Roman Emperors and Popes: Tensions arose due to the struggle for power over the appointment of church officials, particularly with the practice of lay investiture, where secular authorities appointed bishops, challenging papal authority (394-395).
Capetian Dynasty in France: Throughout the Capetian dynasty, France experienced a trend towards centralization, establishing a more unified state compared to its earlier feudal divisions (396).
England's Centralization: England became more tightly centralized than France due to its effective monarchy that established clear lines of authority and governance (396).
Papal Rule in Italy: The popes ruled a section of middle Italy known as the Papal States (397).
Normans and Papal Approval: The pope supported the Norman conquest of southern Italy because it expanded the influence of the church and aligned with the broader Christian agenda (397).
Agricultural Production Increases: Europeans boosted agricultural production through innovations like the heavy plow, crop rotation, the three-field system, and the introduction of new crops (398-399).
Impact on Population Demographics: These agricultural advancements led to a significant increase in the population, as food became more plentiful and stable (399).
Urbanization Drivers: Many people migrated to cities seeking economic opportunities, job prospects, and improved living conditions, contributing to widespread urbanization (399).
Prosperous European Region: The Low Countries emerged as the most prosperous area due to their thriving trade networks and agricultural advancements (399-400).
Trading Network in Northern Europe: In northern Europe, cities formed a trading network known as the Hanseatic League (400).
New Business Techniques: Developments included partnerships, joint stock companies, and improved bookkeeping methods, which facilitated trade and commerce (400).
Social Classes in Medieval Europe: The three social classes that developed were the nobility, clergy, and peasants, reflecting a hierarchical structure (400-401).
Inequality in Social Classes: These classes exemplified the inherent inequality, as wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a few, while the majority remained in poorer conditions (400-401).
Ethical Constraints on Nobility: Nobility was constrained to act ethically by cultural expectations and the need to maintain their honor and reputation among peers (400-402).
Patrons of Troubadours: Nobles typically served as patrons for troubadours, who expressed chivalric ideals and courtly love, enhancing the cultural fabric of the times (402-403).
Guild Functions: A guild did all of the following EXCEPT organize and participate in city government (403).
Women's Membership in Guilds: Most guilds did not allow women to join, reflecting the gender inequalities of medieval society (403-404).
Transformation of Cathedral Schools: Cathedral schools evolved into universities through increased student enrollment, curriculum expansion, and the demand for higher learning (404).
Aquinas's Scholasticism: St. Thomas Aquinas merged Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology to formulate Scholasticism, a method of critical thought that sought to reconcile faith and reason (405-406).
Mendicant Orders: Mendicant orders, founded by St. Dominic and St. Francis, emphasized poverty and active engagement with society, where monks would rely on alms and serve the community (406-407).
The Waldensians: The Waldensians were a reformist Christian group that advocated for a return to the simplicity of early Christianity and rejected certain church practices (407-408).
St. Francis's Life Experience: St. Francis's life embodied the social and economic struggles of medieval Europe through his embrace of poverty and service to the marginalized (406-408).
Christian Conversion in Scandinavia: In Scandinavia, the royals converted to Christianity before the people, demonstrating the influence of monarchy on religious change (406-408).
Definition of Reconquista: The term "reconquista" refers to the centuries-long campaign to reclaim Iberian territories from Muslim rule, culminating in the late 15th century (410).
Fall of Grenada: The Spaniards took Grenada in 1492, marking the end of Muslim rule in Spain (410-411).
Byzantine Emperor's Request to Pope: The Byzantine emperor requested Pope Urban II's assistance to combat Muslim advances into Byzantine territory (410-411).
Initial Success of the Crusades: Christian forces were initially successful in the crusades due to their motivation, battle tactics, and the element of surprise against a fragmented Muslim opposition (410-411).
Long-term Results of the Crusades: The long-term results of the crusades included increased trade between Europe and the East and the stimulation of cultural exchanges, along with a shift in power dynamics within Europe (411-412).