1.5 - Developments in Africa Flashcards
Who was Ibn Battuta, and what did his travelogue reveal about 14th-century Africa?
Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan scholar well-versed in Islamic law. His travelogue highlighted how Islam’s growth connected cultures across Asia, Africa, and southern Europe, while African societies retained many of their traditions.
How did some parts of Africa resist the influence of Islam?
Some African regions built churches with labyrinths, reservoirs, and tunnels to defend against Islamic forces, while other areas, especially in the south, had minimal contact with Islam until later.
What challenges did kin-based networks in Sub-Saharan Africa face as populations grew?
As populations grew, kin-based networks became harder to govern, leading to increased competition, fighting among villages, and challenges to survival.
What characterized the governance and development of the Hausa Kingdoms?
The Hausa Kingdoms, formed before 1000 CE in present-day Nigeria, were loosely connected city-states with specialties, such as cotton cultivation, and engaged in the trans-Saharan trade. They lacked central authority and were often subject to external domination.
How did the introduction of Islam affect the Hausa Kingdoms in the 14th century?
Islam was introduced by missionaries in the 14th century, impacting the region’s culture and governance.
How did the Bantu migrations influence Sub-Saharan Africa’s development?
The Bantu migrations spread agriculture and led to the formation of complex political relationships, but unlike many Asian or European societies, Sub-Saharan Africa did not centralize power, relying on kin-based networks for governance.
Describe the role of the male head, or chief, in kin-based networks in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The chief helped solve problems and handled relationships with nearby groups. In each area, a group of chiefs worked together to deal with local issues.
How did increased trade benefit kingdoms in Africa?
Increased trade brought wealth, political power, and cultural diversity to African kingdoms. The spread of Islam added to the continent’s religious diversity, which already included animism and Christianity.
Where was the kingdom of Ghana located, and what were its peak years?
The kingdom of Ghana was located between the Sahara and the West African coast. It was at its peak from the 8th to the 11th centuries.
What was the role of the king in Ghana, and what led to its decline?
The king of Ghana ruled from the capital, Koumbi Saleh, with the help of nobles and an army. Ghana declined in the 12th century due to wars with neighboring societies.
Who was Sundiata, and what was his impact on Mali?
Sundiata was Mali’s founding ruler who used his Muslim connections to establish trade with West African and Arab merchants, greatly increasing Mali’s wealth.
What notable event did Mansa Musa undertake, and what was its impact?
Mansa Musa, Sundiata’s nephew, made a pilgrimage to Mecca and displayed vast amounts of gold, leaving a lasting impression on the region.
What was Zimbabwe, and how did it become wealthy?
Zimbabwe was a powerful East African kingdom known for its stone buildings. It became wealthy through agriculture, grazing, trade, and gold.
How did Zimbabwe’s trade connections differ from those of Ghana and Mali?
Zimbabwe traded with coastal city-states like Mombasa and Kilwa and was connected to the Indian Ocean trade, unlike Ghana and Mali, which relied on land-based trade across the Sahara.
What was significant about the Great Zimbabwe?
The Great Zimbabwe had a massive stone wall built without mortar, and its capital city was surrounded by this wall. The city was abandoned by the end of the 15th century due to environmental damage.
