POD Quiz 10 Flashcards

1
Q

Describe 3 characteristics of life in Great Zimbabwe.

A

Advanced Engineering Skills

Great Zimbabwe was renowned for its
impressive stone structures, including large walls and towers, built without mortar.

Prosperous economy

The city was a hub for trade, dealing in gold, ivory, and other goods with distant lands like China and India.

Highly Organized Society

The layout of Great Zimbabwe, with separate areas for the royal family and common people, showing a clear social hierarchy.

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2
Q

What challenges do historians face when uncovering information about Great Zimbabwe?

A

Lack of Written Records

The lack of written records make it difficult to understand the details of society and culture.

Colonial Bias

Early European explorers often dismissed the achievements of African civilizations thinking native people were not sophisticated enough to build such structures

Decay, Looting, and Modern Impact

Parts of the Great Zimbabwe ruins have suffered decay and looting, which has led to the loss of valuable artifacts

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3
Q

Describe 3 possible reasons for Great Zimbabwe’s decline.

A

Internal Conflicts and Leadership Struggles

Within the kingdom, power struggles and disputes among leaders likely lessened leaders’ power, contributing to the kingdom’s decline as it became unable to manage new challenges that it faced.

Changes in the Environment

Over-farming and overgrazing around Great Zimbabwe may have led to the land becoming worse

Shortages of resources like water and building materials and as the population grew there weren’t enough resources to support its population

Shifting Trade Routes

Possibly, changes in trade routes lessened Great Zimbabwe’s role as a central trading hub, making its economic power and influence weaker.

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4
Q

Why is recognizing bias important to understanding history?

A

Opens up New Views

Understanding bias allows history to be seen from multiple viewpoints, not just the dominant narrative, which can be limited or skewed.

Promotes Critical Thinking

Recognizing bias encourages questioning of sources and looking deeper into historical accounts, leading to a better understanding of events.

Ensures Fairness

Acknowledging bias helps correct historical inaccuracies and injustices, giving voice to those who were previously held down or overlooked in historical accounts.

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5
Q

Describe how the Swahili Coastal Trading States served as a melting pot of cultures.

A

Crossroads of Culture

The Swahili states were a crossroads, blending African cultures with Arab and Asian traders, creating a unique culture (dress & food).

Language and Religion

Swahili culture emerged from a blend, with Swahili language incorporating Arabic words
Islam became the dominant religion due to Arab influence

Architectural Styles

The city-states were a mix of African, Arab, and Asian architectural influences, seen in mosques, palaces, & houses

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6
Q

Explain the impact the Portuguese had on the Swahili Trading States.

A

Disrupted Trade

The Portuguese wanted to control the spice trade, so they took over sea routes and built forts. This disrupted the trade networks that the Swahili city-states used to make money.

Economic Strain

By forcing taxes and controlling trade, the Portuguese made it hard for local businesses, leading to a decline in the wealth and power of these trading states.

Beginning of European Influence

The actions of the Portuguese started a period where European countries became very interested in Africa, significantly impacting its history.

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7
Q

How did European intervention affect African states’ politics and trade in the 15th century?

A

Trade and Economic Changes

European intervention led to major changes in African economies and trade networks, as Europeans introduced new goods and trade routes that often destroyed local economies.

Slave Trade

The European demand for slaves dramatically transformed African societies, shifting the focus of trade towards the transatlantic slave trade, which had devastating effects.

Increased Conflicts

The competition for control of trade routes and resources, fueled by European intervention, led to political instability and increased conflicts among African states.

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8
Q

What does the term “Bantu” refer to in African history?

A

A group of indigenous peoples speaking Bantu languages

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9
Q

The Swahili language is a result of blending which cultures?

A

Bantu African and Arabic

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10
Q

What is the origin of the country name “Angola”?

A

A title used by rulers of Ndongo

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11
Q

What does “subjugation” often refer to in a colonial context?

A

The forceful domination of indigenous peoples

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12
Q

Who are considered indigenous people?

A

The first inhabitants of a region with their own traditions

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13
Q

What is colonialism?

A

When one country takes over another for its resources

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14
Q

What is colonial bias?

A

Thinking that makes colonial ideas seem better

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