POD Quiz 9 Flashcards
How did European involvement impact the politics and trade of African kingdoms during the 15th century?
Trade and Economic Changes
European involvement led to major changes in African trade networks as they introduced new goods and trade routes.
These changes often disrupted local economies, as
European demands for African resources (such as gold and slaves) changed existing trading systems.
Many African regions became reliant on European trade, which often meant a focus on exporting goods like ivory, gold, and enslaved people.
Slave Trade
The demand for slaves grew during this period, changing African societies.
European countries relied heavily on the transatlantic slave trade to supply labor for their colonies, particularly in the Americas.
This system devastated African communities, as millions of Africans were forcibly taken, disrupting family structures, cultures, and economies.
Increased Conflicts
The competition for control over trade routes and resources led to political instability in many African regions.
European presence often led to conflicts, as various African groups fought for control over valuable trade goods or to resist European domination.
The presence of European powers fueled tensions and conflict between African kingdoms
How did Queen Nzinga resist European control and what strategies did she use to protect her kingdom?
Diplomatic Negotiation and Leadership
Queen Nzinga became ruler of Ndongo, resisting Portuguese control during the 1600s.
She used diplomacy to negotiate with the Portuguese, securing peace agreements while strengthening her kingdom’s position.
Military Resistance and Warfare
Nzinga led her forces in armed resistance against the Portuguese, organizing her people to fight back.
She formed alliances with rival African groups, using their support to counter Portuguese expansion.
Strategic Relocation and Survival
After facing Portuguese threats, she moved her kingdom’s base, where she reorganized her government and continued to resist foreign rule.
Nzinga developed trade networks, ensuring her people had resources to survive and maintain power.
How did European colonial rule lead to the exploitation of African land and people?
Control of Land and Resources
European countries claimed African land and used it for their own benefit, often forcing Africans off their own land.
Europeans took valuable resources like gold, ivory, and rubber from Africa but did not pay Africans fairly for them.
Forced Labor and Economic Exploitation
Many Africans were forced into labor on plantations and in mines under harsh conditions.
Europeans controlled trade and wealth, ensuring that profits went to Europe while African workers remained poor.
Political and Social Impact
African leaders lost power as European governments took control.
European countries split up Africa without thinking about the different cultures and histories of the people, which caused long-term conflicts.
Why were people becoming unhappy with the Medieval Church?
Corruption within the Church
Leaders in the Church were seen as corrupt, focusing more on wealth and power than on spiritual aspects of life and helping the community.
Abuse of Power
The Church’s involvement in political matters and its influence over kings and rulers led to misuse of power, often at the expense of the common people.
Simony: the selling of Church positions to the highest bidder regardless of whether the person was qualified
Charging people to visit holy sites and see religious relics (artifacts)
Sale of Indulgences
The practice of selling indulgences, or payments for forgiveness of sins, made people question the Church’s integrity.
Why did the sale of indulgences become controversial, and how did this practice affect people’s views on the Church?
Shift from Good Deeds to Money
Originally, indulgences were granted for moral actions, such as helping the poor or making a religious pilgrimage.
Over time, the Church allowed people to buy indulgences instead of performing good deeds.
This shift led many to believe the Church was prioritizing wealth over spirituality.
Growing Criticism and Corruption
Many people felt that selling indulgences suggested that salvation could be bought instead of earned through faith and repentance.
Critics, including Martin Luther, argued that forgiveness should be given by God, not sold by the Church.
Role in the Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses (1517) opposed indulgences, sparking debate.
His criticism helped fuel the Protestant Reformation
The Catholic Church eventually reformed the practice at the Council of Trent (1545–1563), banning the sale of indulgences and emphasizing true repentance.
