What group of people invaded North Africa in the 7th century AD? These people would have a very strong influence on the region, spreading their culture and closely linking North Africa to the Middle East.
The Arabs
100
What was the Age of Imperialism?
A period of time beginning in the late 1800s during which European countries established colonies across the globe (mainly Asia and Africa). The process of establishing colonies in other parts of the world is known as imperialism.
100
What is dictatorship?
Dictatorship is rule by a single person. This person oftentimes maintains control through harsh rule and military force.
100
What 3 countries makes up the Maghreb region of North Africa? What does Maghreb mean in Arabic?
Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Maghreb means "the land farthest west."
100
What caused the Arab Spring? Provide 3 reasons.
Class divisions, dictatorship, corruption, unemployment, rising food prices, poverty, large population of young, educated, and unemployed people
200
What religion do most people in North Africa practice?
Islam
200
Why did European countries want to colonize North Africa?
They wanted the natural resources these colonies would provide. These resources helped to fuel the Industrial Revolution. Colonies in North Africa also served as valuable new markets for manufactured products.
200
What is democracy? How does democracy relate to the Arab Spring movement occurring in North Africa and the Middle East?
Democracy is rule by the people. Democracies can be direct or indirect. The Arab Spring, which began in North Africa in December of 2010, is a pro-democracy movement which aimed at removing dictators and absolute monarchs from power.
200
Why was it difficult for North Africans to resist European imperialism?
The close proximity of Europe and Africa made invasion easy and North Africans lacked adequate weapons and technology. Also, vast deserts made it difficult for North African people to unite and fight back against Europeans.
200
Why would a large population of educated, unemployed young people lead to a revolution?
These young people felt as though they lacked the opportunities to escape poverty. More than 1/2 of people living in North Africa and the Middle East are under the age of 20 and this, combined with high rates of unemployment, a bad economy, and strict government control created the conditions for revolution.
300
What language do most people speak in North Africa?
Arabic
300
What four European countries colonized North Africa during the Age of Imperialism?
France, England, Spain, and Italy
300
Which 3 North African countries experienced major changes in government leadership during the Arab Spring movement?
The Muslim Brotherhood is the largest opposition party in the Arab world; this party promotes a return to Islamic religious values in government and society. Hosni Mubarak banned the party in Egypt after a major victory in 2005. As a result of the Arab Spring, the current president of Egypt is now a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.
300
How did social media (such as Facebook and Twitter) help promote the Arab Spring movement? Provide at least 3 reasons.
Information is available to more people, communication is faster, more people can participate, easier to organize large numbers of people, it is a way of communicating with an international audience
400
What 6 countries/territories make up North Africa?
Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Western Sahara
400
Which country colonized Algeria?
France
400
What is the difference between absolute monarchy and constitutional monarchy?
Absolute monarchies are governments in which the king or queen has complete power. In constitutional monarchies, the king or queen has symbolic power and government decisions are made by a separate legislative body (such as a parliament).
400
What was the political motivation behind colonizing North Africa?
More territories = more power and prestige
400
Where did the Arab Spring begin? (Which country?)
Tunisia
500
Which North African country claims ownership of Western Sahara?
Morocco
500
Which country colonized Libya?
Italy
500
Why was dictatorship able to take hold in North Africa following decolonization?
Dictatorship took hold in North Africa following decolonization because the region lacked stable leadership, a strong economy, and the expertise necessary to maintain a functioning government. Ethnic and military conflicts were also common throughout the region.
500
What is political corruption? Why is it harmful to society?
Political corruption is when a government official uses public power for his/her private gain. Rather than looking out for the good of the people, a person who is politically corrupt will look out for the good of him/herself.
500
The Arab Spring led to an ongoing civil war in which Middle Eastern country?