Features of Africa / African American Studies
Define African American Studies
African American studies combines an interdisciplinary approach with the rigors of scholarly inquiry to analyze the history, culture, and contributions of people of African descent in the U.S. and throughout the African diaspora.
Name one complex society that arose in ancient Africa.
Egypt, Nubia (Kush), Aksum, Nok
How did the adoption of Christianity affect the Kingdom of Kongo economically?
The adoption of Christianity strengthened the Kingdom of Kongo's trade relationship with Portugal, leading to increased wealth
What varied roles did women play in early African societies?
Women in early African societies played roles such as spiritual leaders, political advisors, market traders, educators, and agriculturalists.
Which African society was the first to adopt Christianity?
The Aksumite Empire (present-day Eritrea and Ethiopia) was the first African society to adopt Christianity.
Explain the primary climate zones of Africa.
The primary climate zones of Africa are desert (e.g., the Sahara), semiarid (e.g., the Sahel), savanna grasslands, tropical rainforests, and the Mediterranean zone.
What goods were produced by the Nok society in West Africa
The Nok society in West Africa produced terracotta sculptures, pottery, and stone instruments.
How did Kongo's political relations with Portugal impact the slave trade?
Kongo's political relations with Portugal led to the kingdom's participation in the Atlantic slave trade, becoming the largest source of enslaved people in that trade.
Who was the first Iyoba in the Kingdom of Benin?
Queen Idia
Who was Mansa Musa?
The Mali Empire was ruled by the wealthy and influential Mansa Musa, who established the empire as a center for trade, learning, and cultural exchange.
What are the three reasons population centers emerged in the Sahel and savanna grasslands?
Population centers emerged in the Sahel and savanna grasslands due to major water routes facilitating trade, fertile land supporting agriculture, and connecting trade between communities in the Sahara and tropical regions.
Which ancient society emerged along the Nile River around 3000 BCE?
Egypt emerged along the Nile River around 3000 BCE.
Why did Kongo become the largest source of enslaved people in the Atlantic slave trade?
Kongo became the largest source of enslaved people in the Atlantic slave trade due to its political ties with Portugal and the demands for access to the slave trade in exchange for military assistance.
Which queen led armies into battle?
Queen Idia & Queen Njinga
Why did Queen Njinga engage in guerilla warfare against the Portuguese?
Queen Njinga engaged in guerilla warfare against the Portuguese to maintain sovereignty and control of her kingdom.
Name two major water routes that facilitated trade in Africa.
Two major water routes that facilitated trade in Africa are the Nile River and the Red Sea.
What were the luxury trade items that Nubia was known for?
Nubia was known for luxury trade items like gold and other luxury goods.
How did Portugal's demands affect the slave trade in the Kingdom of Kongo?
Portugal's demands for access to the slave trade in exchange for military assistance led Kongo nobles to participate in the trade, increasing the number of captives sold to European powers.
Who was Queen Idia an iconic symbol of in 1977?
Queen Idia became an iconic symbol of Black women's leadership throughout the diaspora in 1977.
How did Queen Njinga expand Matamba's military forces?
Queen Njinga expanded Matamba's military forces by offering sanctuary for those who escaped Portuguese enslavement and joined her forces.
Identify one misconception about Africa and explain how a piece of course content disproves it
Answers may vary
- primitive continent with no history to recognition of Africa as the homeland of powerful societies and leaders that made enduring contributions to humanity.
- Africa as a place with an undocumented or unknowable history, affirming early Africa as a diverse continent that was globally connected well before the onset of the Atlantic slave trade.
- Christianity is a European religion it was started on the continent of Africa
- It's only ever been a poor country, but Mansa Musa was an African man who was the wealthiest person to have ever lived.
When did Nok society emerge in West Africa?
The Nok society emerged in West Africa around 500 BCE.
Why were Kongo nobles unable to limit captives sold to European powers in the slave trade?
Kongo nobles were forced to participate in the slave trade and sell captives to European powers without the ability to restrict the numbers, as compliance was necessary to maintain the alliance and benefits derived from their relationship with the Portuguese.
Why were Queen Njinga's reign significant throughout the African diaspora?
Queen Njinga's reign was significant as she engaged in guerilla warfare against the Portuguese, expanded Matamba's military forces, and offered sanctuary for those escaping Portuguese enslavement, symbolizing resistance and leadership in the African diaspora.
How did Queen Idia rely on spiritual power to bring victories to Benin?
Her understanding of spiritual practices and traditional medicine allowed her to provide guidance and protection to the warriors in battle.