Sub-Saharan Africa: 8000 B.C.E. - PresentBy: Bryan Chu, Rachel Lin, Jason Huang, Allen Lo, Jenny Lin, and Andrei Talaba.

Political map 8000 to 600 B.C.E.

Sub Saharan Africa

By: Bryan Chu

Human & Environment interactions Bantu expansion - is a major migration movement

originating in West Africa around 1500 BCE, reaching East and Central Africa by 1000 BCE

Throughout Africa, Bantu-related languages facilitated trade and communication across tribal divides. Such languages include Swahili, Lingala, Duala, Zulu, Ganda, Shona and Luhya.

Some early evidence of agriculture in Africa dates from 16,000 BCE, and metallurgy from about 4000 BCE.

Bantus' migration spread the usage of iron working.

Interaction of Cultures Bantu migrations played an important role in

shaping the region’s cultural, ethnic and linguistic character.

Bantu had iron tools which spread the use of iron working throughout the places that they travelled.

Nubians combine Egyptian religions with their own.

Kush moved to the region around Meroë because it had enough woodlands to provide fuel for iron working.

State Building, Expansion and Conflict Nubia settled around the time of the

Ancient Egyptians and had a large supply of gold. Constantly traded with Egypt.

Soon it was replaced by the more powerful Kingdom of Kush at around 1000 B.C.

Kush had enough resources to the south in Meroë for iron working.

Eventually conquered the Egyptians and set in momentum the Third Intermediate Period around 700 B.C.

Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems

Nubia traded with Egypt for a long time Kush was not dependent on the Nile to

trade with the outside world. They could instead transport goods from

Meroë to the Red Sea coast, where Greek merchants were now traveling extensively.

Some other trading contacts were India as well as the Arab world.

Development and transformation of social structures

Mostly comprised of stateless communities. Bantu were mostly small communities led by

chiefs with "age sets" and initiation rites. Nubia had complex and hierarchical society (we

can tell from tombs) Kush had a number of ruling queens as well as

priestesses. Most Bantu adults consider themselves members

of more than one family. A married woman, for example, retains membership in her father's family.

Political map 600 B.C.E to 600 C.E.

Sub-Saharan AfricaBy: Rachel Lin

Interaction between humans and the environment From 1000BC to 500 AD, the Bantu-speaking Africans gradually

moved toward south from modern Cameroon. The Bantu exchanged goods with local hunter-gatherers. People cut into forests and settled down into villages. Iron was first brought by the Assyrians to Egypt around 600 B.C.

it quickly spread to Sub-Saharan Africa Around 200 CE, Indonesians settled on the coast and brought

Asian banana that had a higher yield than African bananas. it spreaded inland and improved the food supply.

People from southern Arabia established settlements on the coast near the Ethiopian highlands and mixed with residents there and formed a new language : Ge'ez (later Axum).

Development and interaction of cultures

Traditional religion - polytheism, usually one god above less

powerful gods. - belief in ancestral spirit and sacrifice of

a living thing. Christianity first arrived in North Africa

(Alexandria) in the 1st century CE, it was popular in North Africa but only became known tomost of the Sub-Saharan Africa in the 15th century.

iron tools benifited agriculture and trades.

Nok Culture (dissapeared after 200CE, modern day Nigeria) was known for its terracotta sculptures began a recognizably African sculptural tradition.

horse chariot and camels were means of transportation.

Political structures and forms of governance

Ancient Ghana - formed at the beginning of first millenium AD. the people were soninkes and at first they used iron tools and horses to seize lands. It then derived power and wealth from gold trades.

After Meroe (capital of Nubia) declined around 200 CE, Axum replaced it in trades.

Axum's king, Enzana, was converted to Christian. he overran Beja people in the desert and the Noba in Nubia to protect caravan trades from raiders.

in Western Sahel (region right below Sahara), people traded goods with the others that lived in a different ecosystem.

Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems

Iron was the main source of trade, and iron smelting appeared south of the Sahara in Ghat, Gao and the Lake Chad region.

Rome and Phoenicians were the major trading partners of Africa. Carthage traded with Sub-Saharan Africa, exchanging salt and metal

goods with gold, slaves, beads, and ivory. Ancient Ghana was midway between the source of salt in the Sahara

and gold fields to their south, and the Soninkes of Ghana acted as middlemen.

The Bantu speakers traded with neighboring hunter-gatherers: giving iron tips for their weapons in exchange for medicinal plants or herding livestock.

Aksum exported crystal, brass, and copper luxury goods to Egypt and the eastern half of the Roman Empire.

Swahili Coast played a crucial role in the Indian Ocean trade.

Development and transformation of social structures women working in the fields and the

men hunting for meat. Sub-Saharan Africa was mainly

composed of Bantu-speaking societies. hunters and gatherers were common for centuries the external conquerors

were unable to penetrate the region's natural barriers and impose a uniform culture.

Sub-Saharan Africa was almost isolated.

Political map 600 to 1450

Sub-Saharan Africa

By Jason Huang

Interactions between humans and the environment• Sub-Saharan Africa changed during this period due to migration of the Bantu, conquest of powerful empires, and widespread trading.• Agriculture, herding, and iron uses were widespread.• Sub-Saharan Africa was a great place for commerce, as it was full of valuable resources, such as salt and gold mines. • Long-distance trade was introduced from West Africa to other parts of the continent. • As empires got more wealthy from trade, invasions from neighboring regions would lead to its decline (ie. Ghana Mali Songhai).• By the end of the era, the general economy was growing, but Africa’s people and society were not.

Development and Interaction of Cultures

Islam reached sub-Saharan Africa at the start of the 7th century, through travelling merchants and nomads.

Many Africans converted to Islam because the idea of unity of religion and politics appealed to them.

Centralized states replaced political organization around the family.

Islam brought to Africa the art of writing. Sub-Saharan Muslims began creating amulets with Aur’anic verses, to replace previous talismans and medicinal packets.

Eventually, sub-Saharan Africans developed “African Islam,” their own brand of religion. Their new religion generated aesthetic diversity, demonstrated in their monumental architecture.

State-building, expansion, and conflicts

Before Islam came to sub-Saharan Africa, it was a stateless society. Families had their own ways of organization.

After a central government and trading was established, three new empires grew to power:

Ghana (700)– grew rich from the gold, ivory, and salt resources in the region that were traded for manufactured goods.

Mali (1200)– conquered Ghana and inherited its wealth. Mali’s cultural influence spread along the Niger River and to the Atlantic coast. Its capital city, Timbuktu, was the world center of trade and education.

Songhai (1400)– one of the largest Islamic empires. Tax imposed on neighboring states ensured dominance. It remained chief controller in trade until the Europeans arrived with the slave trade.

Creation, expansion, & interaction of economic systems

Interregional trade dramatically increased in this time period. Previously, African economy was based simply on hunting and agriculture.

There was more overseas trading with Europe and Asia.

Sub-Saharan Africa participated in the Indian Ocean trade, Silk Road, and the Trans-Saharan Trade.

The gold-salt trade between the Ghana Empire and the Arab desert merchants flourished.

Sent out gold and salt from the numerous mines in Africa.

Received silk and ceramics from China, spices from India, and jewelry and textiles from the Byzantine empire. The camels were also introduced for travel in the Sahara.

The trade obtained allowed the growth of more cities within Sub-Saharan Africa, and eventually more roads, schools, and libraries.

Development and Transformation of Social Structure

Larger states were ruled by a dominant group.

Rulers held authority through Muslim officials and ideology, and also previous traditions since there were some who did not convert to Islam.

Although Islam was the first to majorly change African lifestyle, other religions followed.

Christianity (from trade with Europe) and Buddhism (from Silk Road) preached social equality. The three religions were known as the “Trio of Missionary Religions in Africa.”

Despite this, slavery existed and became part of the global trade by the end of this period.

Women, too, were treated as inferior and forced to become concubines.

Political map in 1450 to 1750

Sub-Saharan AfricaBy Allen Lo

Interaction between Humans and Environment

Demography and Disease: Columbian Exchange and trans-Atlantic Slave trade. Mass movement of African population, easily spread diseases across trading routes. Adult males were more likely to be chosen as slaves and to be sent away, creating an unbalance population in most African societies

Migration: African migration primarily to North America, Latin America, and Europe as laborers; force migrations (result of human interactions). The Bantu-speaking population also migrated to south and southeastern Africa.

Patterns of Settlement: Frequent African conquests of neighboring territory

Technology: Africans were introduced to European arms and weapons as a result of trade

Development and Interaction of Culture

Major Religions: Islam: major impact on African societies/strong history in Africa and continued throughout 1450-1750. For example, the Songhai Empire was identified as an Islamic state. Christianity originated from Europe and traveled to Africa via the Portuguese. A famous example of religious conversion to an European religion can be seen in King Alfonso I, who converted to Roman Catholicism.

Arts and Architecture: African culture still existed but more European ideals and artistic values were introduced as time passed.

Conclusion: Increased exposure to Europeans resulted in an assimilation or adoption of European values in some African societies, but native beliefs still existed.

State building, Expansion and ConflictPolitical Structures and Government: Most African

societies at the time were empires, kingdoms, city-states and minor cities that represented trading posts. There is usually one central ruler, an emperor, supported by a centralized military.

Important Empires: Songhai Empire, Moroccan Empire, Swahili city-states

Expansion/Conflict: Expansion was usually characterized by African conquests of neighboring territory. Possible due to the increased weapons as a result of trade with Europeans. Conflicts were also seen between Africans and Europeans (Swahili city-states) where Europeans destroyed the African societies in an attempt to dominate their successful trade

Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems

Trade and Commerce: The most notable characteristic in Africa during 1450-1750-- economic success (demonstrated by the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the Columbian Exchange)

Previously involved in the trans-Saharan trade, but these two new commercial trades were more profitable and international.

Labor Systems: Labor systems included peasants and slaves; usually , sent to other nations as a means of trade.

Industrialization: The economic success allowed most African societies to develop internally, although not necessarily to the extent of industrialization due to reliance on trade as its main source of wealth. *Beginnings of Proto-Industrilization (shifted gears from agrarian society to one with a developed industry/ participation in commercial activity)

Development and Transformation of Social Structures

Gender Roles and Relations: Males were more susceptible to be chosen or kidnapped to be sold as slaves. Males were considered to be more efficient labor-wise.

Racial and Ethnic constructs: Racial elements and ethnicity were sometimes targeted by the conquests of territory/slaves as well as European intervention

Social and Economic class: Slaves were symbols of wealth

Political map in1789

Sub-Saharan Africa1750 to 1900

By Jenny Lin

Interaction Between Humans and The Environment

Demography and disease Slave trade caused population loss, increase dependence on foreign goods, and tribal warfare, Imperialism lead to separation of family and spouse; lead to increase in prostitution increase in spread of STDs

Migration European imperialism and the Atlantic slave trade caused global migration; it created a demographic dispersion that changed racial and ethical complexion of the world

Patterns of Settlement Early 1800s, Zulu leader Shaka (known as Black Napoleon) defeated neighboring states in South Africa and caused tribal migration European imperialism : Britain controlled regions and administered the colonies using the White Man’s Burden approach. France treated its colonies with respect in the most part. Portuguese were more harsh with its colonies. Belgium rule in Congo and was very brutal, esp. on rubber plantations

Development and Interaction of Cultures Religions

Main religions included Christianity introduced by Portuguese, Islam from Muslim scholars, and traditional ancestor worship Belief Systems, philosophies, and ideologies

Islam adapted to and coincided with traditional African beliefs 1770s, originating from West Africa, Muslim scholars wanted to “purify” Islamic religion Jihads, or holy wars, added lands to Islamic governments

Science and technology European imperialism bought in new science and technology to its African colonies. Africa imported machine-made textiles, guns, gun powder and other modern firearms

The arts and architecture Western styles, customs, and architecture were bought into Africa from the Western World by foreigners and educated Africans

State Building, Expansion, and Conflict

o Political structures and forms of governanceo 1800s Zulu Kingdom created national identity ; grouped youth by age into orderly regiments where strict military drill and close-combat tactics were enforced

o Empireso Zulu Empireo Christian Ethiopia, under Emperor Tewodros purchased modern weapons from Europe and created strong loyal armies; encouraged local manufacturing of weapons

o Nations and nationalismo Asante Kingdom: strongest and most unified West African state; last independent stateo Zulu- Bantu-speaking people. In 1816, know as the Black Napoleon, Chief Shaka united Zulu clans; built national identity

o Revolts and revolutionso Italy tried to conquer Ethiopia in 1896 who was defeated by King Menelik II at the Battle of Adowa

o Regional, trans regional, and global structures and organizationso 1880s- 1890s Scramble for Africa, Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, and Spain divided Africa among themselves

Creation, Expansion and Interaction of Economic Systems Agricultural and pastoral production

Increased in demand for sugars and spices increased plantation agriculture and slaves Arab-East African slave market Belgium established rubber plantations in Congo

Trade and commerce Before the slave trade ended in the 1800s, 45,000 Africans were bought to the Americas per year Diamonds, gold, and ivory were important exports Zanzibar was a important East African port trading cloves, spices, sugar, and ivory with Arab and Indians. Promoted economic interaction and cultural interchange End of slave trade caused economic weakness in Africa and made it more vulnerable to foreign powers

Labor system Workers on rubber plantations under Belgium rule were treated very harshly and punished for the slightest flaw

Development and Transformation of Social Structures

Gender roles and relations Under colonial rule, men were sent to mines and plantations. Women and children stayed in villages. When officials introduced property rights, properties were given to men and jobs (even teaching) were reserved for men

Family and kinship Colonial rule broke up many families Lead to increase in spread of sexually transmitted diseases

Social and economic classes Foreign elites usually were at the top of African society

Political map 1900 to present

Sub-Saharan AfricaBy Andrei Talaba

Interaction between humans and the environment

Demography and disease Apartheid – system of racial discrimination

Separated into whites, blacks, and colored Ended in 1989

1918 flu pandemic (Spanish Flu) was extremely deadly pandemic that spread and killed many.

Migration “brain drain” – outflow of scientists and skilled technicians from

Africa to US and Canada, leading to negative repercussions Patterns of settlement

Many educated Africans move and stay in richer countries such as Botswana

Development and interaction of cultures Religions

Mainly Christian, with some Muslim majorities along the East coast

Some traditional African religions remain Science and technology 

Slow tech. development because of decolonization, internal instability, poverty, etc.

The arts and architecture Very westernized Music is very diverse, but is centered around drums Art is very diverse, but common themes (a preference for

sculpture and that it is meant to be experience three dimensionally).

State-building, expansion, and conflict Political structures and forms of governance

Used to be colonized Decolonization movements occurred, liberating most of the

African countries from Western rule Extremely corrupt governments

Empires Ethiopian empire still lasted until 1974 (monarchy overthrown) –

only native African nation not to be colonized. Liberian Republic was established as a republic under US model,

but fits model of empire as well – conquers other different ethnic groups

Nations and nationalism Created new sovereign nations Banded together to throw the West out/

Revolts and revolutions Decolonization of European colonies Civil wars

Creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems Agricultural and pastoral production

Produces mostly cash crops such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton, sugar, tobacco – but demand is weakening

Trade and commerce Former colonies turned to mercantilism Economies are globalized Countries in poverty International debt Biggest exports are oil and minerals

Industrialization Slow to occur because of poverty, instability, decolonization, etc.

Capitalism and socialism Most of the countries are capitalistic

Development and transformation of social structures

Gender roles and relations Women are more active in agriculture then men. Women work longer hours than men Both contribute equally to GDP

Family and kinship The state of African families has been both positively affected (in that

there are opportunities of gaining more money) and negatively affected (through diseases and vulnerability to others) by globalization.

Racial and ethnic constructions Apartheid – Racial segregation

Social and economic classes “High yellow” – light-skinned people (mixed-race), higher in social class. Upper class gets much higher income than majority of population

PresentPolitical map

Sub-Saharan Africa

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