7, doc. 4) And the people had security in their civilizations because of no tolerance of injustice. (doc.6, doc.2, doc.3) In Africa, trade amongst empires, kingdoms, and cities helped the economies prosper and gain the wealth for these societies as shown in documents one, three, and eight. One of Africa’s cities, Aksum, became a valuable trading center in Africa because of it’s location (doc.1). The wealth of these societies is also clearly stated through Ghana where traders had to pass (doc.3).
Islam continued to grow. Eventually, Mansa Musa (Mali’s ruler) declared that the Islam religion would be their official religion. In conclusion, Islam impacted West Africa greatly by increasing trade, blending cultures, and changing government structures. In the time period of 1000 C.E. to 1750 C.E., several Islamic states rose and
The Age of Exploration The age of exploration was one of the most significant periods in history. It was influenced by the time renaissance and Crusades and ended with the Columbian Exchange and discovery of America. The British, Spanish, and Portuguese were the main explorers of this time. After it was discovered that there were spices in Asia through trading and the Crusades, it was a mystery of what everywhere else had. Better ships were now being produced and held the Early Age of Exploration.
Africa to 1500 Diversity and Development Axum (Aksum)- Important trading nation of northeast Africa, existing from 100-940 AD. Grew during the iron age and was a major factor in the exchange of commerce between the Roman empire and ancient India. Ghana- Bordered by present day Mauritania, Mali and Senegal, the landscape of medieval Ghana was abundant in natural resources (ex: gold). As a result of this; this region of western Africa was able to experience years of prosperous trade, establishing and sustaining a very wealthy empire. Mali- Renowned for the wealth of its rulers, ancient Mali covered a large area and consisted of numerous vassal kingdoms and provinces.
Africa experienced growth and change in their political organization and the rise and fall of kingdoms and states Before the syncretic cults, Africa's old traditions and beliefs surrounded deities, idols, and multiple gods. These god symbolized the world around them. Then, when Christianity and Islam came over to Sub-Saharan Africa, there was intermixing with the traditions and foreign religions. Christianity became popular with
Axum adopted Christianity form the Egyptian religion known as Coptic Christianity. This shows that Axum was an advanced civilization and had many important achievements including becoming a trading center as well as a unified civilization. Ghana is another example of a empire in Africa that had many complex and sophisticated achievements. Between 700 and 1067, the Ghana rose to power an gained control of the Saharan gold and salt trade (Document 2). Ghana was made up of small farming communities, but traded many goods such as salt, gold, ivory, leather, ostrich feathers, and slaves which came from the local berber
The role of religion has changed over time in West Africa from the migration of Islam bringing its new faith, rituals, and establishment of a greater connection with the outside world through trade and cultural diffusion. However the unique African religion that existed beforehand was still retained; the African culture still believing in animism and polytheism even after the spread of Islam. From 1000-1500 CE the role of religion has seen changes and continuities influenced by the spread of foreign territories, economics, and political/social systems in West Africa. Religion in any time and has several profound influences on its society affecting the moral codes, gender relationships, and politics on that area. Previously, Africa although not fully isolated from the centers of other civilizations, remained secluded from communication with them, slowing the indigenous religions to be the main belief system.
Old ways were dismantled and new societies arose. With the birth of these new empires came globalization. Worldwide integration of trade, technology and culture had developed. People from the Americas, Africa and Europe came together for the first time in world history. Included in this elite list of empires were the dominant European Empire and the robust Russian Empire.
Western Europe, Africa and the Americas underwent major changes due to the contact with the Atlantic world. These changes occurred from 1492 until 1750 and affected these areas socially and economically. New products and ideas were introduced into the world of trade. Lasting connections would also be made during this period. Western Europe experienced the largest amount of changes because the main countries that were becoming involved in international trade were located here.
The primary motivation for European invasion was economic. The Europeans were seeking to create a profitable trading environment and make money. They were also looking to further industrialize their country. This desire for industrialization, which included the need for raw materials, markets, and convenient trading outlets, was a driving force in the imperialistic conquest and colonization of Africa. Africa contained a great number of natural rescources valuable to Europe such as: cotton, palm oil, rubber, ivory, gum, peanuts, bananas, coffee, cocoa, zinc, lead, coal, and copper.