Sub-Saharan Africa in 1750

What was sub-Saharan Africa like in 1750?

• A wilderness of tribes

• An unspoiled paradise

• A patchwork of large states, confederations, and independent communities

• Under foreign, colonial rule

Answer explanation

In 1750, sub-Saharan Africa was characterized by a diverse array of large states, confederations, and independent communities, reflecting a complex social and political landscape rather than being a wilderness or under colonial rule.

Which of the following properly explain, characterize and/or locate sub-Saharan Africa for us in 1750? (There may be more than one correct answer)

• A region three times the size of Europe

• A region made up of many small states that existed just to the south of the largest dessert in the world.

• A region covered by hunter-gatherer bands and tribes

• A region under colonial domination

Answer explanation

Sub-Saharan Africa in 1750 was indeed a vast region, approximately three times the size of Europe, and comprised many small states located just south of the Sahara Desert. The other options do not accurately characterize the region.

Why is it useful to study sub-Saharan African societies together?

• It is helpful to study these people together to see how they were closely related genetically.

• By studying them together we can learn why most African people had the same cultural practices.

• We can begin to understand why these people were so easily colonized by Europeans.

• They had shared experiences and connections but were very diverse in their make-up because this area of the world was the birthplace of all humans.

Answer explanation

Historians have traditionally placed all of this region in one bucket. They imagined the people were all closely related – "black Africans". But in fact, this region's genetic diversity was greater than that of all the rest of the world combined. This is because Africa is the ancestral homeland of all humans. Because only a small set of our African ancestors left for other regions, most genetic diversity remained in Africa.

What characterized African communities and states in 1750?

• Mostly large centralized states with strong male leaders.

• A vast and populous place ranging from small independent villages to vast centralized states.

• In this time most of Africa had become colonized by Europeans in order to establish control over the slave trade.

• Mostly small tribal groups that practiced hunting and gathering and were mostly nomadic.

Answer explanation

We normally place Africa into neat categories, seeing it as either populated by bands and "tribes" on the one hand, or under foreign, colonial rule, on the other. But the history of sub-Saharan Africa around 1750 does not fit these categories. In this era, the continent was not covered by hunter-gatherer bands or tribes. Some foraging communities still existed. But that way of life had not been dominant across the continent for over a thousand years. Yet this was also not yet the era of colonial domination. In fact, Europeans controlled very little of the continent. Instead, this was an era of great diversity. This vast and populous continent had many different types of societies, from small, independent villages to vast, centralized states.

What was the social identity marker in many sub-Saharan African societies?

• Kinship

• Wealth and authority

• Religion

• Political structures

Answer explanation

African communities provided for the maintenance of social order through their systems of kinship. These systems played such an important role in traditional life that they have stood up to severe strains of social change. The kinship where small groups were members knew each other and as the group grew larger, newer kinships were formed. This ensured that the groups remained small, manageable, and efficient. Most sociologists and historians agree that the strength of African kinship made them strong people who could overcome extraordinary challenges.

What was the common currency across much of sub-Saharan Africa?

• Gold

• Cowrie shell

• Iron

• Spices

Answer explanation

The common currency across much of sub-Saharan Africa was cowrie shells. They were widely used for trade and held value in various cultures, making them a significant medium of exchange in the region.

What was the impact of the Atlantic slave trade on sub-Saharan Africa?

• Increased productivity and stability

• Collapse of many African states into anarchy

• Decrease in the number of autocratic warlords

• Introduction of complex systems and groups

Answer explanation

The Atlantic slave trade led to the destabilization of many African societies, resulting in the collapse of states and increased anarchy as communities were torn apart by the demand for slaves and internal conflicts.

What was the main economic activity for most people in Africa in 1750?

• Trade

• Enslavement

• Farming

• Mining

Answer explanation

In 1750, most people in Africa engaged in farming as their primary economic activity. Agriculture was essential for sustenance and trade, making it the mainstay of the economy, unlike trade, enslavement, or mining.

What was the religion of trade in East Africa?

• Christianity

• Islam

• Local religions

• Bantu-speaking languages

Answer explanation

Islam was the dominant religion in East Africa, particularly along the trade routes. It influenced commerce and culture, making it the correct answer for the religion of trade in the region.

What was the impact of the slave trade on African productivity and stability?

• No impact

• Immediate increase in productivity

• Immediate decrease in productivity

• Long-term stability

Answer explanation

The slave trade led to the forced removal of a significant portion of the labor force, causing an immediate decrease in productivity. This disruption negatively affected agricultural and economic stability in African societies.