Elliott_African History: To what extent should countries be allowed to go to for economic prosperity? What weight should the negative consequences on outside peoples have on their decisions?

By colesonelliott
  • 642

    Arabs Conquering Alexandria/ Muslims Conquering Egypt

    The Greeks, who had control over Egypt, were in a fourteen month battle with the Arabs over the city of Alexandria. The Greeks and the Arabs came to a treaty where the Greeks would give up the city if the Arabs gave them time to do some peacefully. This marks the beginning of a large Arab/ Muslim presence in North Africa and the African continent as a whole.
  • Period: 670 to 740

    Arabs Gain Strength & Territory

    The Arabs continued growing their presence in Africa over the next few hundred years. They created a military town at Kairouan in 670 AD; this military base allows the Arabs to have organized control, allows for the destruction of Carthage in 698 AD, and allows for the overall firm military control the Arabs had over the northwest African region in the early 8th century. The Arabs also took their presence into Spain in 740 (ruled until 1492), which marks a period of domination in the region.
  • 700

    Arab Slave Trade Begins

    As the Arabs grew stronger in North Africa they were able to capture slaves. These early slaves were mainly used for labor within the continent of Africa; however, this early slave trade allowed for future slave trading with Europe and the Americas to take place. The long history of slave trading in Africa, along with its negative consequences for the people of Africa, could very likely contribute to the un-development of Africa today.
  • Period: 869 to 883

    Zanj Rebellion

    The Zanj Rebellion occurred in Iraq were many East African slaves were brought to work. Like with most slavery, the work was grueling and little food and resources were given. The result of this rebellion is that the slaves actually gained their freedom for 14 years before Baghdad conquers their region. This Rebellion is one of the first examples of slave uprising, and shows that, even a long time ago, people knew what was wrong, right, and worth fighting for.
  • Period: 909 to 1171

    Fatimid Dynasty

    Dynasties were created in Northern Africa due to the struggles of ruling from the center of the Caliphate. The Fatimid Dynasty was the most powerful of these dynasties. The Dynasty started by conquering a large stretch of the north African coast containing Kairouan; the Dynasty even had control over the prosperous Egyptian region. Many people in our modern world don't know the history surrounding African leadership; much can be learned from analyzing African dynasties (strengths & weaknesses).
  • Period: 1441 to 1450

    Slave Trade Ramps Up

    Portugal was the first European countries to be directly involved in the African Slave Trade. Portugal captured slaves in west Africa and brought them back to their native lands in 1441. This opened the opportunities to future slaves capture and trade with Europe, and by 1450 at least 1,000 slaves were being transported to Europe from Africa each year.
  • 1482

    Fort of Elmina (Gold Coast)

    The Portuguese were among the first to build on the gold coast of West Africa; they built the fort of Elmina. This regions was packed with natural resources, specifically gold. This coastline was a main driving force for many European interests in Africa, and many slaves were needed to complete the work in this area.
  • 1518

    First Traveling Through Middle Passage

    The Middle Passage is the very long journey that slave ships took to cross the Atlantic ocean and reach the Americas. Slaves on these ships were often kept in horrible living conditions; they would have no personal space, little food, no bathroom, etc. It is estimated that around 13% of the slaves that were on the ships never saw land again. The Middle Passage allowed for the economic prosperity of the New World in America, but caused economic, social, and moral issues in Africa.
  • 1518

    Slave Trade on Gold Coast Video

    This video shows city of Elmina, the Gold Coast, and centers around the Slave Trade.
    STOP @ 2:30
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  • Royal African Company Chartered

    The Royal African Company was formed by a royal charter in England. This allowed the English to have a monopoly over the gold and slave trades in West Africa. The company allowed for England to have great economic success, while also transporting thousands of slaves each year. Other countries had a hard time trading with west Africa during the reign of the RAC and they had to go through the company. Allowing for England to set prices for gold and slaves to whatever they desired.

  • Britain & USA Ban African Slave Trade

    In 1807 Great Britain banned the use of the African Slave Trade. In 1808 the United States of America abolished their use of the African Slave Trade. This was a massive accomplishment, however only a first step, for the rights of individuals regardless of race.
  • Period: to

    Scramble For Africa

    The Scramble for Africa was a period of time were the African continent was being massively colonized by Europe. Europeans had already ended the slave trade, so they needed another way to gain resources and trade with Africa. The colonization of Africa caused natives to be set aside and not allowed to develop their own lands. The Slave trade and colonization of Africa can be largely blamed for many modern day problems in Africa, such as their underdevelopment.

  • Start of Nigerian Civil War

    The Nigerian Civil War is an example of a conflict that could have been caused by European colonization. After gaining independence from England, a Muslim group began attacking a Christian group within their region. This is one example of long conflict between Muslims and Christians in Africa. 3 years after the start of the civil war Biafra, the Christian region, surrendered to Nigeria, the Muslim region.

  • Nelson Mandela Elected President of South Africa

    Nelson Mandela was the first democratically elected president of South Africa in 1994. This was also the country’s first election that was not restricted based on race. This signals that Africa is modernizing, and possibly overcoming the hurdles put in place by the colonization and slave trade put in place by Europeans. Nelson Mandela was a revolutionary and political leader that inspired millions around the world.

  • Rwandan Genocide

    The Rwandan Genocide started out as a civil war between the Hutus and Tutsis. The Hutus started attacking Tutsis and even shot down the Rwandan president’s plane. The Tutsis were the minority, so the Hutus had a great advantage. In all, 800,000 to 1 million people were killed in 3 months, most being Tutsis. Many people have never heard of the Rwandan Genocide; genocide actually happens more than most people would think. This should cause us to reflect on our “Never Again” statement.

  • Rwandan Genocide Video

    We have all learned about the Holocaust and most likely said "Never Again", yet why was this massacre possible?
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  • African Union Created

    The African Union is a coalition of 53 African states that are all wanting to protect African rights and assist Africa in development. The African Union was officially created in 2002; however, there was a previous program called the Organization of African Unity that wanted to accomplish similar goals. The creation of the AU shows that although Africa has been through a great deal of hardships, it wants to prosper, and to do so the whole continent must unite and live peacefully.

  • African Union Video

    This video shows the inspiration behind the African Union and details some of their key initiatives.
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