Religious Beliefs and Practices of Sub-Saharan Africa 1450-2015 2010

  • Period: Jan 1, 1450 to

    Animism

    Traditional animistic religion still practiced due to Africa's diverse geography which causes it to be decentralized and have isolated societies who have not adopted new relgions
    even despite gaining womens' rights
  • Period: Jan 1, 1497 to

    Christianity Inroduced

    introduced by Vasco de Gama's voyages to South Africa in the European Age of Exploration
    some leaders adopted Christianity ex. Alfonso I of the Congo because politcal incentive and a way to associate themselves with the advanced societies and perhaps gain favor
  • Period: Jan 1, 1497 to

    Islam

    introduced from Middle East
    even after they gained independence still remained practicing these religions
  • Period: Jan 1, 1497 to

    Indian Ocean Trade

    helped introduce Buddhism, Islam and Confucianism to Kilwa and Great Zimbabwe silmilar patterns in Latin America
  • Period: to

    Berlin Conference

    Africa was partitioned between the European nation and the influeced regoins on the coast and exterior were brought inward
    colonialism led to further influence
    ex. French in Algeria had a system of direct rule to culturally assimilate local populations