The African Experience

1. The African Experience States and Societies of Sub-Saharan Africa

2. Migrations and demographics 1000 C.E Bantu had spread as primary linguistic and ethnic group throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Mastered Iron and had spread the skill throughout. Agricultural advancements-Iron, Banana, and Irrigation lead to population boom. 3.5-22 million in just 600 years.

3. Stateless societies Africas politics reflects its extraordinary diversity Stateless societies means: no bureaucracy or hierarchy of officials. Governed by family and kinships�male family heads and patriarchal leaders acting as �chiefs�. Confederate in that villages would unite to form �districts�.

4. Evolution to Empire Increasing commerce Increasing populations Military challenges Led to more centralized governments and eventually kingdoms which absorbed others to form small empires.

5. Alternative Governments in Africa North Africa: Egypt and Nubia saw more formal forms of traditional monarchies West African Forest peoples saw the evolution of secret societies. Fragmentation and tribal governments were the most common. Still constant features in Africa.

6. Common Elements of African Societies The migration of Bantu speakers gave a common linguistic base for much of Africa Animistic religion, a belief in natural forces personified as gods, was common, with well-developed concepts of good and evil.

7. Common Elements Priests guided religious practices for community benefit. African religions provided a cosmology and a guide to ethical behavior. Many Africans believed in a creator deity whose power was expressed through lesser spirits and ancestors. Families, lineages, and clans had an important role in dealing with gods. Deceased ancestors were a link to the spiritual world; they retained importance after world religions appeared.

8. Economics African economies were extremely diversified. North Africa was integrated into the world economy, but sub-Saharan regions had varying structures. Settled agriculture and iron-working were present in many areas before postclassical times, with specialization encouraging regional trade and urbanization. International trade increased in some regions, mainly toward the Islamic world. Both women and men were important in market life. In general Africans exchanged raw materials for manufactured goods.

9. Trade changes Africa Trans-Saharan trade, previously impossible thanks to the Camel changed African History. Unique goods moving across the forbidding continent but also�ideas. Islam. Did you know�Camels can run at a pace of 30 MPH!