Unit Two: Studying Africa through the Social Studies

Module 7B: African History, the Era of Global Encroachment

Student's Edition

Introduction to Module 7B: African History, The Era of Global Encroachment

PURPOSE:

Module 7B: African History, the Era of Global Encroachment will discuss the more recent history of Africa from approximately the 15th century to the present. This period of African history is marked by European involvement in Africa-first through the early trade era (including the Atlantic Slave Trade), then through colonialism, and finally during the era of African independence. This module will look at some of the motivations, methods and impacts of European involvement in Africa.

The focus in this module on interaction between Europe and Africa runs the risk of giving students the impression that there were not other factors and interactions in African history during this time period. Indeed, Africa continued to be in contact with certain regions of Asia and also had significant interactions within the African continent itself. Yet the presence of European powers in Africa from the 15th century to the present was undeniably a factor that significantly altered the course of African history. Economically, culturally, linguistically, politically, environmentally, and artistically, Europe has had a major impact on all regions of Africa. Yet Africans have asserted themselves too to maintain their own ways of life or blend them with the new European influences. In many ways, this history of interaction between Africa and Europe has made Africa what she is today.

Detailed Teacher Notes are included to provide additional information about some of the themes and concepts interwoven throughout this module.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Understanding of how the Atlantic Slave Trade began, operated, and came to an end.
2. Understanding the impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade and how it has affected the world today.
3. Understanding of European colonialism in Africa and its impact.
4. Understanding of the post-colonial period in Africa, including independence, new political regimes, and social change.

FOCUS QUESTIONS:

1. How did the Atlantic Slave Trade start, how was it maintained, and how did it end?
2. Who were the participants (willfully and unwillfully) in the Atlantic Slave Trade, and how did it affect their lives?
3. How and why did European nations colonize Africa?
4. What consequences and changes did colonialism in Africa bring?
5. What was the transition like from colonialism to independence in Africa?
6. What are legacies of the colonial period that Africa still has to deal with?

Go on to Overview for Module 7B