AROUND THE AP WORLD DAY 74: AFRICA & EUROPE
Overview of Africa and Europe in AP World History
Focus on Africa
- The discussion begins with an emphasis on the importance of Africa over Europe in the context of AP World History, highlighting that history has often been viewed through a European lens.
- The speaker notes that no single region will dominate the exam content, with a focus on Africa's major states from 1200 to 1450.
Major African States
- Mali:
- Mali is introduced as a significant state benefiting from trans-Saharan trade, controlling gold and salt resources.
- Mansa Musa, noted as the richest man ever, is mentioned for his pilgrimage to Mecca which integrated Mali into global trade networks.
- Ethiopia:
- Contrasting with Mali's Islamic influence, Ethiopia is identified as a Christian empire connected to Indian Ocean trade routes.
- The speaker hints at Ethiopia's future relevance during European colonization discussions in later units.
- Great Zimbabwe:
- Great Zimbabwe is described as a significant pre-literate structure involved in Indian Ocean trade but known primarily through archaeology.
Transition to Europe
Feudalism and Decentralization
- The speaker shifts focus to Europe, suggesting that traditional topics like the Magna Carta are less relevant; instead, feudalism should be emphasized.
- Feudalism is defined as a decentralized system where land grants are exchanged for military service.
Manorialism and Serfdom
- Manorialism describes the economic aspect of feudalism centered around lords' manors where serfs worked.
- Serfs are characterized as coerced laborers tied to land ownership, likened to features of property rather than independent workers.
Conclusion of Unit One