"HISTÓRIA GERAL DA ÁFRICA" - Vol.1 cap. " 03 " Parte 2

New Section

The transcript discusses the disconnect between the study of African religion and economies within various social sciences, highlighting the isolation of works on African economies from other disciplines.

Understanding the Disconnect

• Experts in Social Sciences find it feasible to study African religion collectively through diverse ideas and methods, yet studies on African economies remain isolated.

• Economists have shown that different types of economies evolve due to internal stimuli and overseas influences. However, specialists in economic development often overlook cultural economic aspects.

• Many economists ignore the ongoing evolution mechanisms and pay little attention to static models proposed by anthropologists when justifying economic development theories.

Exploring Pre-Colonial African Economies

This section delves into the dynamics of pre-colonial African economies, emphasizing trade networks, production systems, and exchange practices.

Trade Networks and Production Systems

• Pre-colonial Africa featured complex production networks with tribes engaging in trade for sustenance.

• Economists and anthropologists studying African economies highlight the significance of trade in pre-colonial Africa's economic landscape.

Evolution of Economic Studies on Africa

The discussion shifts towards the evolution of economic studies on Africa, contrasting orthodox views with emerging perspectives.

Diverging Perspectives

• Some scholars emphasize differences rather than similarities among African economic cultures, challenging orthodox economic theories' applicability.

• A significant gap exists between development economists focusing on macroeconomic theories and substantivists who disregard opposing theories.

Rise of African History Studies

The narrative transitions to the growth of African history studies over time, highlighting a shift towards professional historians specializing in African history.

Growth in Historical Studies

• Historians note a delayed response within African history studies compared to other disciplines like quantitative history or econometrics.

History of African Studies in Universities

The section discusses the development and promotion of African history studies in universities, focusing on the efforts made by historians from various regions to introduce and advance the teaching of African history.

Role of Foreign Historians in Promoting African History

• Historians from outside Africa, particularly those in French-speaking African countries since the 1950s, played a significant role in researching and promoting African history.

Contributions to University Education

• Efforts were made to introduce African history into universities such as Luvannium, Habitja, and Dakar through research conducted by foreign historians based in Africa.

Development of Historical Studies in Africa

• Simultaneously with efforts abroad, historical studies were also developing within Africa itself, leading to the inclusion of African history courses at universities across the continent.

Advancements in Research Programs

This section highlights the establishment of systematic research programs focused on African history and the publication of significant documentation related to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Systematic Research Initiatives

• Institutions like the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London and academic institutions in the Soviet Union initiated systematic research programs dedicated to studying Sub-Saharan Africa's history.

Academic Progression

• The establishment of the first chair of African history at Sorbonne marked a milestone, while scholars like Arthur Nevin published comprehensive works on African history during this period.

Challenges Faced by Early Advocates

This section delves into challenges faced by early advocates for incorporating African history into university curricula and examines varying levels of interest globally.

Slow Acceptance Outside Europe

• Initially, European colonizers' universities were slow to include African history courses despite a significant population being of African descent in countries like America.

Limited Interest Globally

• While some intellectuals showed interest in local cultures influenced by Afro-Cuban heritage, genuine curiosity about Africa's history was lacking globally beyond superficial engagements.

Historical Focus Post-Decolonization

Post-decolonization shifts are explored concerning historical priorities and academic engagement with different regions within Africa.

Emphasis on Local Histories

• Following decolonization, there was increased focus on local histories; however, interest remained limited towards broader continental histories among intellectuals from regions like the Caribbean.

Academic Theses Landscape

African History in Education

The discussion revolves around the integration of African history into university curricula, emphasizing the need to balance local African history with global perspectives to decolonize educational programs effectively.

Integrating African History

• In English-speaking Africa, significant changes occurred more rapidly compared to French-speaking countries regarding the relaxation of strict European-imposed norms in education.

• Historians began exploring histories of regions like the Islamic world, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to draw lessons for Africa's development.

• The impact of African history provided a broader worldview and historical understanding beyond Eurocentric perspectives.

Impact on Historical Research and Teaching

This segment delves into the influence of African history on research and teaching practices, highlighting advancements in universities and challenges faced in integrating African perspectives.

Advancements in Historical Research

• Despite progress in English-speaking universities, there is a need for time to cultivate innovative African historians who can reshape historical narratives.

• French-speaking universities experienced delays in incorporating African history until the 1970s when a shift towards inclusivity began.

Global Influence of African History

Examining how African history impacts historical studies globally, focusing on its significance in Western Europe and other regions.

Global Recognition

• France and England emerged as key centers for studying African history due to their colonial ties; progress was also noted in Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the Soviet Union.

• Despite isolated efforts across various European universities, England and France led in promoting the study of African history.

Influence on Academic Recruitment

Discussing how academic recruitment shifted towards embracing African historians within European universities post-independence.

Academic Transition

• Young historians increasingly focused on Africa during their training or teaching stints there before being replaced by local scholars during the 1960s and 70s.

New Section

The discussion revolves around the unexpected growth of research on African history in North America during the 1960s, contrasting the lack of interest in Africa's history among historians in the United States and Canada before this period.

Growth of Research on African History

• In Britain, the interest in African history was predictable due to colonialist interests. However, the significant research growth on African history in North America during the 1960s was unexpected.

• Historians in the United States had not shown equitable treatment towards African American history or an interest in Africa despite a substantial population of African descendants since early times.

• Before 1959, the teaching of African history was minimal in North America. The sudden surge in studies on African history was observed both in Canada and the United States.

New Section

This section delves into the emergence of academic interest and scholarly engagement with African history, highlighting key events such as conferences and educational trends.

Academic Engagement with African History

• In 1962, the first International Congress of Africanists attracted around 800 participants, emphasizing a growing global interest in studying Africa's past.

• The discipline saw an increase in young scholars pursuing African history as a career path, with some transitioning from other disciplines. Notably, between 1960 and 1972, over 300 PhDs were awarded for African history studies by American schools.