Form Five History TOPIC 2 : Africa and Europe in the 15th Century

Africa and Europe in the 15th Century: A Comparative Analysis

Various historians have presented differing perspectives regarding the state of the African continent when it first encountered European capitalists. Eurocentric scholars argue that prior to colonial rule, African societies lacked development. In contrast, African scholars assert that the continent had achieved significant economic, social, and political advancements.

Defining Development

Development refers to improvements in economic, social, and political aspects.

Economic Development

Trade

Evidence indicates that trading activities were prevalent in pre-colonial Africa. There were two main types of trade: local and long-distance trade. Local trade occurred within communities, while long-distance trade connected different regions. In East Africa, long-distance trade took place between the interior and coastal areas, involving the Kamba and Nyamwezi from the interior and the Arabs and Swahili traders from the coast.

Agriculture

By the 15th century, agriculture had advanced in Africa, featuring permanent crop cultivation and shifting cultivation. Permanent crop cultivation occurred in regions with ample rainfall and fertile land. Shifting cultivation, practiced in the savanna region, involved moving from one piece of land to another as soil fertility decreased.

Manufacturing Industries

Africa had developed several manufacturing industries by the 15th century, including salt production and copper mining. Salt was produced in Tagaza and Bilma in West Africa and Uvinza in Tanganyika. Copper mining was prominent in central Africa, particularly in the Katanga region and along the Gwai River in Zimbabwe.

Maritime Technology

Some African societies, such as the Ganda and Kerewe in East Africa, had developed maritime technology, constructing canoes for movement along rivers and lakes.

Iron Technology

Iron-making and usage were widespread in Africa by the 15th century. The knowledge of iron production developed at different times and places, with Ethiopia and Egypt being early adopters. By around 200 BC, Meroe and Axum had become significant centers for iron production.

Political Systems

In the 15th century, Africa had various political organizations, including age-set systems, clan organizations, and state organizations.

Age-Set System

The age-set system, practiced by pastoral societies such as the Maasai of East Africa, assigned social functions based on age groups. For example, boys aged 8-18 were responsible for grazing animals.

Clan Organization

Clan organization, prevalent in the savanna region, involved control by a clan head. This system supported mixed farming and shifting cultivation, necessitating strong leadership to manage and distribute land.

State Organization

States in Africa, such as Buganda and Karagwe in East Africa, had centralized systems capable of collecting tributes. These states often formed in regions with heavy rainfall, which supported increased production and population growth.

Factors for the Rise of States

In Africa, states emerged due to centralized feudal systems where power resided with feudal lords. In Europe, factors included changes in trade organization (toward mercantilism), security organization, production encouragement within empires, and the formation of colonial policies for resource accumulation.

Comparing and Contrasting Political Systems

Similarities

1. Both African and European societies were ruled by kings, queens, or chiefs.
2. The roles of leaders included citizen protection and defense.
3. Both systems encouraged trade.

Differences

1. African states were in a premature stage of development compared to Europe’s mature states.
2. In Europe, a merchant class challenged the ruling class, unlike in Africa.
3. European states had a broad and complex ruling class, whereas African states had a more parochial system.
4. The collapse of the Roman Empire influenced state formation in Europe, while slavery did not drive state formation in Africa.
5. Feudalism in Europe peaked and transitioned to capitalism, while Africa did not experience an enclosure system.
6. Europe had a higher level of education compared to Africa.

Education

Education in Africa during the 15th century was informal, with knowledge passed down through imitation. However, literacy existed in regions like the Nile River in Egypt and Mali.

Religion

Africa had its own religions by the 15th century, with community elders presiding over religious ceremonies. Examples include the Laibon of the Maasai and clan heads.

Significance of Trade

Trade in both Africa and Europe led to specialization, the development of science and technology, the emergence of states and trading centers, and the rise of strong leaders and armies. In Europe, trade spurred industrial growth and the establishment of financial institutions.

Impacts of Trade

The trade between Africa and Europe in the 15th century had several impacts:

1. Stagnation of African Technology: Skilled Africans were taken as slaves, leading to a technological decline in Africa.
2. Exploitation of Resources: African resources were exploited for European development.
3. Cultural Destruction: African cultures were disrupted, and European customs were introduced.
4. State Transformation: Some African states fell, while others, like Dahomey, emerged.
5. Colonialism: Trade paved the way for colonization as Europeans explored and exploited African resources.

Conclusion

The 15th-century interactions between Africa and Europe were complex, marked by both development and exploitation. While trade led to advancements and state formation, it also set the stage for colonization and the disruption of African societies.