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African History: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
A brief review of the triangular trade with particular reference to recent statistics.
Soweto Uprising Pt1
On 16 June 1976 high-school students in Soweto, South Africa, protested for better education. Police fired teargas and live bullets into the marching students. Part 1: Background to the uprising.
Bio: Nelson Mandela
A biography of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Apartheid Legislation in South Africa
Descriptions of the main apartheid legislation enacted in South Africa.
SA National Holidays
The significance of South Africa's national holidays.
Biography: Idi Amin Dada
Idi Amin, who became known as the 'Butcher of Uganda' for his brutal, despotic rule whilst president of Uganda in the 1970s, is possibly the most notorious of all Africa's post-independence dictators. Find out more in this biography.
Steve Biko
A short biography of Steve Biko, founder and martyr of the Black Consciousness movement in South Africa.
Quotes: Nelson Mandela
A selection of quotes by Nelson Mandela
When Did Apartheid End?
Unsure when Apartheid ended in South Africa? Find the answer in this Apartheid FAQ.
Why-Scamble
Why was Africa so rapidly colonized?
Images of African Slavery and the Slave Trade
A Gallery of Images of African Slavery and the Slave Trade
Sharpeville Massacre Pt1
The Origin of South Africa's Human Rights Day
White Area 1976
An apartheid notice on a beach in 1976 near Cape Town, denoting the area for whites only.
Apartheid, When Did it Start?
Unsure when Apartheid started in South Africa? Find the answer in this Apartheid FAQ.
Plans of Slave Decks, Slave Ship Brookes
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Plans of Slave Decks, Slave Ship Brookes
Apartheid 101
From the Afrikaans word meaning 'separation' Apartheid was a social philosophy which enforced racial, social, and economic segregation on the people of South Africa. Find out more...
Apartheid FAQ -- Common Questions About South Africa's Apartheid Era
What was Apartheid? Find the answer in this FAQ.: apartheid government racial segregation union of south africa geographical boundaries afrikaans word
Africa Countries Not Colonized
There are two countries in Africa which are considered to never have been colonized. The truth, however, is much more complex and open to debate.
Quotes: Steve Biko
A selection of quotes by Steve Biko
Mau Mau Timeline
The Mau Mau were a militant African nationalist movement active in Kenya during the 1950s whose main aim was to remove British rule and European settlers from the country.
What is Pan-Africanism
How has Pan-Africanism developed over the last couple of centuries into a socio-political movement?
Adinkra Symbology and its Origins
The Origin and Meaning of Adinkra Symbols.: adinkra symbols traditional cloths africanhistory akan symbols abstract shapes
Trade Across the Sahara
Between the 11th and 15th centuries West Africa was a major trading region, exporting goods to Europe, Arabia, India, and China across the Sahara Desert.
Chronological List of African Independence
A Chronological List of Independence Dates for Africa.   Country Independence Date Prior ruling country
Slavery in Africa
Types of Slavery in Africa - What Kinds of Slavery Existed in Africa?
How Many Slaves Were Taken
Information on how many slaves were shipped from Africa across the Atlantic to the Americas during the sixteenth century can only be estimated as very few records exist for this period. But from the seventeenth century onwards, increasingly accurate records, such as ship manifests, are available.
Soweto Uprising Pt2
On 16 June 1976 high-school students in Soweto, South Africa, protested for better education. Police fired teargas and live bullets into the marching students. Part 2: Students organize a protest.
Colors of Ancient Egypt
Color in Ancient Egypt
Origins Atlantic Slave Trade
Portuguese exploration and trade: 1450-1500.
Rwandan Genocide
A Selection of Quotes About The Rwandan Genocide.
History of Kenya
A brief introduction to the history of Kenya from the time of early humans to the present day.
Idi Amin Quotes
A selection of quotes by Idi Amin Dada, president of Uganda from 25 January 1971 to 13 April 1979.
Young African Boys Captured for Slave Trade
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Young African Boys Captured for Slave Trade
African Slavery 101
Although slavery has been practiced for almost the whole of recorded history, the vast numbers involved in the African slave trade has left a legacy which can not be ignored.
Kenyatta Bio #1
First president of Kenya and prominent independence leader. Born into dominant Kikuyu culture, Kenyatta became its most famous interpreter of Kikuyu traditions through his book Facing Mount Kenya. Part 1 of his biography, from his early days to his political awakening.
Islam Role African Slavery #1
When Africans talk of slavery they inevitably mean the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Is this a true representation of the practice in Africa?
New Names in South Africa
Since the end of apartheid, a number of town and geographical names in South Africa have changed. Here's a list of them.
ECOWAS
What is the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS?
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade: Origins of Slaves
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade: Origins of Slaves Details of where slaves were taken from Africa and how
Political Institutions
What are Political Institutions?
Diagram of the Slave Ship Brookes
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Diagram of the Slave Ship Brookes
Indigenous African Slavers Traveling From the Interior
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Indigenous African slavers Traveling From the Interior
Inspection of an African Slave
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Inspection of an African Slave
Bio: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, described by some of her rivals as an Americo-Liberian, the descendant of Liberia's ex-American-slave colonists, has reached the pinnacle o her political career. Awaiting the results of an investigation into alleged (by her main political rival George Weah) election fraud, Johnson-Sirleaf could become Africa's first elected woman president. Find out more…
A Slave Barracoon
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: A Slave Barracoon
Apartheid Signs Image Gallery
A gallery of images of Apartheid Era Signs from the mid 1950s to late 1970s.
Female East African Slave
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Female East African Slave
Timeline of Apartheid History: 1912 to 1959
A Timeline of Key Apartheid Events from 1912 to 1959.
Indigenous African Slavery
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Indigenous African Slavery
Timeline: The Suez Crisis
Timeline for the Suez Canal Crisis: suez canal zone hassan el banna son farouk caliph of islam king farouk
Kenyatta Quotes #1
A Selection of Quotes by Jomo Kenyatta
African Captives Being Sent Into Slavery
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: African Captives Being Sent Into Slavery
School Enrollment in SA
Data on School Enrollment for Blacks and Whites in South Africa in 1982.
Slavery in the Cape Colony
Many South Africans are the descendants of slaves brought to the Cape Colony from 1653 until 1822. Follow the main events in this period of South Africa's history in this timeline.
Bio: Mungo Park
Mungo Park, a Scottish surgeon and explorer, was sent out by the 'Association for Promoting the Discovery of the Interior of Africa' to discover the course of the River Niger. Having achieved a degree of fame from his first trip, carried out alone and on foot, he returned to Africa with a party of 40 Europeans, all of whom lost their lives in the adventure.
Robben Island
A short history of island that housed the most notorious prison of the South African apartheid regime.
Slave Decks on the Slave Bark Wildfire
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Slave Decks on the Slave Bark Wildfire
Ubuntu
What does Ubuntu mean? Find the answer to what Ubuntu means in this African History Glossary
Explorers of Africa
Over the centuries, explorers have found the allure of the unknown reaches of Africa irresistible. Find out who was who, where they went, and when.
Testing an African Slave For Sickness
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Testing an African Slave For Sickness
Biography: Chief Albert Luthuli
A biography of Chief Albert Luthuli, Africa's first winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace and president of the ANC until his death (under mysterious circumstances) in 1967.
Quotes - Bantu Education
Bantu Education, the separate and limited experience encountered by non-whites in South Africa when pursuing an education, was a cornerstone of the apartheid philosophy. The following quotes illustrate the diverse viewpoints about Bantu Education from both sides of the anti-Apartheid struggle.
A Slaver's Canoe
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: A Slaver's Canoe
Population Registration Act
The Population Registration Act required South Africans to be identified and registered as belonging to one of four distinct racial groups. Find out more...
Southern African Independence
A chronology of colonization and independence.: south west africa dutch east indies walvis bay gold ivory africa independence
BCM
What was the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM)?
Commonwealth of Nations
18 countries in Africa are currently part of the Commonwealth of Nations (with Zimbabwe having departed in 2003).
What was Ujamaa
What was Ujamaa and how did Nyerere's social and economic policy affect Tanzania in the 1960s and 70s?
Mummy of the Dame Rai
Mummy of the Dame Rai held by the Cairo Museum, Egypt.
Africa's 100 Best Books of the 20th Century
In February 2002 a list of Africa's Top 100 books was announced. Find out why.
Sonni Ali
West African monarch who ruled Songhai from 1464 to 1492, expanding a small kingdom along the Niger River into one of medieval Africa's greatest empires.
"Wind of Change" speech
What was the "Wind of Change" speech? The "Wind of Change" speech was made by the British Prime Minister
History of Cameroon #1
A brief introduction to the history of Cameroon from the time of early humans to the present day.
Slave Laws in South Africa
It is a popular misconception that slavery in South Africa was mild compared to America and the European colonies in the Far East. This is not so, and punishments meted out could be very harsh.
Tanzania Timeline -- Timeline of the History of Tanzania
A chronology of key events in Tanzania's history: vasco da gama john hanning speke lake tanganika lettow vorbeck german protectorate
What Was the Mfecane?
A explanation of the term Mfecane and why the subject is controversial.
Apartheid Beach 1979
Sign on a Cape Town beach in 1979 reserves it for white people only: "WHITE PERSONS ONLY This beach and
Adinkra Stencils
A collection of free stencils with an African theme. For personal, non-commercial use only.
Tutankhamun: The Boy Pharaoh
Be amazed at the treasures discovered in the tomb of the most famous Ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. His was the first tomb found still containing treasure.
Mummy with Linen Opened by Pillagers
Mummy with linen opened by pillagers, held by the Cairo Museum, Egypt.
Exercising Slaves on a Trans-Atlantic Slave Ship
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Exercising Slaves on a Trans-Atlantic Slave Ship
Cape Coast Castle, Gold Coast
Image of African Slavery and the Slave Trade: Cape Coast Castle, Gold Coast
Robben Island Prison Museum
Gallery of images of Robben Island Prison Museum, World Heritage Site and Apartheid era prison.
WWII Timeline: June 1940
When Italy declared war against Britain and France in June 1940 it seemed inevitable that the conflict would come to Africa – Italy wanted an empire, and it was only on the African continent that it would be able to achieve such conquest. But even with Britain's pre-emptive forays into Libya, the war was slow to start…
History of Ghana #1
A brief introduction to the history of Ghana from the time of early humans to the present day. Part 1 - Early Kingdoms to Independence
Union Of South Africa
The politicking behind the scenes for the formation of the Union of South Africa allowed the foundations of Apartheid to be laid.
Menes: First Pharaoh of Egypt?
According to Ancient Egyptian history Menes was the founder of the unified Egyptian state which combined Upper and Lower Egypt.
Egypt
A brief history of the colonization and independence of Egypt
More Quotes: Nelson Mandela
A selection of quotes by Nelson Mandela
Soweto Uprising 1976 Image Gallery
A gallery of images of the 16 June 1975 Soweto Uprising.
Sharpeville Massacre Pt2
The events of the day
Soweto Uprising Roadblock - June 1976
Rioters in Soweto use cars as roadblocks during unrest.
General Act of the Berlin Conference on West Africa
Full Text of the General Act of the Berlin Conference on West Africa as signed on 26 February 1885
Nyerere Quotes #1
A Selection of Quotes by Julius Kambarage Nyerere
RwandanGenocide01
Why was there such strong antagonism between the Hutu and Tutsi in Rwanda? What Role did European colonization play? Was the 1994 genocide the first outbreak of violence? Find out more about the origins of the Rwandan Genocide.
History of Sudan #1
A brief introduction to the history of Sudan from the time of early humans to the present day. Part 1 - Kingdoms to Independence
An Atlas of African Independence
By the mid 1960's the majority of African states were free from colonial rule. Read more about each country's story in this Atlas of Independence.
"Wind of Change" Speech
Made to the South Africa Parliament on 3 February 1960: It is, as I have said, a special privilege for
Quotes: Desmond Tutu
A selection of quotes by Desmond Tutu
Donald Woods -- Death of an Activist
Brief biography of South African newspaper editor and anti-apartheid activist Donald Woods.
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs: Viscera Coffin
A gallery of artifacts from the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition: Viscera Coffin.
Treason Trial
In 1956, in response to the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People, the Apartheid government in South Africa arrested a total 156 people for high treason. The penalty for this was death.
History of Mali #1
A brief introduction to the history of Mali from the time of early humans to the present day.
History of Mauritius
A brief introduction to the history of Mauritius from the time of early colonization to the present day.
Short Biography: Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu
Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu Influential anti-Apartheid activist and co-founder of the African National Congress
Road Sign 1956
A fairly common road sign around Johannesburg in 1956: "Caution Beware Of Natives"
Women's Anti Pass Campaign
What happened when the South African government tried to force women to carry passes.
South African Townships
Map of townships around Pretoria, Johannesburg and Vereeniging.
History of Liberia #1
A brief introduction to the history of Liberia from the time of early humans to the present day. Part 1 –Colonization to Civil War
Where in Africa is Chad?
A map showing the location of Chad and it's neighbors.
History of Swaziland #1
A brief introduction to the history of Swaziland from the time of early humans to the present day.
Group Areas Act
The Group Areas Act No 41 of 1950 forced physical separation between races by creating different residential areas for different races. Find out more…
Where in Africa is Zambia?
A map showing the location of the Republic of Zambia in Africa.
Demonstrators at Soweto Uprising - June 1976
Demonstrators in the streets during the Soweto uprising, South Africa, June 1976. By the end of the third day of rioting, the Minister of Bantu Education closed all schools in Soweto.
Soweto Uprising Casualties - June 1976
Injured people waiting for treatment after the riots in Soweto, , South Africa. The rioting started after police opened fire on a march by black students, protesting against the use of Afrikaans in lessons. The official death toll was 23; others put it as high as 200. Many hundreds of people were injured.
DF Malan
A biography of DF Malan, first prime minister of South Africa Apartheid regime
Sharpeville Massacre Pt3
World Condemnation and Political Aftermath
Exclusive Use of European Mothers 1971
Sign outside a Johannesburg park in 1971 restricts its use: "This lawn is for the exclusive use of European
Idi Amin Timeline
A Timeline of Key Events in the Life of Idi Amin Dada.
Maasai Ethnic Group in Kenya
Map showing location of the Maasai ethnic group in Kenya and Tanzania.
Nok Culture
Considered the oldest recognisable pre-colonial society in sub-Saharan Africa, the Nok Culture is exemplified by its magnificent terracotta sculptures and the development of iron working. Find out more about this ancient African civilization.
Telegraph Office 1955
Signs in English and Afrikaans, in Wellington railway station, South Africa, enforcing the policy of
Chris Hani Bio
A short biography of Chris Hani, South African political activist, chief-of-staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe, and Secretary-General of the South African Communist Party, assassinated in April 1993.
Free African Stencil Collection: Nguni Stencils
A collection of free stencils on an African theme - Nguni Symbols.
Egypt: Father Of Time
The way in which we divide the day into hours and minutes, as well as the structure and length of the yearly calendar, owes much to pioneering developments in ancient Egypt.
Segregated Toilets 1979
May 1979: Public conveniences in Cape Town in 1979 allocated to white people only: "Whites Only, Net
African History - 23 May
A chronicle of events in African history on 23 May
Foundations of Apartheid
Unsure what the Foundations of Apartheid were? Find the answer in this Apartheid FAQ.
Pre-Colonial cultures in South Africa: San and Khoikhoi
Two thousand years ago the first of several waves colonists swept into South Africa. In the first of these waves, the pastoralist Khoikhoi moved down into the western and southern coastal regions - pushing the hunter-gatherer San inland.
Aerial view of Soweto Uprising - June 1976
Over 100 people were killed and many more injured on 16 June 1976 in Soweto, South Africa, following anti-apartheid protests. Students set fire to symbols of apartheid, such as government buildings, schools, municipal beerhalls, and liquor stores.
Black (or Natives) Land Act
Under the Black (Natives) Land Act Blacks were no longer be able to own, or even rent, land outside of designated reserves. Find out more…
Unknown Mummy
Unknown Mummy, held by the Cairo Museum, Egypt.
The Owl House, Nieu Bethesda, South Africa
A Gallery of images of The Owl House, Nieu Bethesda, South Africa.
Kenyan Leaders Since Independence
A list of the leaders of Kenya since gaining independence on 12 December 1963.
Julius Nyerere
A Biography of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the father of Tanzania.
Abolition of Passes Act 1952
Blacks (Abolition of Passes and Co-ordination of Documents) Act No 67 of 1952 required all black persons over the age of 16 to carry a reference (or pass) book at all times. Find out more...
Armed Police at riot near Cape Town - Sept 1976
An armed police officer trains his rifle on demonstrators during unrest near Cape Town, South Africa, September 1976. The riot follows on from the earlier disturbances in Soweto on 16 June that year.
Free Adinkra Stencil: Tabono
Free Adinkra stencil design for personal use: Tabono
Kenyatta Bio #2
First president of Kenya and prominent independence leader. Born into dominant Kikuyu culture, Kenyatta became its most famous interpreter of Kikuyu traditions through his book Facing Mount Kenya. Part 2 of his biography, from his political awakening to the Mau Mau Rebellion.
Army and Police at Roadblock during Soweto Uprising - June 1976
Police were sent in to form a line in front of the marchers -- they ordered the crowd to disperse. When they refused, police dogs were released, then teargas was fired. Students responded by throwing stones and bottles at the police. Anti-riot vehicles and members of the Anti-Urban Terrorism Unit arrived. Army helicopters dropped teargas on gatherings of students. Roadblocks were set up at all entrances to Soweto.
Biography of PW Botha
PW Botha was the archetypal hardheaded Afrikaner politician. Known as the Great Crocodile because of his abrasive nature, he lead South Africa's white-minority government during the most violent years of anti-Apartheid resistance.
Timbuktu
Timbuktu is widely used to describe a place extremely far away and regarded by many as a myth. In reality it's a city in Mali, West Africa, of such great historical importance that in 1988 it was designated a World Heritage Site.
History of Tunisia
A brief introduction to the history of Tunisia from the time of early humans to the present day.
Apartheid: How Did the NP Win?
Unsure how the Apartheid regime came into power? Find the answer in this Apartheid FAQ.
Free Adinkra Stencil: Nyansapo
Free Adinkra stencil design for personal use: Nyansapo
South African Apartheid Era Identity Numbers -- What were Apartheid Era Identity Numbers
South African Apartheid Era Identity Numbers How the Apartheid Era Identity Number Recorded Racial Categories
African History - 21 May
A chronicle of events in African history on 21 May
Who Supported Apartheid?
Unsure who supported Apartheid in South Africa? Find the answer in this Apartheid FAQ.
Kenya Timeline -- Timeline of Kenya from Independence to Present Day
A chronology of key events in Kenya's history: jomo kenyatta timeline chronology anglican archbishop africanhistory odinga
Apartheid Resources
[description goes here]: soweto south africa truth and reconciliation commission south africa apartheid apartheid government student uprising

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