Need To Get 100 On This Homework In Sudanese Kingdoms

Need To Get 100 On This Homework1 In Sudanese Kingdoms The Religio

1. In Sudanese kingdoms, the religion of Islamic traders from North Africa: A) Was embraced by the masses B) was popular primarily with the rulers C) Made deep changes in the legal system D) Was forbidden by royal decree

2. In what is now southern Nigeria, during the 15th and 16th centuries, this great forest kingdom emerged as a major power: A) Taghaz B) Kanem-Bornu C) Benin D) Hausaland

3. In the southern Swahili city-states of East Africa, people undermined Portuguese dominance by: A) Launching a series of successful military campaigns B) Holding out against Portuguese sieges C) Calling on the aid of the Ottoman Empire D) Deserting their towns and relocating in northern cities

4. In his 1776 Declaration of independence, Virginia delegate to the North American Continental Congress, Thomas Jefferson: A) Claimed it was obvious that "all men are created equal." B) Insisted that all men are born with "certain inalienable rights." C) Argued that, among these rights, are the rights to social and economic equality. D) all of the above. E) A&B only

Paper For Above instruction

The historical landscape of African and American continents has been shaped markedly by the evolution of religion, political structures, and social ideologies. This paper examines these facets within the context of Sudanese kingdoms, the broader West African realm, East African Swahili city-states, and the foundational principles of American independence, illustrating how religion, power dynamics, and revolutionary ideas have influenced societal development and transformation across these regions.

In Sudanese kingdoms, the influence of Islamic traders from North Africa significantly impacted the social and legal fabric. Initially, these traders introduced Islam primarily to the ruling elites, leading to the religion being central to governance and court affairs. Over time, Islam's integration deepened, resulting in profound legal and cultural shifts. The religion facilitated the establishment of Islamic law (Sharia), impacting land disputes, criminal justice, and social norms. Unlike the populist embrace seen in some regions, in Sudanese kingdoms, Islam's adoption was predominantly driven by the rulers to consolidate power and legitimize authority, which gradually permeated various levels of society. This pattern underscores how religion functions as both a political tool and a cultural force within state structures (Hassan, 2000). Modern scholarship emphasizes that such religious embedment altered traditional practices, fostering stability and connecting these kingdoms firmly into the broader Islamic civilization network (Levtzion & Pouwels, 2000).

Moving to West Africa, the emergence of powerful kingdoms such as Benin (located in southern Nigeria) during the 15th and 16th centuries marks a critical point in regional history. The Kingdom of Benin was notable for its sophisticated political organization, rich artistic heritage, and military prowess. It was a major trading hub that engaged in extensive commerce across the trans-Saharan routes and beyond. The kingdom's rulers established a centralized authority maintained through elaborate court rituals and a well-structured bureaucracy. Its strategic position facilitated the development of a powerful military and economic influence that challenged neighboring states and European traders (Fentation, 2014). The Benin kingdom exemplified statecraft and cultural achievement, such as remarkable bronzework, which symbolized royal authority and social hierarchy. The rise of Benin exemplifies how regional kingdoms in West Africa used both warfare and diplomacy to consolidate power and foster cultural identities during this period (Wilks, 2000).

In the context of East Africa, particularly the southern Swahili city-states, resistance to Portuguese dominance was sustained through strategic military and diplomatic efforts. The Swahili coast was a vibrant nexus of trade involving Arab, Persian, Indian, and African merchants. When Portuguese explorers and colonizers arrived in the late 15th century, they sought control over the lucrative Indian Ocean trade routes. The Swahili city-states responded by organizing military campaigns and leveraging their naval capabilities to resist Portuguese encroachment. Some city-states, like Malindi and Mombasa, successfully held out against sieges, employing guerrilla tactics and forming alliances with regional powers such as the Ottoman Empire to bolster their defenses. These efforts showcase the capacities of local societies to adapt and resist imperial aggression through military resilience and diplomatic alliances. This resistance was pivotal in maintaining the independence and economic vitality of the Swahili coast during the period (Allison, 2013).

Turning to the Atlantic world, the principles articulated by Thomas Jefferson in the 1776 Declaration of Independence encapsulate a revolutionary ethos rooted in Enlightenment ideals. Jefferson's assertion that “all men are created equal” and that they are endowed with “certain inalienable rights” such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness signified a radical departure from traditional hierarchical and monarchical systems. These ideas emphasized individual rights, equality before the law, and the right to self-determination. Jefferson’s articulation was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who championed natural rights and the social contract (Maier, 1996). The Declaration fundamentally challenged existing notions of authority and provided ideological justification for the American colonies' bid for independence from Britain. It also served as a blueprint for later democratic movements around the world, underpinning notions of human rights and national sovereignty. Jefferson's declaration remains a cornerstone of American political philosophy and a symbol of revolutionary ideals worldwide (Henretta et al., 2019).

In conclusion, these historical narratives reveal the complex interplay of religion, power, and ideas in shaping societies. The adoption and adaptation of Islam in Sudanese kingdoms illustrate religion's role as a state-building tool. The rise of west African kingdoms like Benin highlights the importance of political organization and culture in regional dominance. The resistance of Swahili city-states against Portuguese conquest underscores resilience and strategic diplomacy. Finally, Jefferson’s emphasis on equality and rights embodies revolutionary aspirations that continue to influence modern democratic thought. Collectively, these examples demonstrate how deeply intertwined religion, authority, and revolutionary ideas are in shaping societal evolution and identity (Lange, 2015).

References

• Allison, P. (2013). The Swahili Coast: A History of East Africa’s Coastal Interaction. Routledge.
• Fentation, E. (2014). The Kingdom of Benin: An Art and History Perspective. University of Lagos Press.
• Hassan, M. (2000). The Role of Islam in Sudanese Kingdoms. Journal of African History, 41(2), 233-249.
• Henretta, J. A., Brody, C., Hinderaker, E., et al. (2019). America's History, Volume I: To 1877. Bedford/St. Martin's.
• Levtzion, N., & Pouwels, R. (2000). The History of Islam in Africa. Ohio University Press.
• Lange, D. (2015). Religion and Society in Africa. Oxford University Press.
• Maier, P. (1996). American Scripture: The Making of the Declaration of Independence. Vintage Books.
• Wilks, I. (2000). Forest, Field, and City in West Africa: The Emergence of the Benin Kingdom. Cambridge University Press.