SAT II World History : Africa from 1500 C.E. to 1900 C.E.

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II World History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Other Global Regions

One of Shaka Zulu’s chief means of uniting the peoples of southern Africa was 

Possible Answers:

an importation of new forms of livestock to existing cattle herds.

a series of negotiations and deals with British colonial officials.

a shift from herding to farming for agricultural stock.

a complete reformation of military regimentation among Zulu tribesmen.

a rapid consolidation and urbanization among Zulu tribesmen.

Correct answer:

a complete reformation of military regimentation among Zulu tribesmen.

Explanation:

Shaka, who ruled the Zulu Kingdom from 1816-1828, completely transformed the culture of his people and made the Zulus a formidable foe to British Colonists in South Africa. With an increasing encroachment by both British and Dutch descended white Africans, the Zulus began a campaign against the forces of European nations. Shaka was above all a warrior king, who reorganized his entire society around new regiments of soldiers, and made all aspects of Zulu life serve his military.

Example Question #2 : Other Global Regions

The voortrekkers of South Africa were people largely descended from

Possible Answers:

Dutch settlers.

English settlers.

Indian immigrants.

Zulu tribes.

Xhosa tribes.

Correct answer:

Dutch settlers.

Explanation:

The voortrekkers were descendants of the intial Dutch settlers from the Cape Colony. When British colonization of South Africa began in the 1830s, the voortrekkers moved inland to take the inland agricultural areas. In doing this, they displaced many native Africans, often with the use of considerable force.

Example Question #3 : Other Global Regions

During the period of the Atlantic slave trade, the majority of African slaves were taken to which of the following locations?

Possible Answers:

Mexico and the Caribbean

Brazil and the Caribbean

Brazil and Portugal

The United States and Mexico

The United States and China

Correct answer:

Brazil and the Caribbean

Explanation:

During the Atlantic slave trade, most African slaves were sent to either Brazil or to plantations in the Caribbean. The Portuguese did not take slaves back to Portugal but rather to their many plantations in Brazil.

Example Question #4 : Other Global Regions

Shaka the warrior-king led which African people to military success in the early nineteenth century?

Possible Answers:

The Zulu

The Ayyubids

The Ethiopians

The Boers

The Malinese

Correct answer:

The Zulu

Explanation:

Shaka the Zulu is one of the most famous and significant African rulers of the nineteenth century. He is often credited with uniting several tribes into the Zulu nation and his military prowess is revered by some historians. His rule was also one of great brutality and relatively short-lived for such a famous king. (He ruled for a little over a decade.) He continues to be influential in African culture to this day, particularly in South Africa.

Example Question #5 : Other Global Regions

In which century did the British government abolish slavery throughout the British Empire?

Possible Answers:

Twentieth

Nineteenth

Seventeenth

Eighteenth

Sixteenth

Correct answer:

Nineteenth

Explanation:

The abolition movement began in Britain towards the end of the eighteenth century. In 1807, Parliament passed a law banning the slave trade, which made it illegal for any British citizen to buy or kidnap a slave from Africa; however, the institution of slavery remained in effect in some parts of the British Empire. This was ended by the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

Example Question #6 : Other Global Regions

Which of the following was not an effect of the Columbian Exchange on Africa?

Possible Answers:

All of these were effects of the exchange on Africa

None of these were effects of the exchange on Africa

Millions of able-bodied people were taken from Africa as slaves, contributing to societal collapse

New World crops were introduced to Africa, transforming agriculture there

The greatest West African kingdoms arose in this period due to the introduction of firearms

Correct answer:

The greatest West African kingdoms arose in this period due to the introduction of firearms

Explanation:

The introduction of firearms in West Africa contributed to increased conflicts in this period among various tribes and kingdoms, leading to the collapse of larger states, including the greatest West African kingdoms (which had emerged before this period) that still remained. The growing Atlantic slave trade did cause societal collapse both by contributing to these growing conflicts and by taking millions of able-bodied people from Africa. Meanwhile, agriculture was transformed (and the demographic losses due to war and slavery were somewhat offset) by introduction of New World crops like peanuts and manioc.

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