A History of West Africa (Routledge Global Africa Textbooks)

This book introduces readers to the rich and fascinating history of West Africa, stretching all the way back to the stone age, and right up to the modern day. Over the course of twenty seven short and engaging chapters, the book delves into the social, cultural, economic and political history of West Africa, through prehistory, revolutions, ancient empires, thriving trade networks, religious traditions, and then the devastating impact of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and subsequent colonial rule. The book reflects on the struggle for independence and investigates how politics and economics developed in the post-colonial period. By the end of the book, readers will have a detailed understanding of the fascinating and diverse range of cultures to be found in West Africa, and of how the region relates to the rest of the world. Drawing on decades of teaching and research experience, this book will serve as an excellent textbook for entry-level History and African Studies courses, as well as providing a perfect general introduction to anyone interested in finding out about West Africa. Cover Endorsement Page Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Dedication Acknowledgments List of Figures Part I Introduction Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Writing West African History Chapter 3 Geography, Landscape, and Composition Part II Early History, State Formation, and Societies Chapter 4 Evolutions and Revolutions Chapter 5 Societies and Cultures in the Iron Age Chapter 6 The Trans-Saharan Trade Chapter 7 States and Empires Chapter 8 Domestic Economies Chapter 9 Traditional Religions Part III West Africa in the Era of Atlantic Economies and Globalization up till the Nineteenth Century Chapter 10 Islam Chapter 11 Christianity Chapter 12 The Transatlantic Slave Trade Chapter 13 Economy and Society: External Commerce Chapter 14 Transformations and Revolutions Chapter 15 Nineteenth-Century Jihads Part IV The Colonial Era Chapter 16 Colonial Rule and Its Impact Chapter 17 World Wars Chapter 18 Continentalism, Nationalism and Independence Chapter 19 The Road to Independence Part V The Postcolonial Era Chapter 20 Postcolonial Politics Chapter 21 Economies and Development Chapter 22 Postcolonial Cultures Chapter 23 Cultural Changes and Popular Cultures Chapter 24 Religions and Religious Changes Chapter 25 Contemporary Identities Chapter 26 West Africa and the Wider World Chapter 27 The Future of West Africa West Africa Timeline Index