Changes and Continuities in Sub Saharan Africa from 1450 to the Present

Many changes and continuities happened in Sub saharan Africa from 1450 to the present. Changes can be seen in the increase and spread of Christianity, and other outside religions, as well as the normalization of polygamy. Continuities can be seen in cultural beliefs, the continuing influence of islam and the independent gender roles of women. Although Sub-Saharan Africa had many cultural and religious changes during this time period, it also had key continuities in things such as religious beliefs and the gender roles of women.

During the time period from 1450 to the present, Sub Saharan experienced a gradual change in religion; Christianity increasing in popularity during the Age of Exploration. Europeans and European explorers, such as Vasco de Gama, spread their religion all throughout Africa during their expeditions. This switch to European religion offered political and economic incentives for the people of Sub-Saharan Africa. Not only did the adoption of European Christianity allow Africans to become associated with advanced societies, but it also facilitated trade with European traders as well. By being a part of, or closely associated, with an important aspect of European culture, Africans were able to gain the favour of their European counterparts so that they could rely on them for help in the future. It facilitated trade because European merchants were more comfortable trading with people of similar, or same religion. King Afonso I of the Congo converted to Christianity, and even promoted it, to encourage trade between Africans and Europeans. This type of trading led to a new culture.

Another change in this period of Sub- Saharan Africa is the spread of outside religion throughout various parts of Africa. These outside religion didn’t just spread exclusively to areas where trade was happening, it also spread to other, more inward areas. The division of Africa between the European nations during the Berlin Conference of 1885 led to expansive religious influence. By the end of this time period both Islam and Christianity were practiced throughout various Sub-Saharan African societies. More outside religions developed in African communities along the Eastern Coast because of trade within the Indian Ocean. Influences from Islam, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity can be found in places such as Zimbabwe and Kilwa. Despite the fact that Africa gained its independence, these religions and diversities are still present in many African cities today.

One final change is the normalization of polygamy in Sub- Saharan Africa. This happened as a result of the European Slave Trade; as African men were sold into cheap overseas labour, the women were left behind. This resulted in an unequal amount of men to women. Women began flocking to the only remaining men left, which was very little, so when there wasn’t enough, men began having multiple wives. Polygamy became a normal part of African culture as a result of the European Slave Trade.

One continuity of Sub-Saharan

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