Question

1. How would you describe the political and economic character of Africa prior to the arrival of European powers?

In the mid-1800s, on the eve of the European domination of Africa, African peo- ples were divided into hundreds of ethnic and linguistic groups. Most continued to follow traditional beliefs, while others converted to Islam or Christianity. These groups spoke more than 1,000 different languages. Politically, they ranged from large empires that united many ethnic groups to independent villages.
Europeans had established contacts with sub-Saharan Africans as early as the 1450s. However, powerful African armies were able to keep the Europeans out of most of Africa for 400 years. In fact, as late as 1880, Europeans controlled only 10 percent of the continent’s land, mainly on the coast.
Furthermore, European travel into the interior on a large-scale basis was vir- tually impossible. Europeans could not navigate African rivers, which had many rapids, cataracts, and changing flows.The introduction of steam-powered river- boats in the early 1800s allowed Europeans to conduct major expeditions into the interior of Africa. Disease also discouraged European exploration.

Answer 1

Well, a lot of this is already describing how Africa was before the Europeans dominated them. I'll just highlight some of the lines for you:

In the mid-1800s, on the eve of the European domination of Africa, African peoples were divided into hundreds of ethnic and linguistic groups. Most continued to follow traditional beliefs, while others converted to Islam or Christianity. These groups spoke more than 1,000 different languages. Politically, they ranged from large empires that united many ethnic groups to independent villages.

Answer 2

However, I'm not entirely sure if it's refering to before the "domination" of the Europeans, or just before the arrival.

Answer 3

i think it is the arrival

Answer 4

If it's referring to before the domination, then the answer would be something along the lines of:

Africa was divided into many ethnic groups which hard their own religions and beliefs. They were mostly independent villages and a couple of scattered larger empires

However if it's before they even came, then your answer would be something along the lines of:

Africa was powerful enough to keep Europe out for many years, however, they were not politically uniformed and economically behind. Due to the difficult terrain, they Africans were able to gain the upperhand on the Europeans.

Answer 5

thank you so much <3