1. Despite historical narratives that often leave out the history of Africa before 1800, Africans in many parts of the continent formed complex states and societies. How did trade affect the formation and functioning of pre-colonial African states? Your response should include at least three examples of African states (pre 1800) and identify the goods being traded, their trading partner(s), and how trade affected state formation, particular leaders, forms of authority, and/or the everyday administration of the state.
2. European states colonized most of the African continent by the end of the nineteenth century. Colonization entailed the political and economic absorption of the colony into that of the imperial power, but it also had far-reaching effects on African societies and culture. What were some of the most significant social and cultural transformations under colonialism? Your response should reference at least three examples of changes within social organization or cultural practices in specific African communities or colonies during the period from 1900 to 1960.
3. From roughly the end of the Second World War to 1991, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in an ideological Cold War. How did the politics of the Cold War intrude into African affairs? Explain the role of the Cold War in Africa through at least three specific examples of historical events or processes.
