This second volume of Introduction to the History of African Civilization examines Africa's history in the controversial twentieth century. It focuses on the methods of domination that were employed by colonial powers, and the new methods of domination, which were invented and employed by Western nations in the post-colonial period. While the book covers the partition of Africa, the nature and impact of colonial rule and the post- colonial situation in Africa, it is not simply a history text, for it investigates matters usually avoided in historical studies of twentieth century Africa, including the psychological impact of colonialism on the emergent middle class. Also explored is the impact of the IMF and World Bank on African economies in the post-colonial era.

Introduction to the History of African Civilization explores the major issues dominating African Civilization from the earliest recorded period to the eve of colonial conquest of the continent. C. Magbaily Fyle begins with a discussion of the myths and prejudices underlying most analyses of African issues, and moves into a discussion of the origin of humanity; the similarities between the classical Nile valley civilizations of Egypt, Nubia, Kush, and Axum; and the spread of Islam through African societies. He portrays the systems of precolonial government and society, including the role of women in governance, as well as traditional trade and agricultural patterns. Fyle provides a new perspective on the Islamic Jihads, shifting focus from Sokoto and Macina to the Senegambia and the Upper Guinea region, and a revised interpretation of the Atlantic slave trade, which includes the importance of African objectors to this process. He also discusses important cultural features such as the traditional African food, architecture, and typical structures of towns.

Intended for those interested in the African continent and the diversity of human history, this work looks at Africa's past and reflects on the changing ways it has been imagined and represented. It illustrates key themes in modern thinking about Africa's history with a range of historical examples.

This wide-ranging volume presents the most complete appraisal of modern African history to date. It assembles dozens of new and established scholars to tackle the questions and subjects that define the field, ranging from the economy, the two world wars, nationalism, decolonization, and postcolonial politics to religion, development, sexuality, and the African youth experience. Contributors are drawn from numerous fields in African studies, including art, music, literature, education, and anthropology. The themes they cover illustrate the depth of modern African history and the diversity and originality of lenses available for examining it. Older themes in the field have been treated to an engaging re-assessment, while new and emerging themes are situated as the book’s core strength. The result is a comprehensive, vital picture of where the field of modern African history stands today.

Breaking new ground in African historiography, the authors cover the period from pre-historic times to post independent Africa. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the reconstruction throws light on the economic, social and political activities of African societies before and after colonisation; and the rich African civilisations which were inward as well as outward looking. It is demonstrated that Africans were influenced by Christianity and Islam long before colonialism, and that Africa interacted with the Europeans and people from Asia in the field of trade over a long period. Sixteen chapters are prefaced by a full synopsis of the sources of African history.

The History of African Civilizations is a textbook and course reader based on the original primary research of Prof. Ampim, and it is complete with lesson plans and unit resources. This textbook follows the History 110 course outline at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California, and it focuses on human origins and African civilizations at the apex of Africa's contributions to humanity. This course, taught exclusively by Ampim, is one of the few in the U.S. that examines ancient African civilizations without dealing with the modern derailment of Africa, when it descended into slavery and colonialism several centuries ago.