Economic History of West Africa

Tony reviews 'The Economic History of West Africa' by A.E.G. Hopkins, highlighting the book's insights into pre-colonial trade, commerce, and culture in West Africa. He emphasizes the importance of understanding African history from an African perspective, dispelling myths of African savagery and highlighting the region's rich history of trade and economic systems. The book also offers a nuanced view of slavery in West Africa, contrasting it with the brutality of slavery in the Caribbean and North America. Tony recommends the book for those interested in African history.

What is the main focus of the book 'The Economic History of West Africa' by A.E.G. Hopkins?

• The cultural history of West Africa

• The colonization of West Africa

• The economic development of West Africa post-independence

• The economic history of West Africa before colonization

What term was used in the book to refer to West Africa?

• East Sudan

• West Sudan

• Central Sudan

• North Sudan

Which nations did West Africa trade with before the arrival of Europeans?

• Asian nations

• South American nations

• Arab nations

• North American nations

What was one of the main items traded in West Africa that was used to preserve food?

• Gold

• Salt

• Silver

• Spices

How did the book describe the nature of slavery in West Africa compared to the Atlantic slave trade?

• Non-existent

• More brutal

• Less brutal

• Equally brutal

What was a significant trade item in West Africa that provided energy when chewed?

• Kola nuts

• Tea leaves

• Cocoa beans

• Coffee beans

What misconception about West African economies does the author aim to dispel?

• They were primitive and uncivilized

• They were the same as European economies

• They were non-existent

• They were highly advanced

According to the book, how long have Africans been on Earth compared to Europeans?

• 10,000 years longer

• 5,000 years longer

• 14,000 years longer

• 20,000 years longer

What does the author suggest about learning history?

• Ignore historical studies

• Be responsible for learning independently

• Learn from outsiders

• Rely on public systems

What rating does the narrator give to the book 'The Economic History of West Africa'?

• Four out of five stars

• Three out of five stars

• Two out of five stars

• Five out of five stars