Study History notes on Effects of the Bantu Migration and Great Zimbabwe for O-Level. Useful for revision, homework, and exam preparation in Zimbabwe.
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This is the O-Level History notes. It is a free notes for revision.
History Study Notes AFRICAN HISTORY The Effects of the Bantu Migration The following effects resulted from the Bantu migration to the South: - The spread in the use of iron technology and knowledge. - There were improvements in the methods used to make and forge iron. - This led to an increase in food production as better tools were made. - Led to the domestication of cattle which were used to pay the bride's price and as an insurance against droughts. - Led to improvements in crop cultivation-also a variety of sorghum and millets were introduced. - This led to a change from hunting and gathering to agri-based communities which were more sedentary. - These were used for making thick porridge and for brewing beer. - Led to the spread of religion which was used as a way to unite the people. - The divine right of kings as defined in most religions helped to keep rebellions in check. - The creation of states in Central and Southern Africa. - This was helped by the creation of more permanent systems. - It also resulted in the movement of Khoi-San communities to remote areas and mountains where they continue to live to this day e.g. in the Kalahari. - Bantu migration also led to the loss of culture of the local Khoi-San communities that remained on the land as they were absorbed into the Bantu culture. Great Zimbabwe: Reasons for the Building of the Great Zimbabwe Walls 1. It was built as a trading center. 2. It was a Religious center. 3. It was a dwelling place (for the royal family). 4. It was a symbol of power. 5. It was an administrative center. 6. It was the mambo's court. 7. There were good pastures around the area and a lot of gold deposits as well as other environmental factors that favoured the establishment of a settlement in the area. 8. It acted as a fortress in times of war. Reasons for the rise of the Great Zimbabwe state : Great Zimbabwe: Reasons for the rise of the Great Zimbabwe state - There are several reasons for the rise of the Great Zimbabwe state: - Rich soils- the availability of rich agricultural soils. The black and red soils around the Great Zimbabwe area were especially suited for agriculture. The Shona cultivated a number of crops that sustained them and thus were able to build a large state. - Pastures- the Great Zimbabwe area was suited for livestock area as it had a lot of pastures and the area was free from malaria and other diseases as well as tsetse flies. The Shona kept large herds of cattle which they used for a number …