The Spread of Islam and the Slave Trade Essay - 1127 Words

The Spread of Islam and the Slave Trade â€Å"Segu is a garden where cunning grows. Segu is built on treachery. Speak of Segu outside Segu, but do not speak of Segu in Segu† (Conde 3). These are the symbolic opening words to the novel Segu by Maryse Conde. The kingdom of Segu in the eighteenth and nineteenth century represents the rise and fall of many kingdoms in the pre-colonial Africa. Therefore, Segu indirectly represents the enduring struggles, triumphs, and defeats of people who are of African decent in numerous countries around the world. There are three major historical concepts that are the focus of this book. One is the spread of the Islamic religion. Another is the slave trade, and the last is the new trade in the nineteenth†¦show more content†¦The two men represent the struggle that many faced in Segu and ironically, are brothers. There are basically three standpoints when it comes to the Islamic religion. One could embrace it, and completely follow it like Tiekoro. One could simply follow it because they may feel pressured to, or one could reject it, and stand up for what they believe in. Unfortunately, it is basically a two to one scenario and the spread of Islam is inevitable. An example of the people who just followed the religion because they felt pressured were the people who sent their children to the schools that were set up to learn the religion. For the children who already had a religion, their parents sent them there to convert them, which also made the parents look good socially. If they did this, they usually got privileges and they fit in as well. Another focal point in Segu was slavery and the slave trade. There was a strong demand for slaves during this time period and the fact that human beings were being traded physically tore families and communities apart. Sadly, the younger the slave, the better they were for labor and the higher they were on demand by slave traders. A typical slave was between ten and thirty years old. The people trading the slaves viewed them as property, with absolutely no regard for their feelings or their families. The consistent trade of the slaves caused much fear and the people became alienated. â€Å"What reason could there be forShow MoreRelatedThe Change to Trade Routes Over Time926 Words   |  4 PagesIn 300 C.E., trade routes were primarily between Europe and North Africa. The way that they changed by 1450 C.E. was that they expanded southward and westward. By 1450, these trade routes went all the way through West Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian Ocean. One factor that was unchanged during this time period was that the northern coast of Africa was always involved in the trade between Africa and the rest of Eurasia. The trade networks between African and Eurasia remained very importantRead MoreThe Positive Side Of Globalization1155 Words   |  5 Pagesunites this world. As time passes, it has become easier to communicate with people worldwide. 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