History of Africa

Season 4 Episode 2: Settlers from All Shores

This episode charts the numerous hypotheses and perceptions of Madagascar's confusing early history of migrations, its place in the economic system of the ancient Indian Ocean, and the demographics that eventually became the ancestors of the Malagasy.
Support the show

Season 4 Episode 1: Madagascar - The Eighth Continent

Today, we take our first steps into the history of Madagascar by looking at some unique features of the island itself, including the various topological and climatic regions within, as well as its unique flora and fauna.
Support the show

Sokoto Revolution ep. 4: A West African Caliphate

By the 1810s, the militant stage of the Sokoto Revolution was coming to an end. The Commander of the Believers, Usman Dan Fodio, had vanquished his enemies. What had started as a small social movement led by a charismatic iterant teacher had conquered the largest contiguous territory in the entirety of Africa. And, according to Fodio, this new state would be no ordinary empire, but a righteous state that carried on the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad himself. His imamate would be a government worthy to call itself Muhammad's successor: the Sokoto Caliphate.However, this would prove to be no easy task. Join us for our final part of our examination of the Sokoto Revolution, in which we take a critical and close look at the consequences of Fodio's  world altering movement, as well as the monumental progress and suffering that define its legacy.
Support the show

Sokoto Revolution ep. 3: From Shehu to Revolutionary

Just as tensions are heating to a fever pitch between Usman Dan Fodio and the Gobirawa Monarchy, the sudden death of Sarki Nafata seems like a sign of future relief. The young prince Yunfa, a former student of Fodio, comes to the throne. However, Yunfa's ascent would not mark the end of tension between the Jamaa and Gobir. Rather, it was the final step in the escalation of Gobir into a state of civil war that would eventually envelope all of Kasar Hausa.
Support the show

Sokoto Revolution ep. 2: Usman Dan Fodio - Student and Teacher

In this episode we trace the beginnings of the empire of Gobir, the early life of Usman Dan Fodio, his intellectual and political influences, and the beginning of his rise to prominence during the rule of Sarki Bawa.
Support the show

Sokoto Revolution ep. 1: The Seven Cities and the Seven Bastards

In the early 19th century, Northern Nigeria underwent a dramatic social, political, economic, and religious transformation. The cause: a revolution. Led by the charismatic Shehu Usman Dan Fodio, a small army of revolutionaries managed to topple the centuries-old kingdoms of Kasar Hausa and replace them with a new order.  The Sokoto Caliphate was born.How did this happen? How should we view the Sokoto Revolution in retrospect? Was the Sokoto Revolution a violent jihad led by dangerous terrorists, the ideological ancestors of Boko Haram? Were they men and women fighting for freedom and dignity against wicked despots? And, perhaps the most pressing question of all: is there even a difference between a terrorist, revolutionary, and freedom fighter?Join us on our first special mini-series chosen by the topic of our patreon supporters: the Fulani Jihad of Usman Dan Fodio. 
Support the show

Season 3 Episode 30 - The War of the Golden Stool (Part 2)

As the War of the Golden Stool intensifies, the British suffer their biggest defeat in Ghana since Nsamankow at the Battle of Kokofu. Despite this unexpected defeat, the British re-evaluate their strategy and, between a daring escape attempt by the colonial governor and a readjustment of battlefield strategy, the British manage to reverse their floundering war effort. But even if the war is a defeat, that doesn't make it a loss. The tough fighting of the War of the Golden Stool will leave a lasting impression on both the Ashanti and the British. The war's legacy will ensure the survival not only of the Ashanti nation and monarchy, but the survival of traditional monarchies all of British Africa.Notre Dame StoriesStories highlighting Notre Dame’s work to be a force for good in the world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 3 Episode 30 - The War for the Golden Stool (Part 1)

In 1900, the War for the Golden Stool began when Ashanti militia companies attacked the occupying British garrisons and pushed them out of Asanteman. The few that remained were trapped in Fort Kumasi and besieged from all sides by Ashanti militiamen. What came next is the most famous war in Ashanti history, the War of the Golden Stool. Would this war turn out to be the easy victory that the British expected? Or would the Ashanti win a victory to ensure that their nation and culture survived?Notre Dame StoriesStories highlighting Notre Dame’s work to be a force for good in the world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 3 Episode 29 - Yaa Asantewaa

Outside of Ghana, Yaa Asantewaa is the most famous Ashanti historical figure by a wide margin. The queen-mother of Ejisu is widely cited as the pre-eminent symbol of Afro-feminism, a black African woman who advocated for the position of women and led Ashanti society in its last major resistance against British colonialism.These depictions, while not necessarily incorrect, miss out on much of the context behind the rise of Yaa Asantewaa. They also often misunderstand the purpose of the rebellion she led, her role within that rebellion, and the context behind its beginning. So, who was Yaa Asantewaa? Why did she become such a dominant figure in Ashanti history? And how did the war of the Gold Stool begin?Notre Dame StoriesStories highlighting Notre Dame’s work to be a force for good in the world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 3 Episode 28 - Prempeh: the Last Independent King of the Ashanti

After finally putting an end to the gruelling Ashanti Civil War, Agyeman Prempeh I goes to work trying to repair his country's economy through the importation of new industries. But, his reign is cut short by the gradual escalation of tensions between his kingdom and the British Empire.Accompanying blog post: https://historyofafricapodcast.blogspot.com/2022/08/s3e28-prempeh-last-independent-king-of.htmlNotre Dame StoriesStories highlighting Notre Dame’s work to be a force for good in the world.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices