Trade Monopolies
Linda Hill
Tradutor A AI
Editora: Publifye
Sinopse
Trade Monopolies explores pre-colonial Africa's economic history, revealing how control over essential resources shaped empires and influenced political power. The book argues that trade monopolies, particularly in salt, gold, and ivory, were central to state formation and economic systems. Intriguingly, these resources were not merely commodities; their control was deeply intertwined with political strategies and social structures. The book uniquely emphasizes the internal dynamics of African economies, showcasing the strategic decision-making of African societies rather than portraying them as passive recipients of external forces. The book's approach is both historical and economic, drawing from diverse sources like Arabic chronicles and archaeological evidence. Structured in three parts, the book begins by introducing the concept of trade monopolies and then examines specific case studies, such as the salt trade in the Sahara and the gold trade in West Africa. Finally, it synthesizes these findings to draw broader conclusions about their long-term consequences, including impacts on social stratification and inter-regional conflict.
