african influences

An investigation of North American history in the seven centuries before the founding of the United States, looking at how the sequential cultural layers defined by people the author calls the progenitors, conquistadores, traders, planters, imperialists, and Atlanteans contributed to the society, culture, and politics of the U.S. as it emerged after the Revolutionary War.

Describes the spread of Africans to the western hemisphere and the influences and development of their culture.

Discusses the ways in which slaves from Africa influenced various aspects of life in the New World, including gold mining, cultivation of sugar and rice, herding livestock, and ironworking.

Discusses how West Africans were taken from their homeland and brought to America as slaves, the experiences slaves had in the new country, and the contributions this cultural group made to American society. Includes sidebars, recipes, and activities.