Exploring a Country Bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Exploring a Country Bordering the Atlantic Ocean

OutcomesIN6.1 - Evaluate and represent personal beliefs and values by determining how culture and place influence them

IN6.2 - Examine the social and cultural diversity that exists in the world, as exemplified in Canada and a selection of countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean.

Map of Ghana

Ghana: What’s in a Country’s name?

• Ghana – means “Warrior King”, a name that was given to the medieval kings of the Ghana Empire

• During European colonial times, Ghana was once the colony of France and later by the British Empire.

• It’s name in the British Empire referred to Gold Coast.

• Where did you get your name?

• Do you know where Canada got its name? It comes from an Iroquois name Kanata-kon which means Village

History of Ghana

• Ghana became its own country on March 6th 1957

• Like Canada, Ghana is apart of the British Commonwealth – collection of countries once apart of the British Empire

• Queen Elizabeth II is still the Head of State in charge of Ghana (and the rest of the Commonwealth – however has no real power)

Kwame Nkrumah the First Prime Minister of Ghana

Ancient Ghana Empire: 830 - 1235

• The original Empire and its people lived in the area north of Ghana today (present day Mauritania, Mali, and possibly to the Atlantic Coast

• One of the early Empire’s major religion was Islam

• Powerful army as well. At any time, the Empire could put out 200, 000 men (archers, footmen, cavalry).

• These men protected and enforced the vast ancient trade network in Ancient Africa – connected Western Africa with Eastern Africa, Europe, and Egypt, and Jerusalem

Fall of Ghana• For almost 400 years, Ghana ruled western

Africa and controlled a large wealth of natural resources (gold, diamonds, ivory, and salt)

• Ghana was also known for its schools and good education

• The camel was brought in to western Africa to help carry large amounts of these resources.

• The Empire was well respected by its people and to most of its neighbours.

• Ghana’s kings were often given gifts by foreigners

• “Gold dust for the people, gold nuggets for the King!”

• Ghana grew to be a massive Empire, but couldn’t find men to defend it

Ghana Spears: What materials are used in making these deadly weapons?

The Fall of Ghana

• Morrocco was Ghana’s rival to the north• Merchants from Morrocco began spying and trading with

Ghana• In the 1040s and 50s, began attacking Ghana.• Ghana’s army would be able to defend itself for 20 years,

before it started to shrink. • Ghana’s Empire fell in the 1230s – but the name was chosen

for the new country in 1957

1471: Trade with Europe• Morrocco was not powerful enough to control Ghana after they defeated

it.• Ghana merged with Mali to form a new region until the 1450s • First Europeans to explore West Africa were the Portuguese.• By order of the Portuguese King, there were forts built to make Portugal

one of the richest kingdoms in Europe.• European countries fought wars against one another in Ghana to become

the richest and powerful countries in the world. Portuguese forts fell to the Dutch, who then fell to several other European countries (Denmark, Sweden, France, and England)

Swedish Map of Ghana Area

Slavery

• Slavery – forcible labour without pay or proper living conditions. A social injustice against human dignity

• Existed well before African – European contact in 1400s (Egyptians, Romans)

• Romans kept prisoners of war as slaves in their homes and cities, or as Gladiators for games in coliseums.

• Often shown mistreatment of the highest degree

Slavery and European Exploration

• The Slave Trade – the buying, selling, and transporting of slaves between Africa – South America – North America (Southern US and Caribbean)

• Many slaves moved through to the Americas from Ghana• Many European countries fought and competed for land in

Ghana and neighbouring countries, as well as in North and South America.

• These slaves were used as free/cheap labour to harvest or mine resources for another country’s benefit.

• Slaves were often abused and killed for disobedience and pleasure.

Life in Present Day Ghana

• Capital City – Accra• Population – 24.4 Million People (2010)• Currency – Cedi• Time Difference – 6 hours ahead of Weyburn Sk.• “A Country at the Centre of the World”

Geography

• Ghana’s cities are spread all through it’s country• Has dense deep forests, and vast grasslands and

shrublands, Mining minerals (copper, gold, zinc, silver), vast logging industry

• Neighbours Ivory Coast (West), Burkina Faso (North), Togo (East), Atlantic Ocean (South)

Flag Symbolism

• Ghana’s Flag has four major colours – Red, Gold, Green, and Black

• Red for the blood spilled during it’s history• Gold for the wealth of natural resources• Green for beautiful grasslands• Black Star for independence and freedom

from slavery from England

• Simply created, but has powerful meaning

Flag Assignment

• On half of the paper given out, draw and colour the Ghanan Flag

• On the other half of the flag, make up your own family flag. Please include all the things that make your family culture unique.

• Include your… family country/culture, family members, hobbies you participate in, language, religion