Imperial/ Colonial
Crucifix (Nkangi Kiditu)
This 17th-century brass Kongolese crucifix was based on European models, but transformed by the local artisan who made it. In the center is Jesus, but with large hands, flattened feet, and African facial features, including protruding eyes that convey spiritual connection.
Excerpt of letter from Nzinga Mbemba to Portuguese King João III
In 1526, the king of the Kongo, Nzinga Mbemba (who by this time had adopted the Christian name of Afonso I) began writing a series of twenty-four letters to the Portuguese King Joao III appealing for an end to the slave trade.
Padrão
In the 1480s, the Portuguese brought pillars (or padraos) with them in their explorations of western and southwestern Africa and placed them at prominent points, claiming these for Portugal. This is a replica of one of them, from what is now called Cape Cross, in Namibia.
Syllabus: Women and Gender in World History, 600-2000
The syllabus below lays out a 15-week course, beginning in the 6th century and continuing through the 20th century. It provides suggestions for how to use units and their various parts with your students, as some of the materials are student-facing, and others are instructor-facing.
Freedom Narratives
Altogether, this free online website is an important resource for students and teachers who desire to understand biographical accounts and experiences of people from West Africa who fought to regain their freedom.
Primer: Imperialism
World history courses often feature the rise and fall of various empires, but often little attention is paid to the concept of empire itself.
Global Architectural History Teaching Collaborative
Perhaps most interesting and relevant for world history teachers and students are the modules that make connections across space and time.
Long Teaching Module: Women and Empire
This teaching cluster assembles an array of primary and secondary sources, as well as teaching strategies and lesson plans, for educators to effectively teach the important roles women played in colonial and imperial projects from the 17th century to the 20th century.
The Vietnam War: 1945 – 1975
Included on the site is a curriculum guide - a 180-page PDF that can be viewed on the site or downloaded. The that includes four distinct units divided chronologically (1945-1975) and further divided into eight clusters.