History Class Notes and Exam
1. Introduction (6 hrs)
1.1 Definition and Uses of History
- History is the study of past events, particularly in human affairs.
- Uses: Understanding past societies, learning from past mistakes, shaping identity, informing policy-making.
1.2 Methods of Historical Study
- Oral tradition, written documents, archaeological evidence, carbon dating, archives, and interviews.
1.3 Origin of Human Beings
- Scientific theory: Evolution from primates; emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa.
1.4 Emergence of State
- Formed due to population growth, need for organization, agriculture, and defense.
1.5 Features, Interdependence, and Achievements of Major Civilizations
- Egypt, Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, China: Achievements in writing, architecture, governance, trade, and science.
2. State Formation and Population Movements in the Horn of Africa till the 17th
Century (9 hrs)
2.1 North: Punt, Da’amet, Aksum, and Zagwe
- Ancient civilizations with trade, religion, architecture (e.g., stelae, churches).
2.2 South and Southwest: Bizamo, Damot, Enarya, and Gafat
- Regional states with distinct cultural and political structures.
2.3 Muslim Sultanates: Shoa, Hadya, Fatagar, Bali, Ifat, and Dawaro
- Islamic influence, trade routes, conflicts with Christian states.
2.4 Religious Movements and Reforms
- Spread of Christianity and Islam; reforms led to social changes.
2.5 Inter-State Relations: Causes of Conflicts
- Resource control, religion, territorial expansion.
2.6 International Dimensions of the Conflict
- Involvement of Portuguese and Ottoman Empires.
2.7 Population Movements in Ethiopian Region
- Migration patterns of Cushitic, Semitic, and Nilotic peoples.
2.8 Gada System of the Oromo
- Traditional socio-political system of governance among the Oromo.
3. The Modern World since 1500 (10 hrs)
3.1 The Renaissance
- Cultural rebirth in Europe; art, science, and literature flourished.
3.2 The Reformation
- Religious reform movement; Martin Luther, Protestantism.
3.3 The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
- Advancements in science and reason; key figures: Newton, Galileo, Locke, Rousseau.
3.4 The Age of Exploration and Discoveries
- Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Magellan; global trade and colonization.
3.5 The Industrial Revolution and Its Consequences
- Shift to machine production, urbanization, labor issues.
3.6 The English Bourgeois Revolution
- Civil War, execution of Charles I, rise of parliament.
3.7 The French Bourgeois Revolution
- Fall of monarchy, liberty, equality, fraternity.
3.8 The French Revolution and Napoleonic Era
- Rise and fall of Napoleon; reshaping of Europe.
3.9 Wars in America: War of Independence and Civil War
- US independence from Britain; North vs. South in Civil War.
3.10 Nationalism and Its Consequences
- Rise of national identity; impact on Europe and colonies.
3.11 Unification of Italy
- Led by Cavour and Garibaldi; creation of a unified Italian state.
3.12 Unification of Germany
- Otto von Bismarck’s leadership; Franco-Prussian War.
3.13 The Eastern Question
- Decline of Ottoman Empire; European powers' rivalry.
4. The Gonderian Period (5 hrs)
4.1 The Jesuits and Their Evangelization in Ethiopia
- Catholic missionaries’ efforts and eventual expulsion.
4.2 Establishment and Socio-economic and Political Developments of Gondar
- Cultural and political hub; construction of castles, churches.
4.3 Ascendency of the Yejju Dynasty
- Oromo influence in politics through regents.
4.4 Decadence Within the Ruling House and the Era of Lords
- Internal decline, regional lords’ rising power.
