Amy McKenna
Encyclopædia Britannica Editor
Amy McKenna is a senior editor, primarily focused on geography and history matters pertaining to sub-Saharan Africa. She joined Encyclopaedia Britannica in 2004. She was previously employed by Standard Educational Corporation, where she worked on the New Standard Encyclopedia for eight years.
Primary Contributions (111)
The 3.5% rule refers to the assertion that if at least 3.5% of a country’s population has actively opposed the government during a “peak” (significant) event, then that government will not be able to withstand the challenge. The claim was first presented by Erica Chenoweth (they/them), a political…
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Name the African Battle
Before They Were World Leaders: Africa Edition
African Leaders: Part Two
Africa’s Physical Features
African Leaders: Part One
Robert Mugabe: Fact or Fiction?
Walnuts: Fact or Fiction?
Publications (3)
The History of Southern Africa (January 2011)
The history of southern Africa is marked by both the convergence and divergence of diverse cultures. Clashes between European settlers and indigenous peoples throughout this section of the continent were common. At stake were rights to a wealth of natural resources and, as time went by, independence. This volume surveys the often volatile histories of each country in the region and introduces readers to the diversity of peoples that are an important element of each countrys past and future.
The History of Western Africa (January 2011)
From its ancient kingdoms to the independent post-colonial states that make up the region today, western Africa has transformed dramatically over the centuries. Economically lucrative for European slave traders and later for their colonial successors, the territories along Africas Atlantic coast were forced to overcome great adversity before achieving autonomy. This volume surveys the history of the many nations of western Africa where vestiges of its celebrated past are still visible in cities...
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The History of Central and Eastern Africa (January 2011)
The abundance of natural resources endemic to central and eastern Africa has been critical in shaping the trajectory of the civilizations that have made the region their home. Like the rest of the continent, however, the areas riches also made them vulnerable to slave traders and colonizers who left a devastating legacy in their wake. This engrossing selection documents the history of a region that witnessed some of the worlds most brutal and destructive conflicts as well as the birth of several...
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