SOCIETIES OF WEST AFRICA U.S. History

Physical Map of Africa Sahara Kalahari West Africa

African Geography and World Trade By 1500 CE, coastal ports had linked Africa with the rest of the world, for many centuries. Ports on the Mediterranean and red sea linked to Arabia and Persia. East coast Africa carried out trade through the Indian ocean.

Ghana Grows Wealthy Camels made it possible to link Ghana across the Sahara. Ghana the first to grow wealthy from trade. Ghana became wealthy by controlling the trade of gold and salt. (Salt helps the body retain water in hot weather.) Ghanaian kings imposed taxes on goods. taxes had to be paid in gold. Used the wealth to pay for an army and to build an empire.

Islam Enters Ghana Many traders who came to Ghana from North Africa were Muslim. Muslims are the followers of the religion of Islam. Islam: Founded by the prophet Mohammad in the 600s CE. One God, Allah. Must perform five prayers daily. Must make a pilgrimage to Mecca. As Islam was brought to Ghana, its rulers allowed Muslims to build Mosques in the capital Kumbi Saleh.

Mali Replaces Ghana By 1200 CE, Mali had taken over most of Ghana’s territory. It was better able to control the trade with the use of the Niger River. It’s wealth came from the Gold and Salt Trade.

The Empire of Songhai As Mali’s power decreased, the Songhai people living by the Niger River broke away from its control Captured the great city of Timbuktu and the city of Djenné. In addition to conquering trade territories, set up an organized system of government..

Songhai By 1591, The Songhai were defeated by Northern African fighting force from Morocco. Despite its wealth and learning, Songhai lacked modern weapons to compete with the gunpowder and cannons. The Songhai were armed with spears and swords.