1.4. The decline of the Songhay Empire

Question 1

What were the main reasons for the decline of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 1

Succession crises, civil war of succession, Moroccan invasion (1591)

These factors contributed to political instability and weakened the empire.

Question 2

How did the reign of Askia Mohammed affect the political stability of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 2

The Songhay became more politically unstable following his reign due to internal divisions and succession crises.

Question 3

True or False: The Moroccan invasion in 1591 was the sole reason for the decline of the Songhay Empire.

Answer 3

False

Other factors such as internal conflicts and economic issues also played significant roles.

Question 4

What term refers to an early musket used during the decline of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 4

Arquebuses

Question 5

Who was the benga-farma?

Answer 5

Governor of the Lakes

Question 6

What was the Kabara Farma?

Answer 6

Chief of the port

Question 7

What title did military commanders hold in the Songhay Empire?

Answer 7

Drum lords

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The Moroccan invasion of 1591 found the Songhay Empire _______.

Answer 8

undefended

Question 9

What was a significant consequence of the internal divisions during Askia Mohammed’s reign?

Answer 9

Factionalism and instability among rival brothers

Question 10

Who was executed by Askia Muhammad Bani, leading to further instability?

Answer 10

His two exiled brothers in Kanatu

Question 11

What marked the beginning of the civil war in 1588?

Answer 11

The succession dispute between Ishaq and Sadiq, two sons of Askia Dawud.

Question 12

What issue caused ongoing disputes between the Songhay Empire and Morocco?

Answer 12

Control of the Taghaza salt mines

Question 13

What was the primary source of revenue for the Songhay Empire?

Answer 13

Salt from the Taghaza mines

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The Moroccan ruler who demanded control of Taghaza was ______.

Answer 14

Mulay Abbas Ahmed

Question 15

What event in 1578 affected the relationship between Morocco and the Songhay Empire?

Answer 15

The Moroccans defeated a Portuguese army, ending Portuguese territorial claims in Morocco.

Question 16

What military technology did the Moroccan army utilize during their invasion?

Answer 16

Arquebuses and cannons

Question 17

What was the outcome of the battle at Tondibi?

Answer 17

The Moroccan force was massively outnumbered and defeated.

Question 18

What caused confusion and disbelief among Songhay leaders before the Moroccan invasion?

Answer 18

A Tuareg tribe killed the messenger informing them of the Moroccan army’s approach.

Question 19

What was a consequence of the civil war in terms of military leadership?

Answer 19

Songhay lost most of its finest military commanders.

Question 20

True or False: Askia Ishaq II was vengeful after defeating Sadiq.

Answer 20

False

He proved less vengeful but still executed the chief of the Maghsharen Tuaregs.

Question 21

How did Askia Ishaq II’s actions alienate the Tuareg people?

Answer 21

By executing their chief, Tibirt.

Question 22

What factor weakened the Songhay Empire’s state apparatus prior to the Moroccan invasion?

Answer 22

Rapid expansion leading to internal revolts.

Question 23

What was the significance of the Moroccan conquest in 1591?

Answer 23

It marked the collapse of the Songhay Empire.

Question 24

What long-term issue contributed to the decline of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 24

Debts accrued by Askia Mohammed’s pilgrimage to Mecca.

Question 25

What was the impact of climate change on the Songhay Empire?

Answer 25

It contributed to drought and disease, exacerbating internal issues.

Question 26

What was the outcome of the Battle of Tondibi?

Answer 26

The Songhay army withdrew after being defeated by the Moroccans, who used superior gunpowder weapons.

Question 27

What was the estimated size of the Songhay army at Tondibi?

Answer 27

Between 12,500 to 18,000 horsemen and approximately 10,000 to 30,000 infantry.

Question 28

What tactic did the Songhay army use during the Battle of Tondibi?

Answer 28

They advanced with infantry in the center driving cattle before them and cavalry on the wings.

Question 29

What caused the Songhay army's tactic of advancing behind cattle to backfire?

Answer 29

The Moroccan musketeers began shooting, startling the cattle and causing a backward stampede.

Question 30

Who provided substantial financial and military support to the Moroccan forces?

Answer 30

Elizabeth I of England.

Question 31

How many English artillery mercenaries were part of the Moroccan invading force?

Answer 31

200.

Question 32

What was the older standard interpretation of the Moroccan victory over Songhay?

Answer 32

That it was unconditional and spelled the end of the Songhay Empire.

Question 33

What does Reid argue regarding the Moroccan victory?

Answer 33

That it sparked a prolonged war of attrition lasting for another twenty years.

Question 34

What offer did Ishaq II make to Judar when Gao was forced to surrender?

Answer 34

100,000 pieces of gold and 1,000 slaves.

Question 35

What was the outcome of the Battle of Gurma?

Answer 35

A complete victory for the Moroccans; the Songhay forces fled in disorder.

Question 36

Who took the throne after Ishaq II's death?

Answer 36

Muhammad Gao.

Question 37

What control did Judar secure after the Moroccan invasion?

Answer 37

Control over the salt trade.

Question 38

What happened to Gao and Timbuktu after the Moroccan invasion?

Answer 38

They were sacked and heavily damaged.

Question 39

What was the outcome of the Moroccan occupation of Songhay by 1618?

Answer 39

The occupation ended, but Songhay's power had been broken.

Question 40

What internal crises plagued the Songhay state after the Moroccan war?

Answer 40

Succession crises and lack of loyalty among regional leaders.

Question 41

What was the geographical extent of the Songhay Empire by 1500?

Answer 41

1.4 million km².

Question 42

What was a significant reason for the decline of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 42

The Moroccan invasion and subsequent conflicts.

Question 43

What were the consequences of succession crises in the Songhay Empire?

Answer 43

Conspiracies, squabbles, and revolts among rulers.

Question 44

What external influence significantly affected Songhay's economy?

Answer 44

The rise of Portuguese influence and development of coastal ports.

Question 45

What religious tensions existed within the Songhay Empire?

Answer 45

Tensions between Islamic and traditional faiths, especially in agricultural areas.

Question 46

Fill in the blank: The Moroccan army was supported by _______ from Europe and cannons from England.

Answer 46

arquebus.

Question 47

True or False: The Songhay Empire was able to maintain stability after the Moroccan invasion.

Answer 47

False.

Question 48

What was the impact of civil war in the Songhay Empire?

Answer 48

It led to significant loss of military leadership and weakened the state.

Question 49

What was the significance of Askia Dawud's military expeditions?

Answer 49

They indicated a concentrated effort to assert control but ultimately showed decline.

Question 50

What did the struggles for leadership among the ruling family affect?

Answer 50

The stability of satellite and vassal states.

Question 51

What did Ewa argue about the Songhay Empire's weaknesses?

Answer 51

They had begun to emerge long before the Moroccan invasion.

Question 52

What should Songhay's rulers have focused on during the second half of the sixteenth century?

Answer 52

Addressing internal conflicts and strengthening governance.