1.4. The decline of the Songhay Empire Flashcards
What were the main reasons for the decline of the Songhay Empire?
Succession crises, civil war of succession, Moroccan invasion (1591)
These factors contributed to political instability and weakened the empire.
How did the reign of Askia Mohammed affect the political stability of the Songhay Empire?
The Songhay became more politically unstable following his reign due to internal divisions and succession crises.
True or False: The Moroccan invasion in 1591 was the sole reason for the decline of the Songhay Empire.
False
Other factors such as internal conflicts and economic issues also played significant roles.
What term refers to an early musket used during the decline of the Songhay Empire?
Arquebuses
Who was the benga-farma?
Governor of the Lakes
What was the Kabara Farma?
Chief of the port
What title did military commanders hold in the Songhay Empire?
Drum lords
Fill in the blank: The Moroccan invasion of 1591 found the Songhay Empire _______.
undefended
What was a significant consequence of the internal divisions during Askia Mohammed’s reign?
Factionalism and instability among rival brothers
Who was executed by Askia Muhammad Bani, leading to further instability?
His two exiled brothers in Kanatu
What marked the beginning of the civil war in 1588?
The succession dispute between Ishaq and Sadiq, two sons of Askia Dawud.
What issue caused ongoing disputes between the Songhay Empire and Morocco?
Control of the Taghaza salt mines
What was the primary source of revenue for the Songhay Empire?
Salt from the Taghaza mines
Fill in the blank: The Moroccan ruler who demanded control of Taghaza was ______.
Mulay Abbas Ahmed
What event in 1578 affected the relationship between Morocco and the Songhay Empire?
The Moroccans defeated a Portuguese army, ending Portuguese territorial claims in Morocco.
What military technology did the Moroccan army utilize during their invasion?
Arquebuses and cannons
What was the outcome of the battle at Tondibi?
The Moroccan force was massively outnumbered and defeated.
What caused confusion and disbelief among Songhay leaders before the Moroccan invasion?
A Tuareg tribe killed the messenger informing them of the Moroccan army’s approach.
What was a consequence of the civil war in terms of military leadership?
Songhay lost most of its finest military commanders.
True or False: Askia Ishaq II was vengeful after defeating Sadiq.
False
He proved less vengeful but still executed the chief of the Maghsharen Tuaregs.
How did Askia Ishaq II’s actions alienate the Tuareg people?
By executing their chief, Tibirt.
What factor weakened the Songhay Empire’s state apparatus prior to the Moroccan invasion?
Rapid expansion leading to internal revolts.
What was the significance of the Moroccan conquest in 1591?
It marked the collapse of the Songhay Empire.
What long-term issue contributed to the decline of the Songhay Empire?
Debts accrued by Askia Mohammed’s pilgrimage to Mecca.
What was the impact of climate change on the Songhay Empire?
It contributed to drought and disease, exacerbating internal issues.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Tondibi?
The Songhay army withdrew after being defeated by the Moroccans, who used superior gunpowder weapons.
What was the estimated size of the Songhay army at Tondibi?
Between 12,500 to 18,000 horsemen and approximately 10,000 to 30,000 infantry.
What tactic did the Songhay army use during the Battle of Tondibi?
They advanced with infantry in the center driving cattle before them and cavalry on the wings.
What caused the Songhay army’s tactic of advancing behind cattle to backfire?
The Moroccan musketeers began shooting, startling the cattle and causing a backward stampede.
Who provided substantial financial and military support to the Moroccan forces?
Elizabeth I of England.
How many English artillery mercenaries were part of the Moroccan invading force?
200.
What was the older standard interpretation of the Moroccan victory over Songhay?
That it was unconditional and spelled the end of the Songhay Empire.
What does Reid argue regarding the Moroccan victory?
That it sparked a prolonged war of attrition lasting for another twenty years.
What offer did Ishaq II make to Judar when Gao was forced to surrender?
100,000 pieces of gold and 1,000 slaves.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Gurma?
A complete victory for the Moroccans; the Songhay forces fled in disorder.
Who took the throne after Ishaq II’s death?
Muhammad Gao.
What control did Judar secure after the Moroccan invasion?
Control over the salt trade.
What happened to Gao and Timbuktu after the Moroccan invasion?
They were sacked and heavily damaged.
What was the outcome of the Moroccan occupation of Songhay by 1618?
The occupation ended, but Songhay’s power had been broken.
What internal crises plagued the Songhay state after the Moroccan war?
Succession crises and lack of loyalty among regional leaders.
What was the geographical extent of the Songhay Empire by 1500?
1.4 million km².
What was a significant reason for the decline of the Songhay Empire?
The Moroccan invasion and subsequent conflicts.
What were the consequences of succession crises in the Songhay Empire?
Conspiracies, squabbles, and revolts among rulers.
What external influence significantly affected Songhay’s economy?
The rise of Portuguese influence and development of coastal ports.
What religious tensions existed within the Songhay Empire?
Tensions between Islamic and traditional faiths, especially in agricultural areas.
Fill in the blank: The Moroccan army was supported by _______ from Europe and cannons from England.
arquebus.
True or False: The Songhay Empire was able to maintain stability after the Moroccan invasion.
False.
What was the impact of civil war in the Songhay Empire?
It led to significant loss of military leadership and weakened the state.
What was the significance of Askia Dawud’s military expeditions?
They indicated a concentrated effort to assert control but ultimately showed decline.
What did the struggles for leadership among the ruling family affect?
The stability of satellite and vassal states.
What did Ewa argue about the Songhay Empire’s weaknesses?
They had begun to emerge long before the Moroccan invasion.
What should Songhay’s rulers have focused on during the second half of the sixteenth century?
Addressing internal conflicts and strengthening governance.
