4.1 The military developments of Oyo and Dahomey Flashcards
What kingdoms did Dahomey conquer in the 1720s?
Allada in 1724 and Whydah in 1727
Dahomey became the most powerful kingdom in the region after these conquests.
What was the role of cavalry in the Oyo Empire?
Cavalry was crucial for military power, enabling long-distance campaigns and effective raiding
Oyo was the only Yoruba state to adopt cavalry due to its geographical advantages.
How did Oyo’s military power develop after the Nupe invasion?
Stronger military and centralized government, rearming with armor and cavalry
This allowed Oyo to regain territory and build a new capital.
What was significant about the reign of Ajiboyede in Oyo?
First Bere festival, retaining significance among the Yoruba
This event marked cultural importance beyond military achievements.
What geographical advantage did Oyo have for its cavalry?
Access to horses imported by Arab traders from the north
This facilitated the effective use of cavalry in military campaigns.
What was the outcome of Oyo’s invasion of Dahomey in 1728?
Oyo emerged victorious and forced Dahomey to pay tribute
This victory began a series of invasions by Oyo into Dahomey.
What limitations did Oyo’s cavalry face?
Difficulty in feeding horses and inability to operate in unsuitable terrain
Tsetse fly prevalence restricted cavalry operations, especially in rainy seasons.
What was the relationship between the horse trade and the slave trade in Oyo?
Horses were often traded for slaves; by the late C18, Oyo was importing slaves to sell for horses
This intertwined both trades and affected military capacity.
What was the structure of Oyo’s military during the C17 and C18?
Balance of power with Oyo mesi and war chiefs; alafin had limited military authority
The Oyo mesi nominated war chiefs who commanded significant military forces.
How did the cavalry contribute to Oyo’s decline?
Civil wars and loss of skilled grooms reduced cavalry effectiveness
The decline of trade routes also impacted horse importation, weakening the military.
Who were the Oyo mesi?
A group of influential war chiefs who held significant military power
They were nominated by the alafin but had more practical control over military affairs.
What was the significance of the Eso in Oyo’s military structure?
70 war chiefs nominated by Oyo mesi, crucial for cavalry force
Their military skill was prioritized over heritage, allowing for effective leadership.
What types of infantry armor and armament were common in the Oyo region?
Shields, swords, and lances; shields were made of elephant or ox hide
Uniformity in infantry equipment was a characteristic of the region.
Fill in the blank: The Oyo cavalry was primarily composed of _______.
nobles and foreign slaves
This diversity allowed for a mix of skills and resources in military engagements.
What was the typical composition of warfare specialists in the Oyo Empire?
A small group of specialists, including war chiefs and trained warriors, largely recruited from slaves and junior relatives.
What were the main armaments used by infantry in the Oyo Empire?
Shields, swords, and lances, with shields made of elephant or ox hide and a three-foot long heavy sword for close combat.
What military title was created by Alafin Ajagbo in the Oyo Empire?
Are Ona Kakamfo.
What was the purpose of the Are Ona Kakamfo in the Oyo Empire?
To create a command structure for provincial forces independent of the basorun and the Oyo mesi.
Where was the Are Ona Kakamfo stationed, and why?
In Ilorin, to keep an eye on the enemy and prevent him from usurping the government.
Who were lesser war chiefs referred to in the Oyo Empire?
Balogun.
What role did tributary leaders and provincial governors play in the military structure of Oyo?
Responsible for collecting tribute and contributing troops to the imperial army in times of emergency.
What significant changes occurred in Dahomey after Agaja’s accession in 1708?
Dahomey became efficiently organized with an absolute monarchy controlling trade, military expansion, and centralization of power.
What system did Agaja establish to gather intelligence before military attacks?
A system of spies known as Agbadjigbeto.
How did Agaja’s military training scheme impact Dahomey?
It created a highly efficient army that went on to conquer Allada and Whydah.
What internal divisions did Agaja exploit to defeat the Allada kingdom?
The leaders of Allada often fought each other and there were internal factional disputes.
What was a key factor in the capture of Allada by Dahomey?
The Dahomians allied with Prince Hussar to attack the king’s men.
What was the outcome of the Dahomian conquest of Allada?
Agaja became the undisputed master of Allada’s royal province after several campaigns.
What happened to King Houfon during the Dahomian conquest of Whydah?
He was unable to maintain effective royal authority and was ultimately overthrown.
What military tactic did the Dahomians use during their attacks?
Surprise dawn attacks that destroyed habitations and sought to capture slaves.
What was the significance of Agaja’s military preparations before attacking Whydah?
He neutralized Whydah’s firearms and European artillery to secure a tactical advantage.
What was the main reason for Oyo’s limited success in their initial invasions of Dahomey?
Agaja’s strong military preparedness and tactics.
What actions were taken to solidify Dahomey’s relationship with Oyo as a tributary province?
Agaja sent presents and arranged royal marriages to secure peace.
What does the defeat at Jakin suggest about Agaja’s military success?
It indicates that despite territorial conquests, Agaja faced ongoing challenges to his authority.
What were the main reasons for Dahomey’s military success?
- Thorough preparation by Agaja
- Exploitation of the weaknesses of rival kingdoms
- Centralized authority and military organization.
What role did Europeans play in the successes of the Dahomian military?
They provided trade opportunities and sometimes influenced local power dynamics.
What was the outcome of the Dahomian army on 26 June 1731?
The Dahomian army suffered a very heavy defeat.
What action did Agaja take against officers who advised retreat after the defeat?
He had them executed.
What were the main reasons for Dahomey’s military success?
- Effective military organization
- Access to European supplies
- A strong network of spies (Agbajigbeto)
- Military skill and autocratic rule
What role did Europeans have in the successes of the Dahomian military?
They cooperated with Agaja, providing ships and cannons.
What was Agaja’s strategy regarding Jakin in April 1732?
He spread a rumor about attacking Paom to hide his real objective.
What economic strategy did Huffon of Whydah adopt against Dahomian rule?
A scorched earth policy.
What enabled Dahomey to maintain its power despite being close to destruction?
- Lack of effective cooperation among opposing forces
- Actions of Agaja and the military culture of the kingdom
How did Dahomey’s military power balance organization and beliefs?
With deeply-held beliefs and access to European supplies.
What was the significance of firearms in Dahomey’s military?
They enabled the creation of a strong autocratic rule.
What were the four kinds of infantry used by C17 Gold Coast states like Dahomey?
- Archers
- Spearmen with shields
- Swordsmen with battleaxes
- Musketeers
What was the role of female soldiers in Dahomey’s military?
They served as a royal bodyguard and participated in ceremonial events.
What did European accounts note about female soldiers in Dahomey during the 1720s?
They referred to women armed with muskets standing behind the king’s throne.
What was Agaja’s convention regarding men in the palace?
No man sleeps within the walls of any of my palaces after sunset but myself.
How many female soldiers were noted in the royal palace by 1772?
40 women armed with muskets and cutlasses.
What was the purpose of arming female soldiers during campaigns?
To give the impression of greater numbers.
True or False: Female soldiers regularly fought outside the palace.
False.
What did the gradual dispersal of firearms coincide with in Dahomey?
The rise and consolidation of expansionist states.
Fill in the blank: The king of Dahomey passed a law prohibiting the sale of _______.
guns and gunpowder.
Who were the Agbajigbeto in the context of Dahomey’s military?
A network of spies that sought out enemy power.
What happened during the campaigns under Agaja’s successor Tegbesu?
There was no mention of female soldiers.
