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.
