POD Quiz 8 Flashcards
Explain how the introduction of iron technology transformed the lives of people in West Africa.
Improved Agriculture
Iron tools made farming easier and more productive, leading to surplus crops and supporting larger communities.
Advanced Warfare
Iron weapons were stronger and more effective, giving groups with iron technology a military advantage.
Economic and Social Development
The ability to produce and trade iron tools and weapons boosted local economies and led to the growth of powerful societies- such as Ghana, Mali and the Songhai empires- as well as trade networks.
How did Ghana’s location and resources contribute to its wealth and power?
Strategic Location
Ghana was located between the gold-rich regions in the south and the salt-rich areas in the north, making it a key center for trade.
Its position along major trade routes allowed it to control and tax traders passing through, boosting its wealth.
The gold and salt trade established Koumbi, Ghana’s capital, as the wealthiest city in West Africa from about 800 to 1050 CE.
Control of Trade
Ghana controlled the gold and salt trade, two of the most valuable resources of the time.
By taxing goods like gold and salt, the empire became extremely wealthy and powerful.
Strong Military
Ghana maintained a strong army to protect its trade routes and territory.
This ensured safety for traders and allowed the empire to enforce its control over trade networks.
What were the main uses and purposes of salt in medieval West Africa, and why was it so valuable?
Food
Without refrigerators, people used salt to keep meat and other foods from spoiling.
This was especially important in hot climates where food would rot quickly.
Used as a seasoning to make food taste better
Health and Nutrition
Salt is an important electrolyte that helps the body stay balanced, preventing dehydration and aiding muscle function.
It was especially important in hot regions where people lost salt through sweat and needed to replace it to stay healthy.
Trade and Wealth
Salt was so valuable it was sometimes traded for gold, leading to the saying “gold for salt.”
Control of the salt trade made West African kingdoms like Ghana very wealthy and powerful.
What led Ibn Battuta to leave his home and go on such extensive travels?
Religion
Ibn Battuta was initially motivated by a desire to go on a Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is an important religious duty for Muslims.
Quest for Knowledge
His curiosity and love for learning about new cultures, legal systems, and sciences fueled his travels beyond the pilgrimage.
Adventure and Fame
The excitement of adventure, meeting new people, and the fame associated with being a well-traveled scholar also played a part in his extensive journeys.
Describe three achievements that Mansa Musa is best known for.
Wealth and Generosity
Mansa Musa was known for his incredible wealth, as Mali was rich in gold.
During his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, he gave away so much gold in Cairo that it caused inflation, lowering the value of gold for years.
Promotion of Islam and Education
He spread Islamic beliefs throughout Mali by building mosques, supporting scholars, and encouraging Islamic learning.
He brought back architects, scholars, and teachers from his pilgrimage, helping turn Timbuktu into a major center of learning.
Architectural/Cultural Achievements
Mansa Musa funded the construction of great mosques, including in Timbuktu.
His support of art, literature, and education helped make Mali a famous center of trade and culture in West Africa.
Describe three major ways Askia Muhammad strengthened the Songhai Empire
Religious Reforms
Strongly promoted Islam, helping it spread throughout the empire.
Encouraged Islamic law as the basis for governing, making Songhai unified under a common religion.
Appointed Muslim judges to ensure that laws were based on Islamic teachings.
Administrative/Military Organization
Established a structured government by dividing the empire into provinces, each led by a governor to maintain order.
Created a system of tax collectors, trade inspectors, and government officials to regulate trade and provide stability.
Strengthened the army and built a navy, which allowed Songhai to control the Niger River, defend trade routes, and expand its territory.
Gao became a very important city because of its strategic location on the banks of the Niger River
Promotion of Learning and Culture
Made Songhai a center for Islamic learning by supporting scholars, teachers, and artists.
Improved Timbuktu and other cities by building mosques, schools, and universities, making them places of education and religious study.
Encouraged the translation of books from Arabic, Greek, and Latin, helping preserve knowledge in subjects like medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.
How did Morocco conquer Songhai, and what were the effects of this conquest?
Causes of the Moroccan Invasion
Morocco wanted wealth – Sultan Al-Mansur aimed to control the gold and salt trade to pay for his expensive army.
Songhai was weakening – Internal struggles and weak leadership made the empire vulnerable.
Gunpowder weapons – The Moroccans had muskets and cannons, giving them a major advantage over Songhai’s traditional weapons
The Battle of Tondibi (1591)
Moroccan forces crossed the Sahara – After a brutal four-month march, they arrived in Songhai with 2,500 musketeers.
Songhai’s army was much larger but lacked firearms
Morocco’s superior weapons won – Songhai’s army was defeated, and Moroccan troops captured Gao, Timbuktu, and Jenne.
Effects of the Conquest
Songhai collapsed – The empire broke into smaller kingdoms as Morocco failed to control the region.
Trade and learning declined – Schools closed, farmland was abandoned, and trade routes became unsafe.
Morocco abandoned Songhai – By 1618, Moroccan rulers gave up control, leaving a power vacuum in West Africa.
