Songhay

Question 1

What happened to cause the rise of songhay

Answer 1

Leadership of Sonni Alli- leveraged downfall of Mali empire
Geography- Niger river and trans saharan trade network
Fall of Mali in 1464- Allowed Songhay to grow

Question 2

What strengths did Songhays military have

Answer 2

light armour which was ideal in hot climate
Naval power- 1472 successful in the invasion of Djenne
Success in Battle- Agades 1501 and 1515

Question 3

What economic strengths did songhay have

Answer 3

Traded gold with Marrakesh after expanding to Taghaza
Implementation of Sharia law meant trade was stable
Trans Saharan trade with Berbers

Question 4

What political strengths did Songhay have

Answer 4

Askias established a coup indicating shift in direction
Legitimacy of Askias needed to be earned which was not succesful by the end
Sounna and Kanfari supported the Songhay government. Form of cheques and balances

Question 5

What religious strengths did Songhay have

Answer 5

Foundations of empire were Islamic
Timbuktu brought scholars from across the Islamic world. Centres of learning

Question 6

What cultural strengths did songhay have

Answer 6

commitment to education through founding of sankore massah which were muslim schools
Dijingareyber mosque remade by dawoud showing importance of architecture
dawoud introduced an imperial library in 1565 highlighting the importance of knowledge and education

Question 7

What happened to cause the fall of songhay

Answer 7

Askias succession crises in 1530-40 and 1586-88 led to weakening of the empire
Timbuktu was Muslim but traditional African religion was also practiced causing division and rivalry
Lost battle of Tondibo in 1591 near the Tanghaza salt mine to Moroccans due to smaller army, Morocco having muskets and the succession crisis

Question 8

Compare the two most important leaders in Songhay

Answer 8

Sonni alli- Leveraged mali,wartime, initial succession
Askia Mohammed- Islamic, modernisation focus