West African Empires: Ghana, Mali, and Songhay

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Questions and Answers

How did Askia Muhammed's approach to governance differ from previous rulers in the region?

He based rank and position on scholarship and merit rather than bloodline. (correct)
He eliminated the role of Chancellor to centralize diplomatic correspondence.
He prioritized hereditary succession over merit in appointing officials.
He decreased the size of the bureaucracy to reduce government spending.

What was the primary purpose of establishing new canals during Askia Muhammed's reign?

To improve agricultural output and productivity. (correct)
To enhance the defenses surrounding major cities.
To create a more efficient system for tax collection.
To facilitate military transport and troop deployment.

Which of the following best describes the function of the 'BALAMA' within the Ghana empire's military structure?

An official in charge of tax collection at the Taghaza salt mines.
An inspector overseeing agricultural practices in various provinces.
A high-ranking military officer responsible for river traffic.
The military commander tasked with managing internal unrest. (correct)

In the government structure, how did the roles of Timbuktu and Djenne differ from other urban districts?

They operated as semi-autonomous governments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue arose from Askia Muhammed appointing his brother as the 'KANFARI'?

It potentially created a power base that could challenge Askia's authority. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What action by Pedro II led to Joao Correia de Sousa sending an army into Kongo?

His declaration that Angola was an enemy of the state. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Pedro II's approach to the Portuguese merchants in Kongo during his reign?

He sought to protect them, earning him the title 'king of the Portuguese'. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What strategic alliance did Pedro II attempt to forge to attack Luanda?

An alliance with the Dutch West India Company and Bakongo forces. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What event directly led to Garcia II proclaiming himself king of Kongo?

The sudden death of Alvaro VI, creating a power vacuum. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Dutch play in Kongo during Garcia II's reign?

They captured Luanda but failed to displace the Portuguese. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Before becoming king, what military achievement helped Garcia II gain prominence?

Fighting with Alvaro V against Duke Daniel da Silva. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable strategy employed by Alvaro I to consolidate his power, considering the challenges he faced?

He strategically promoted slaves to positions in the government. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What actions by Pedro II demonstrated his commitment to Christianity?

By writing letters of protest to Rome and protecting Jesuits. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What military tactic did Alvaro II use to build his power and prestige?

Forming a regiment of musketeers after the Jaga invasion. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Garcia II come to power despite not being the immediate heir to the throne?

He led a coup, using military force to remove the elected officials. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What critical strategic miscalculation significantly contributed to the Songhai Empire's downfall during Askia Ishaq II's reign?

Over-reliance on traditional weaponry against Moroccan gunpowder technology. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Ali Fulan, the Hugukoray-koi, indirectly contribute to Askia Musa's coup against Askia Muhammed?

By influencing Askia Muhammed to appoint a younger son to a prestigious position, angering Musa. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motive behind Askia Mohammed Benikan's decision to banish Askia Muhammed to Kangaba Island?

To preemptively eliminate a potential source of legitimacy and opposition to his rule. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors, if altered, might have plausibly changed the outcome of the Battle of Tondibi in 1591?

If the Songhai army had adopted the Moroccans' gunpowder technology before the battle. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Askia Musa consolidate power after his coup, and what does this reveal about the political landscape of the Songhai Empire at the time?

By eliminating potential rivals through violence, highlighting the instability and ruthlessness of succession. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key difference in governing approach between Askia Mohammed Benikan and his predecessor regarding societal class?

Benikan reversed his predecessor's policy of relying on the aristocracy rather than peasants. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which action by Askia Ishaq II best demonstrates his understanding of the severity of the threat posed by the Moroccans?

Assembling a large army of over 40,000 soldiers to confront the invading forces. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Askia Musa's coup against his father, Askia Muhammed, and his subsequent actions suggest about the state of the Songhai Empire's leadership and stability during that period?

A period of internal strife, political maneuvering, and challenges to established authority. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Sonni Ali employed strategies similar to which ancient empire in consolidating his rule?

The Roman Empire, adapting laws and customs of conquered people. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What critical advantage did Sonni Ali exploit for military success, particularly in river-based campaigns?

Knowledge of high water seasons, utilizing the river navy effectively. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sonni Ali grant trade concessions to Europeans on the coast?

To prevent the Portuguese from allying with the Mandinka. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the equestrian ethos of the Songhay military influence their adoption of firearms?

It led to the warriors throwing captured Moroccan muskets into the Niger. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the Songhay cavalry face when operating in areas with dense vegetation?

The cavalry became vulnerable to Malian archers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant difference between the rule of Sonni Ali and Askia Muhammed?

Sonni Ali was viewed as a brutal ruler, whereas Askia Muhammed sought to establish a devout Islamic government. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What strategic importance did the salt plains of Taghaza hold under Askia Muhammed's rule?

They were a significant caravan route, vital for trade and economic control. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Askia Muhammed's pilgrimage to Mecca influence the Songhay empire?

It established diplomatic relations, enhancing Songhay's prestige. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Apart from religious conversion, what was the primary aim of Askia Muhammed's jihads against neighboring states?

To acquire slaves and treasure through raids and conquest. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Askia Muhammed reform the system of government in the Songhay empire?

By opening government service based on intellect, creating an efficient bureaucracy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the control of Djenne, Gao, and Timbuktu play in the economic structure of the Songhay Empire?

They were key economic centers, but failed to achieve internal stability. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Askia Muhammed attempt to unify the diverse religious beliefs within the Songhay Empire?

By initiating a series of jihads to convert animists to Islam, increasing Islamic influence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the general relationship between the Askias and the religious estate?

The Askias cultivated positive relations with the religious estate, offering gifts and recognizing their influence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the religious beliefs of the Songhay population outside of urban and government centers differ from those in the center?

They were largely not Songhay and their neighbors were not muslims. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did religious authenticity play in governance under the Askias?

It guided lives and often influenced but not dictated government policy, remaining largely independent. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Kongo Kingdom primarily expand its territory during the late 14th to early 16th centuries?

Through strategic migrations to acquire fertile lands and military campaigns to establish dominance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Mwissikongo council in the Kongo Kingdom's political system?

To elect the manikongo, govern, and establish procedures for organizing affairs, including significant input from principal women. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Kongo Kingdom's engagement with the Portuguese slave trade affect its political structure?

It empowered the Mwissikongo, who utilized the slave trade for wealth and power, leading to a reliance on slaves and a weakening of the Kanda system. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the shift towards patrilineal succession have on the Kongo Kingdom?

It reinforced the power of the Mwissikongo and Christian missionaries, further shifting power dynamics and solidifying the patrilineal line. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary source of income for the Songhay government?

Tributes derived from trade taxes (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of servile labor in the Songhay Empire?

They worked on large, noble estates involved in fishing, animal husbandry, and wheat production. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Kongo Kingdom's military campaigns contribute to its economic prosperity?

By gaining control of regions rich in resources like iron, cloth, and salt, which were then taken as tribute. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the city of Mbanza Kongo within the Kongo Kingdom?

It was the strategically positioned capital, offering natural defenses and serving as the center of political, economic, and social life. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Sonni Ali's actions impact the prosperity of the Songhay Empire?

His military campaigns and extractions from merchants threatened trade-based prosperity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the most profitable commodity reaching Timbuktu through trans-Saharan trade?

Books (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Kongo Kingdom integrate conquered territories into its political system?

By allowing conquered territories to maintain their rulers as long as they recognized the manikongo and paid tribute. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role did Christianity play in shaping the Kongo Kingdom's political landscape?

It reinforced patrilineal lines, as manikongo elites embraced Christianity and adopted Portuguese names, aligning themselves with Portuguese nobles and solidifying their political power. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did slavery play in the Songhay Empire's economy and society?

The empire heavily depended on royal slaves and skilled craftsmen for economic and administrative functions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What accounts for the limits of Kongo Kingdom expansion beginning in the 1540s?

The southwest coast remaining unconquered and Ndongo resisting Kongo influence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the status of slaves in the Songhay Empire vary?

Status varied; some fierce warriors captured in battle could become officers, while others were royal advisors or skilled craftsmen. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Nzimbu shells in the Kongo Kingdom's dealings with foreign powers?

They served as a currency that could be used to buy slaves from the foreign powers who sought them. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What action did Askia Muhammed take regarding enslaved people?

He initiated a program to liberate those who could prove they deserved their freedom. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the decline of the Songhay Empire?

Civil war and succession crises exacerbated by the heterogeneous nature of the empire (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did the rise of Ndongo impact the Kongo Kingdom?

Ndongo emerged as a threat to Kongo, resisting its expansion and challenging its dominance in the region. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'Sangare' in the context of the Kongo Kingdom?

A series of rituals performed on national holidays, meant to celebrate Alfonso's success. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did European involvement affect the Moroccan forces during their invasion of the Songhay Empire?

Europeans provided advanced military tactics, training, coordination, and weaponry to the Moroccan forces. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary flaw in the political system of the Kongo Kingdom that led to instability?

The lack of a clear and consistent system of succession for the manikongo. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a weakness of the Songhay army?

Dependence on the arquebus despite its flaws (B) Signup and view all the answers

What military advantages did the Moroccan forces possess during their invasion of the Songhay Empire?

Elite, well-trained troops armed with arquebuses and cannons (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Jaga invasion in the 16th century on the slave trade in the Kongo Kingdom?

It resulted in a significant economic crisis, during which many freeborns, including princes and nobles, were sold into slavery. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Before the Battle of Tondibi, what offer did Askia Ishaq II make to the Moroccan forces?

He offered 100,000 gold pieces and 1,000 slaves to persuade them to leave. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the elite of the Mwissikongo utilize slaves?

They were used as soldiers, farmers etc, which supported Mwissikongo. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Moroccan army at the Battle of Tondibi?

Judar Pasha (D) Signup and view all the answers

What tactic did Askia Ishaq II employ at the Battle of Tondibi in an attempt to counter the Moroccan army's firearms?

He drove a herd of cattle toward the guns hoping the dust would provide cover. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What conditions characterized the reign of Askia Muhammed Bani?

Drought, famine, inflation, and internal revolts (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Askia Muhammed

A ruler known for establishing a merit-based government and efficient bureaucracy.

Chancellor

The new role introduced by Askia Muhammed for diplomatic correspondence.