Trade and Contacts with Other Parts of the World PDF

TRADE AND CONTACT WITH OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD Introduction The earliest contacts between the Middle East & North Africa, and West Africa were through the trans-Saharan trade routes, which linked the Mediterranean world with the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, facilitating the movements...

TRADE AND CONTACT WITH OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD Introduction The earliest contacts between the Middle East & North Africa, and West Africa were through the trans-Saharan trade routes, which linked the Mediterranean world with the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, facilitating the movements of goods, ideas, and people. The routes were used to exchange gold, salt, ivory, slaves, and other commodities, as well as to spread Islam and Arabic culture.  Introduction The activities of Henry the Navigator sponsored expeditions to West Africa from Portugal from 1415-1460. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach the West African coast in the late 15th century, and they soon established a monopoly on the Atlantic slave trade. They also built forts and trading posts along the coast, such as Lagos, which they captured in 1472. The Portuguese were challenged by other European powers, such as the Dutch, the British, and the French, who competed for the lucrative trade in slaves, palm oil, ivory, and other goods. Trade contacts introduced new religions, such as Christianity and syncretic forms of Islam, which competed with the traditional beliefs and practices of the indigenous peoples. Additionally, The Kanem Borno Empire had extensive trade connections with the Middle East. This Empire, which thrived between the 9th and 19th centuries, facilitated trade between North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Sahel region, attracting traders from diverse backgrounds. The Arabs came to East Africa between 1000 AD and 1500 AD for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons was trade. East Africa was part of the Indian Ocean trade network, and the Arabs were interested in trading goods such as gold, ivory, and slaves. They also sought to establish trade routes and ports along the East African coast. Additionally, some Arabs migrated to East Africa for religious reasons, particularly to spread Islam. This led to establishing Islamic city- states along the coast, such as Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar.  The Trans-Saharan Trade The Trans-Saharan trade refers to the network of trade routes that connected sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa, flourishing from the 7th to the 16th centuries. It primarily involved the exchange of valuable goods such as gold, salt, ivory, textiles, and slaves. The trade was facilitated by the introduction of the camel, which allowed merchants to traverse the harsh desert landscape.  The Trans-Saharan Trade Key West African empires, particularly Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, played crucial roles in this trade. The city of Timbuktu emerged as a significant cultural and commercial hub, known for its wealth and scholarly institutions. The trade routes also facilitated the spread of Islam and cultural exchanges between diverse peoples. The Trans-Saharan Trade However, by the late 15th century, the rise of maritime trade routes along the coast of West Africa began to overshadow the Trans-Saharan trade, leading to its gradual decline. Despite this, the legacy of the Trans-Saharan trade remains influential in shaping the history and economies of both North and West Africa. Major Trade Routes: 1.Ghana to Mogador and Fez via Awdaghost 2.Timbuktu to Mogador and Fez via Taghaza 3.Timbuktu to Tunis and Tripoli via Wargla, Ghadames and Ghat 4.Kano to Tunis and Tripoli via Agades, Ghat, and Ghadames 5.Borno to Tripoli via Bilma and Muruk  Mode of Transportation The primary mode of transportation for the Trans- Saharan trade was the camel. Caravans, consisting of camels and traders, would transport goods such as gold, salt, textiles, and other commodities. These caravans could vary in size, often consisting of dozens to hundreds of camels, depending on the volume of goods being transported. Mode of Transportation In addition to camels, traders sometimes used donkeys and horses for shorter distances or in regions where the terrain allowed. However, camels remained the most significant and effective means of transportation for long-distance trade across the desert. The main goods traded during the period were: 1) Gold: West Africa had abundant gold resources. The Arabs were interested in acquiring gold for trade and export to other regions. 2) Ivory: West Africa was known for its ivory which was highly sought after in the Arab world. Ivory was used for various purposes, including jewellery, decorative items, and carving. 3) Slaves: Unfortunately, the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean slave trades were significant aspects of the trade between West Africa and the Arab world during this period. Arab traders participated in capturing and trading enslaved individuals from East Africa to various destinations. Various commodities from the Arab world, including timber, Exotic Animals Animal Products, and textiles,  Spices: Timbuktu, Gao, Kano and Ouagadougou were important centres for the production and trade of spices. Arab traders sought spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg from these islands to supply the markets in the Arab world. These goods were exchanged for ceramics, glassware, perfumes, and other luxury items. The trade between West Africa and the Arab world during this period played a significant role in shaping the economies and cultures of both regions. Items of the Trans-Saharan Trade Kolanuts Cowries Sugar Textile Livestock Leather Beads Glassware Ostrich Feathers ❖Salt ❖Gold ❖Slave ❖Ivory Economic Impacts of The Trans- Saharan Trade The economic impacts of the Trans-Saharan trade were profound and multifaceted. Firstly, it facilitated the exchange of valuable commodities such as gold, salt, ivory, and slaves, which were in high demand in both North Africa and Europe. This trade generated immense wealth for West African empires, particularly the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, allowing them to flourish and expand their influence.  Secondly, the trade routes helped to establish and strengthen urban centres, such as Timbuktu and Gao, which became important hubs for commerce, culture, and education. These cities attracted merchants, scholars, and travellers, promoting economic activity and cultural exchange. Additionally, the influx of wealth from trade enabled these empires to invest in infrastructure, such as roads and markets, which further enhanced trade efficiency and connectivity. This economic prosperity also allowed rulers to maintain powerful armies and expand their territories. Islam and the Trans- Saharan trade The Trans-Saharan trade was instrumental in bringing Islam to West Africa by facilitating not only the exchange of goods but also the spread of ideas, including religious beliefs. Muslim traders travelling these routes introduced Islamic practices and teachings to local populations. Islam and the Trans-Saharan trade The wealth generated from trade allowed powerful empires, such as the Mali Empire, to support Islamic education and institutions, leading to the construction of mosques and centres of learning. Usman dan Fodio played a significant role in this context during the early 19th century. He was a Fulani scholar and religious leader who led a jihad aimed at reforming Islam in the region and establishing a more orthodox practice of the faith. Islam and the Trans-Saharan trade His movement, which sought to purify Islam from what he viewed as corrupt practices, was supported by the growing influence of Islamic scholarship that had been fostered by trade. Dan Fodio's efforts led to establishing the Sokoto Caliphate in present-day Nigeria, which became a major centre of Islamic learning and governance. Islam and the Trans-Saharan trade Dan Fodio’s leadership helped to entrench Islam in West Africa further, building on the foundations laid by earlier trade interactions. Overall, both the trade routes and Usman dan Fodio's leadership were crucial in shaping the religious landscape of West Africa. Effects of the Trans-Saharan Trade Economic growth: Stimulated trade and commerce across regions. Cultural exchange: Spread of Islam, Arabic language, and architectural styles. Urbanization: Growth of cities like Timbuktu, Kano, and Fez. Effects of the Trans-Saharan Trade Technological advancements: Introduction of new technologies, such as ironworking. Increased connectivity: Linked West Africa to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern markets. Effects of the Trans-Saharan Trade Social disruption: Disrupted traditional societies and economies. Spread of diseases: Transmission of diseases like smallpox and malaria. Political instability: Contributed to rise and fall of empires. The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY  The initial wave of European involvement began in the 15th century with Portuguese explorers. Driven by a desire for trade and new sea routes to Asia, Prince Henry the Navigator sponsored expeditions along the West African coast. By the late 1400s, the Portuguese had established trading posts and forts along the coastline. The initial European interest in Africa was primarily driven by the pursuit of gold, ivory, and other valuable goods. The trading forts, such as Elmina Castle (built in 1482 in modern-day Ghana), were originally established to support this commerce.  By the early 16th century, as European colonies expanded in the New World (especially in the Caribbean and the Americas), there was an increasing demand for labour to work on plantations that produced cash crops such as sugar, tobacco, and later, cotton. The Spanish and Portuguese: These were the first European powers to transport African slaves across the Atlantic. The Spanish crown authorised the asiento system, which granted merchants (primarily Portuguese) the right to supply enslaved Africans to Spanish colonies. As the profitability of plantation economies grew, so did the demand for enslaved labour. This demand led other European powers, including Britain, France, and the Netherlands, to enter the transatlantic slave trade. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND  Slaves were Africans captured at home who were usually given as payment for debts, prisoners of war, stubborn children etc. often acquired by local chiefs or traders who sold them to the European traders in exchange for goods like arms, textiles, rum, mirrors and umbrellas. The journey across the Atlantic, called the Middle Passage or the Atlantic Crossing, was brutal. People were packed tightly into ships with very poor conditions. Many didn’t survive. The triangular nature of the slave trade  How It Ended Abolition Movements: Over time, people began to see how cruel and unjust slavery was. Movements to abolish (end) slavery started in the late 1700s. Laws Passed: Various countries began passing laws to end the slave trade. For example, Britain passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, and the United States followed in 1808. End of Slavery: It took many years, but eventually, slavery itself was abolished in many countries by the late 1800s. Effects On Africa: Millions of people were taken away, which disrupted societies, economies, and families. On Descendants: The descendants of those enslaved still face challenges today, including racial discrimination and economic disadvantages. Racism and Inequality: The legacy of the slave trade contributed to deep-rooted racism and inequality that still exists in many parts of the world.  Advantages Economic Benefits for Europe and the Americas: The slave trade was very profitable for European traders and American plantation owners. It helped build the economies of these regions. Development: The labor of enslaved people contributed to the development of the Americas.  Disadvantages Human Suffering: The immense human suffering and cruelty inflicted on millions of African people. Destruction of Cultures: African societies and cultures were torn apart. Long-term Impact: The social and economic impacts continue to affect societies, with lasting effects on African countries and communities around the world.