Chapter 1 Section 3Pg 14

A well established trading network connecting West Africa to North Africa & Europe & Asia.

Islamic faith was also brought along the highway.

Islam did not have much influence over the daily lives and religious practices of most West Africans.

Portuguese made trading contracts along the West coast of Africa. Near the source of African gold.

Consequences Bypassed the Sahara trade routes Began the European trade w/ African slaves Establish large sugar cane plantations▪ Plantation – a farm on which a single crop in

grown.▪ Provided a model for later plantations.

Songhai Gained power by controlling the trans-Sahara

trade. Raise large armies to conquer new territory Built cities, supported education, arts Savanna – region of dry grassland

Benin Traders carried goods out of the forests or

paddled them along the Niger River. Helped forests kingdoms grow Dominated large region around the Niger River. Highly organized gov.

Kongo Arose around the Congo River Held kingdoms together by royal

marriages, taxes, and war. 4 million people Mined iron ore & produced tools &

weapons Kong kingdoms similar to European

societies.

Family & Government Lineage – line of common decent Formed the basis of most aspects of West

African life. Matrilineal – traced through the mother’s side Age carried rank, common language

Religion Political leaders claimed authority on the basis

of religion. Religious rituals central to life Nature was filled w/ sprits but 1 creator

Livelihood Farming, hunting, herding, trading,

mining Believed in collective ownership of land Depended on river for water

Use of Slave Labor Slaves lowest rung on social ladder People not born into slavery Slavery did not mean for life Adopted or marry into non slave family

1. What are the three climate zones of West Africa?

2. How did trade affect West African societies?3. How did Europeans react when they first

encountered these West African kingdoms?4. How did these kingdoms organize trade?5. How were West African families and villages

organized?6. What were the central aspects of West

African religion?7. How was slavery practiced in West Africa?

Create an outline for Ch 1 Sect 3

Use your outline to complete the chart below

Songhai Benin Kongo