Why were early societies developed in West Africa?

Why were early societies developed in West Africa?

Geography and Trade Geography was a major factor in the development of West African societies. Settled communities grew south of the Sahara, where the land permitted farming. Rivers, such as the Niger, served as trade routes. Early Communities Early societies in West Africa were family-based communities.

What factors influence the development of societies in Africa?

In the varied regions of Africa, climate and topography, or land- forms, influenced how each community developed. Hunting-gathering societies—the oldest form of social organization in the world—began in Africa.

How did African civilizations develop?

In Africa, civilization rose early as people settled in the lush areas that sheltered them from the harsh desert. The first major civilization in Africa was Egypt, centered around the lush Nile River delta. Egyptian civilization truly began around 3150 BC when the ruler Menes unified the entire area into a kingdom.

What was the most significant in the development of early societies in West Africa?

Geography and Trade Geography was a major factor in the development of West African societies. Settled communities grew south of the Sahara, where the land permitted farming. Geography also influenced trading patterns. Communities traded with one another for items they could not produce locally.

What led to the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Ghana?

Ghana rose as a result of a good economy and fell as a result of losing its monopoly on profitable trade routes. Mali rose as a result of strong military leadership and fell when the empire became too large for a weak king to rule.

What were the reasons for the rise and fall of the Sudanic kingdoms?

The fall of the Sudanic Kingdoms consisted of politics and misguided power. Both the Sanhadja Confederation, and the Almoravid Empire were weakened by internecine warfare ( relating to slaughter or carnage; bloody), and both succumbed (died) to further invasions from the Ghana Empire and the Almohad Empire.

What are the earliest communities in West Africa?

The earliest communities were made up of families, and were farming communities. They were ruled by the males. Most communities grew or made everything they needed, and traded with other to get what they needed and hadn’t grown. Usually it was for the workforce.

How did the first kingdoms in the world develop?

Elected leaders and constitutions establish laws for most kingdoms today. The world’s earliest kingdoms developed thousands of years ago when leaders began conquering and controlling cities and settlements. Rulers of early kingdoms provided protection to their residents, or subjects. In return, subjects paid taxes or services to the monarch.

What did the first people in Africa do?

Africa’s earliest people adapted to a wide range of geographic conditions to establish societies based on family ties, religion, iron technology, and trade. Early Civilizations in Africa

Why did the European slave trade begin in Africa?

The European slave trade began with Portugal’s exploration of the west coast of Africa in search of a sea trade route to the East. The East had bountiful new resources, like spices and silk, and the Portuguese were eager to acquire these goods without the laborious journey by land from Europe to Asia.

When did the spread of Islam start in Africa?

Multiple Trajectories of Islam in Africa. Islam had already spread into northern Africa by the mid-seventh century A.D., only a few decades after the prophet Muhammad moved with his followers from Mecca to Medina on the neighboring Arabian Peninsula (622 A.D./1 A.H.).