Research chart / World history unit 5 Africa to 1500s (sample work)

Question

Empire |. Political development | Social development | Cultural development |
-------------------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------|
Ghana |
-------------------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------|
Mali |
-------------------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------|
Songhai |
-------------------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------|

Answer 1

Ghana:
- Political development: Ghana was a centralized state ruled by a king or the Ghanaian emperor. The empire was divided into provinces, each led by a governor who reported to the king. Political power was centralized in the hands of the king.
- Social development: The society was organized into classes, with the king and nobles at the top, followed by the commoners and slaves. The king and nobles were responsible for upholding justice and maintaining order in the empire.
- Cultural development: The people of Ghana were primarily followers of traditional African religions. They had a rich oral tradition and passed down their history and stories through storytelling. They also engaged in long-distance trade, which brought cultural exchange and influenced their way of life.

Mali:
- Political development: Mali was also a centralized state led by a king. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a provincial ruler who was responsible for enforcing the king's laws and collecting taxes. The king held absolute power and was supported by a council of advisors.
- Social development: The society in Mali was organized into classes, with the king and nobles at the top, followed by merchants, farmers, and slaves. The king and nobles had access to education and lived lavish lifestyles. Slavery was a common practice in Mali.
- Cultural development: Mali was known for its thriving Islamic culture. Timbuktu, a city in Mali, became a center of Islamic learning and trade. The people of Mali also had a rich oral tradition and maintained their cultural practices, including music and dance.

Songhai:
- Political development: The Songhai Empire was a highly centralized state, similar to Ghana and Mali. It was ruled by an emperor who held absolute power and was supported by a council of advisors. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a governor.
- Social development: The society in Songhai was organized into classes, with the emperor and nobles at the top, followed by merchants, farmers, and slaves. Slavery was a prevalent practice in Songhai society.
- Cultural development: Songhai was a multi-ethnic empire with diverse cultural practices. Islam played an important role in the empire, as the emperor and nobles were often practicing Muslims. Songhai also had a vibrant oral tradition and was known for its architectural achievements, such as the Great Mosque of Timbuktu.