African American History

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Land of Their Ancestors

• African American History
• B - Hour (Gober, Crockett)
• Renaissance High School

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Early African Empires

• Ghana
• Mali
• Songhay

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Ghana
First West African State Capitol Kumbi
Saleh Location 500 Miles NW of its modern
namesake. Dates 7th - 11th Centuries Religion
Muslim influence enters around 10th
Century. Daily Life Farming and Trading
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Tenkamenin
Most famous leader who became leader in
1062. Characteristics of him Strict tax
collector, believed and taught animism until
Arabs invaded around 1076 Decline of Empire
Droughts, Invasions KEY WORDS Silent Trade,
Jihad
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Mali
Also called Melle Capitol Timbuktu Location
Surrounded southern edges of Ghana Dates 1235 -
15th Centuries Religion Islam Occupations
Mined Gold in Bure, Agriculture and
Crafts.
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Mansa Musa
In 1240, he took over and spread the influence of
Mali all over the area. Characteristics of him
Took a pilgrimage to Mecca where all could see
the wealth of the Afrikans. He built schools
in the capitol and had international
connections. Decline of Empire The Songhay and
Mossi invade. KEY WORDS Griot Mansa, Hajj
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Songhay
The greatest of empires. Capitol Timbuktu and
Jenne? Location Eclipsed Mali and spread further
North and Northeast. Dates 1355 -
1594 Religion Islam Occupations Same as Mali,
very good at trade!
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Sunni Ali
Built a river navy to control the Niger region.
He opposed the religion of Islam. Died in 1492.
His general took over.
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Askia Mohammed
Was an orthodox Muslim and strengthened the
empire greatly by learning from other nations.
He improved the administration of the govt,
codified the laws and raised the intellectual
level of the country. Decline of Empire Askia
was dethroned by his eldest son. The Spanish and
Moroccans overthrew Songhay. KEY WORD Harquebus
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HOMEWORK

• Finish Maps and define key words!

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The End