History - Junior Secondary 2 - Rise and fall of the Songhaian Empire

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 11 and 12

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:- Rise and fall of the Songhaian Empire

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Explain the factors that led to the rise of the Songhaian Empire
2. ) Discuss what led to the fall of the Songhaian Empire

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: recommended history textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 11

NOTE.

THE SONGHIAN EMPIRE

Factors That Led to the Rise of the Songhai Empire

Several key factors contributed to the rise of the Songhai Empire, making it one of the largest and most powerful empires in West Africa:

a. Geographic Advantage

• Strategic Location: The Songhai Empire was strategically located along the Niger River and key trans-Saharan trade routes, facilitating trade with North Africa, Europe, and other regions. This advantageous position allowed it to control and benefit from the flow of goods, ideas, and cultures.

b. Control of Trade

• Trade Wealth: The empire gained immense wealth by controlling lucrative trade routes, particularly in gold, salt, ivory, and slaves. Cities like Timbuktu and Gao became major commercial hubs, attracting merchants and scholars.

c. Strong Leadership

• Mansa Musa and Sunni Ali: Strong leaders like Mansa Musa, who ruled the Mali Empire before the rise of Songhai, and Sunni Ali, the founder of the Songhai Empire, played crucial roles. Sunni Ali expanded the empire through military conquests and strategic alliances, while Askia Muhammad further strengthened the empire and promoted Islamic education.

d. Military Expansion

• Military Might: The Songhai Empire had a powerful and organized military that allowed it to expand its territory. Sunni Ali's military campaigns effectively conquered neighboring regions, while the empire maintained order and security through a well-structured army.

e. Cultural Flourishing

• Cultural and Educational Development: The Songhai Empire became a center for learning and culture, particularly in cities like Timbuktu, where universities and libraries attracted scholars. This cultural flourishing contributed to the empire's prestige and influence.

EVALUATION:

1. What geographic advantages contributed to the rise of the Songhai Empire, and how did they influence trade?
2. How did control over trade routes impact the wealth and power of the Songhai Empire?
3. Discuss the significance of strong leadership, particularly figures like Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, in the expansion of the Songhai Empire.
4. In what ways did the military organization and strength of the Songhai Empire facilitate its territorial expansion?
5. How did cultural and educational developments in cities like Timbuktu contribute to the empire's prestige and influence during its rise?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 12

NOTE

THE SONGHIAN EMPIRE

Factors That Led to the Fall of the Songhai Empire

The decline of the Songhai Empire was influenced by a combination of internal and external factors:

a. Internal Conflicts

• Succession Struggles: Following the death of Askia Muhammad in the late 16th century, the empire faced succession crises and power struggles among various factions, leading to political instability and weakened central authority.

b. Economic Decline

• Disruption of Trade Routes: The emergence of new trade routes and competitors reduced the economic power of the Songhai Empire. The rise of coastal trading posts and European involvement in West African trade undermined the traditional trade networks.

c. Military Defeats

• Invasion by Foreign Powers: The Songhai Empire suffered military defeats against the Moroccans in 1591, who invaded with advanced weaponry and tactics. This invasion severely weakened the empire’s military and territorial integrity.

d. Environmental Challenges

• Drought and Famine: Environmental factors, including drought and poor agricultural conditions, negatively impacted food production and trade. This led to famine, social unrest, and a decline in population.

e. Cultural and Religious Divisions

• Religious Fragmentation: As the empire expanded, it absorbed diverse groups with differing customs and beliefs, leading to tensions and conflicts. The fragmentation weakened social cohesion and loyalty to the central authority.

EVALUATION:   

1. What role did internal conflicts and succession struggles play in the decline of the Songhai Empire?
2. How did the disruption of trade routes and the emergence of new trading powers contribute to the economic decline of the Songhai Empire?
3. Discuss the impact of the Moroccan invasion in 1591 on the military and territorial integrity of the Songhai Empire.
4. In what ways did environmental challenges, such as drought and famine, affect the social and economic stability of the Songhai Empire?
5. How did cultural and religious divisions within the empire contribute to its fragmentation and decline?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively