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

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 3 and 4

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:- Rise and fall of the Ghanian 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 Ghanian Empire
2. ) Discuss what led to the fall of the Ghanian 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 3

NOTE.

THE GHANIAN EMPIRE

Factors That Led to the Rise of the Ghana Empire

The rise of the Ghana Empire was influenced by several interrelated factors:

a. Geographic Location

• Strategic Position: The empire was strategically located between the Sahara Desert to the north and the fertile regions of West Africa, making it a crucial hub for trans-Saharan trade. This advantageous location allowed for the exchange of goods between North African traders and the sub-Saharan regions.

b. Control of Trade Routes

• Trade Monopoly: The Ghana Empire controlled vital trade routes that facilitated the movement of gold, salt, ivory, and other goods. The empire became a central trading hub, attracting merchants from various regions, including the Berbers and Arabs.
• Wealth from Trade: The wealth generated from trade enabled the empire to establish a powerful political structure and maintain a strong military to protect its interests.

c. Abundant Natural Resources

• Gold Deposits: The region was rich in gold, which became the backbone of the empire's economy. Ghana's gold resources attracted traders and contributed to its wealth and influence.
• Salt and Other Resources: Salt was another essential commodity traded in large quantities, as it was vital for preserving food. The availability of both gold and salt strengthened the empire's economic position.

d. Strong Leadership

• Centralized Authority: The leadership of the Ghanaian king, known as the "Ghana," was pivotal in unifying the diverse peoples within the empire. The king's authority and governance structures fostered stability and facilitated trade.
• Military Power: The Ghanaian army was well-organized and effective in protecting trade routes and expanding the empire's influence, deterring external threats.

e. Cultural Integration

• Cultural Exchange: The empire's interactions with various cultures through trade led to the exchange of ideas, technology, and cultural practices, which enriched the society and contributed to its cohesion.
• Religious Influence: The adoption of Islam by some segments of the population promoted further trade with Muslim merchants and facilitated diplomatic relations with North African states.

EVALUATION:

1. What geographic advantages did the Ghana Empire possess that contributed to its rise?
2. How did the control of trade routes impact the wealth and power of the Ghana Empire?
3. What role did the natural resources of gold and salt play in the economic development of the Ghana Empire?
4. In what ways did strong leadership contribute to the stability and expansion of the Ghana Empire?
5. How did cultural exchange and the influence of Islam affect the Ghana Empire's trade and diplomatic relations?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 4

NOTE

THE GHANIAN EMPIRE

Factors That Led to the Fall of the Ghana Empire

The decline of the Ghana Empire was caused by a combination of internal and external factors:

a. Invasions and External Pressure

• Almoravid Invasion: The Almoravid dynasty, a Muslim Berber group, invaded the Ghana Empire in the 11th century, leading to significant military confrontations. Their military campaigns weakened the empire's power and territorial integrity.
• Loss of Trade Control: The invasions disrupted trade routes, causing a decline in economic activity and the empire's ability to maintain its wealth.

b. Internal Strife

• Succession Conflicts: Disputes over succession and internal power struggles weakened central authority. As factions vied for control, the unity of the empire was compromised.
• Administrative Challenges: As the empire expanded, managing its vast territories became increasingly difficult. Local chiefs gained more autonomy, leading to fragmented governance and reduced loyalty to the central authority.

c. Economic Decline

• Declining Trade: The disruption of trade routes due to invasions and conflicts led to a significant decrease in trade revenue. This decline weakened the economic foundation of the empire and reduced its ability to maintain a strong military and administrative system.
• Resource Depletion: Over-reliance on gold and salt trade meant that any fluctuations in supply or demand had a severe impact on the empire's economy. When the resources became less accessible or when trade diminished, it further contributed to the empire's decline.

d. Environmental Factors

• Drought and Famine: Changes in climate, such as prolonged droughts, negatively impacted agricultural production and resource availability. This environmental stress led to food shortages, contributing to social unrest and weakening the empire's stability.

e. Rise of Competitor States

• Emergence of New Powers: As the Ghana Empire weakened, other states, such as the Mali Empire, began to rise in power. The Mali Empire, capitalizing on Ghana’s vulnerabilities, took control of key trade routes and resources, effectively supplanting the Ghana Empire.

EVALUATION:   

1. What were the key events surrounding the Almoravid invasion, and how did they impact the Ghana Empire?
2. How did internal strife and succession conflicts contribute to the decline of the Ghana Empire?
3. In what ways did the decline of trade routes affect the economy of the Ghana Empire?
4. What environmental challenges, such as drought, impacted agricultural production and stability in the Ghana Empire?
5. How did the emergence of competitor states, particularly the Mali Empire, contribute to the fall of the Ghana Empire?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively