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

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 7 and 8

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:- Rise and fall of the Malian 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 Malian Empire
2. ) Discuss what led to the fall of the Malian 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 7

NOTE.

THE MALIAN EMPIRE

Factors That Led to the Rise of the Malian Empire

Several factors contributed to the rise of the Malian Empire, establishing it as one of the most powerful empires in West Africa during its time:

a. Geographic Location

• Strategic Position: The Malian Empire was strategically located along major trade routes that connected North Africa to sub-Saharan Africa. This facilitated commerce and cultural exchange, allowing the empire to flourish economically.

b. Wealth from Trade

• Control of Trade Routes: The Malian Empire gained immense wealth by controlling important trade routes, particularly those for gold and salt. The trade in these valuable resources attracted merchants and increased the empire's wealth and influence.
• Cultural Exchange: As a trading hub, the empire became a melting pot of cultures, which contributed to its social and economic dynamism.

c. Strong Leadership

• Mansa Musa's Rule: The reign of Mansa Musa (1312–1337) marked a high point in the empire's history. His strong leadership, wealth, and commitment to Islam helped to unify the empire and expand its territories. His pilgrimage to Mecca enhanced the empire’s reputation and established diplomatic ties with other Islamic states.

d. Agricultural Productivity

• Fertile Lands: The empire's location along the Niger River provided fertile land for agriculture, allowing for increased food production. This agricultural surplus supported a growing population and trade.

e. Military Strength

• Organized Military: The Malian Empire maintained a powerful and organized military, which enabled it to defend its territory and expand its influence through conquests.

EVALUATION:

1. What geographic advantages did the Malian Empire have that contributed to its rise?
2. How did the control of trade routes impact the economic prosperity of the Malian Empire?
3. What role did Mansa Musa play in the expansion and reputation of the Malian Empire?
4. In what ways did agricultural productivity support the growth of the Malian Empire?
5. How did a strong military contribute to the rise and territorial expansion of the Malian Empire?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 8

NOTE

THE MALIAN EMPIRE

Factors That Led to the Fall of the Malian Empire

The fall of the Malian Empire can be attributed to several interrelated factors that weakened its power and influence:

a. Internal Strife

• Succession Conflicts: After the death of Mansa Musa, the empire faced internal disputes over succession. These conflicts weakened central authority and led to fragmentation within the empire.

b. Economic Decline

• Decline of Trade: The discovery of new trade routes and the rise of competing empires, such as the Songhai Empire, diminished the control of the Malian Empire over trade. This loss of economic power contributed to its decline.

c. Invasions and External Threats

• Invasions by Neighboring States: The empire faced invasions from neighboring states, particularly the Songhai Empire, which capitalized on the weakened state of Mali to conquer its territories.

d. Environmental Challenges

• Drought and Resource Depletion: Environmental factors, such as droughts, negatively impacted agricultural production and led to food shortages. This further exacerbated the empire's economic troubles.

e. Cultural Shifts

• Religious Changes: The spread of Islam brought new cultural dynamics that sometimes clashed with traditional beliefs and practices, leading to social unrest and changes in governance.

EVALUATION:   

1. What internal conflicts contributed to the decline of the Malian Empire after the death of Mansa Musa?
2. How did the discovery of new trade routes affect the economic stability of the Malian Empire?
3. Which neighboring empire played a significant role in the downfall of the Malian Empire?
4. What environmental challenges did the Malian Empire face, and how did they impact its economy?
5. In what ways did cultural shifts and the spread of Islam influence the social dynamics within the Malian Empire?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively