Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 3

TERM – 1^ST TERM

WEEK EIGHT

Class: Senior Secondary School 3

Age: 17 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: HISTORY

Topic: EMPIRES IN WESTERN SUDAN AND THE SCRAMBLE FOR PARTITION OF AFRICA

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

I.) Describe the western Sudan                      

II.) Describe the main stages of the rise and fall of the Empires

III.) Discuss the economy and politics of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay Empires           

IV.) Identify the important rulers and their achievements

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

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures,

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

EMPIRES IN WESTERN SUDAN AND THE SCRAMBLE FOR PARTITION OF AFRICA

Western Sudan

Western Sudan refers to the region in West Africa that encompasses present-day Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and parts of Guinea, Niger, and Burkina Faso. It is historically significant for the rise and fall of several powerful empires, including the Ghana, Mali, and Songhay Empires.

Main Stages of the Rise and Fall of the Empires

1. Ghana Empire (circa 750–1076):

   - Rise: Ghana emerged as a powerful empire through control of gold and salt trade routes, establishing a wealthy and influential state.

   - Fall: Internal strife, external pressures from Berber invaders, and the decline of trade routes contributed to the weakening and eventual collapse of the Ghana Empire.

2. Mali Empire (circa 1230–1600):

   - Rise: Mali rose to prominence under Sundiata Keita, who founded the empire and expanded its territory through military conquests and control of gold mines.

   - Fall: Internal power struggles, economic decline, and external invasions, including attacks by the Songhay Empire and Moroccan forces, led to the downfall of the Mali Empire.

3. Songhay Empire (circa 15th century–1591):

   - Rise: The Songhay Empire emerged as a successor to Mali, with the leadership of Sunni Ali, who expanded its territory through military conquests and established a centralized state.

   - Fall: The Songhay Empire fell to Moroccan forces led by Ahmad al-Mansur, who employed firearms and superior military tactics to defeat the Songhay army at the Battle of Tondibi in 1591.

Economy and Politics of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay Empires

1. Ghana Empire: Ghana's economy was based on the trans-Saharan trade of gold and salt, with Ghana controlling key trade routes and serving as a hub for commercial activities. It was a centralized state ruled by a king known as the "Ghana," with a hierarchical administrative system and a powerful military.
2. Mali Empire: Mali's economy relied on gold mining, agriculture, and trade, particularly the trans-Saharan trade routes connecting West Africa to North Africa and the Mediterranean. Mali was governed by a strong monarchy, with Sundiata Keita as its legendary founder and subsequent rulers such as Mansa Musa overseeing a sophisticated bureaucracy and a system of provincial governors.
3. Songhay Empire: The Songhay Empire's economy was centered around agriculture, fishing, trade, and tribute from conquered territories, with the city of Timbuktu becoming a major center for trade and learning.

 Important Rulers and Their Achievements

1. Ghana Empire:

Tunka Menin: Tunka Menin is credited with expanding Ghana's territory and consolidating its power, strengthening trade relations, and promoting Islam.

2. Mali Empire:

 Mansa Musa: Mansa Musa is renowned for his pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed vast amounts of gold, showcasing Mali's wealth and influence. He also promoted Islamic scholarship and built mosques and educational institutions.

3. Songhay Empire:

Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad: Sunni Ali expanded the Songhay Empire through military conquests, establishing a centralized administration and consolidating power. Askia Muhammad promoted Islam, reformed governance, and fostered intellectual and cultural advancements, making Timbuktu a renowned center of learning.

EVALUATION: 1. Identify and describe the main stages of the rise and fall of the Empires

2. Discuss the economy and politics of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay Empires           
3. Identify 3 important rulers and their achievements

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively