World History: North and West Africa

These flashcards cover key concepts and historical figures related to North and West Africa as studied in world history.

Hausa Kingdom

A federation near modern-day Nigeria formed by the Hausa ethnic group consisting of seven distinct states based on kinship ties.

Mali Empire

The empire founded by SunJatta known for its wealth from trade, especially in gold and salt, and the famous ruler Mansa Musa.

Mansa Musa

The king of Mali from 1312 to 1337, known for his immense wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca that destabilized the Egyptian economy due to the gold he distributed.

Trans Sahara Trade Network

Trade routes that facilitated commerce across the Sahara Desert, connecting West African kingdoms to North African and Mediterranean markets.

Songhai Empire

An empire that conquered Mali, founded by Sunni Ali in the 1400s, known for its military success and trade.

Almina Castle

The oldest European building in Sub-Saharan Africa, known as a site for the slave trade and a historical landmark today.

Berlin Conference of 1885

A meeting where European nations negotiated the claims over African territories to avoid conflict between themselves without African representation.

Sokoto Caliphate

An empire founded by Muslim intellectuals after the decline of the Hausa kingdoms, known for its significant cultural and religious influence.

Pan Africanism

A movement promoting the unity and solidarity of African nations and peoples, emphasizing a shared identity and culture.

Ebola outbreak (2014-2016)

A public health emergency originating in Guinea affecting several countries, declared by WHO requiring international response.

Hausa Kingdom's states

The seven distinct states that make up the Hausa Kingdom, which are connected by kinship ties and cultural similarities.

Wealth of Mali Empire

The prosperity of the Mali Empire primarily due to its control over trade routes and abundant resources like gold and salt.

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage

The journey undertaken by Mansa Musa to Mecca in 1324, which showcased his wealth and significantly impacted regions he traveled through.

Importance of Trans Sahara Trade Network

It connected various civilizations across Africa, enabling the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between the West African kingdoms and North Africa.

Songhai Empire's legacy

The influence of the Songhai Empire on trade, educational systems, and the spread of Islam in West Africa.

Almina Castle's role

Its significance as a historical landmark and as a site that played a role in the slave trade during the colonial period.

Impact of the Berlin Conference on Africa

The arbitrary division of African territories among European powers that disregarded existing ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Sokoto Caliphate's educational contributions

The promotion of Islamic scholarship and education within the empire, influencing religious and cultural practices.

Objectives of Pan Africanism

Fostering a sense of belonging, political unity, and cultural identity among African nations and the African diaspora.

Ebola outbreak's global response

The international effort initiated by WHO and various countries to control the spread of the Ebola virus and aid affected regions.