West Africa quiz

What are the three major vegetation zones of West Africa?

The three major vegetation zones are the Sahara, the Sahel, and the savannah.

What major trading route is significant in West Africa?

The Niger River is a major trading route.

What were the reasons early communities in West Africa grew into larger villages?

Protection, sharing of jobs and resources.

How did ironworking affect food production in West Africa?

It made it easier to grow and harvest more crops.

How did ironworking influence the types of jobs in West Africa?

It allowed people to expand to more diverse types of jobs.

What is an important West African city located at the junction of the Bani and Niger Rivers?

Jenne-Jaro.

How did early West African rulers gain wealth and power? Name two ways.

By collecting taxes from trade and using their wealth to pay for armies to take control of other lands.

What two factors contributed to the growth of villages into cities in West Africa?

The growth of ironmaking and the expansion of trade.

What is one advantage of being taken over by a larger West African kingdom?

Trade routes were protected and they had protection from larger enemies.

What is one disadvantage of being taken over by a larger West African kingdom?

Had to pay tribute to the king who controlled them.

Three ways that Kings of Ghana held power:

1. Controlled the army and appointed officials. 2. All gold went directly to the king. 3. Ran councils to make decisions and hear people's problems.

What was Ghana’s method for the line of succession?

Matrilineal - chosen through female bloodlines.

What two things helped expand trade between the Sahara and West Africa?

Camels and the spread of Islam.

How did the wealth of Ghana’s kings increase through Saharan trade?

Taxes enriched Ghana's treasury, allowing them to pay for armies and conquer other territories.

What item dominated trade from North Africa and why was it important to West Africans?

Salt; it was used for food and to replenish bodies after sweating.

What item dominated trade from West Africa and why was it important to North Africans?

Gold; used for coins and building wealth.

What is the name of the gold mine in Ghana?

Wangara.

What is the name of the salt mine in the Sahara?

Taghaza.

What is the significance of the silent barter?

Allowed people speaking different languages to trade and kept the locations of gold mines a secret.

What was the next kingdom that replaced Ghana?

Mali.

What was the importance of Mansa Musa’s journey to Mecca?

It made Mali known as a wealthy and important kingdom in Africa.

Which kingdom replaced Mali?

Songhai.

How did Islam come to West Africa?

Through trade across the Sahara Desert.

Provide an example of Islam's influence on religious practices in West Africa.

West Africans adopted the Five Pillars of Islam.

What impact did Islam have on the government in West Africa?

Law became written down and some rulers adopted Muslim titles.

What influence did Islam have on education in West Africa?

Islam helped fuel the creation of universities and schools.

How did the Arabic language influence West Africa?

It became the official language of governments and schools.

What architectural influence can be attributed to Islam in West Africa?

Mosques were built.

What is one type of decorative art influenced by Islam in West Africa?

Calligraphy.

What are Griots and their importance in West African societies?

Griots are singers, storytellers, musicians, and oral historians.

Why are folk tales significant in West African culture?

They teach young people morals and values.

Name three instruments significant to West African culture.

Balafon, Ngoni, Kora.

How did traditions such as call and response singing come to the Americas?

They were brought over by Africans who were forced into slavery.

What are three types of fabrics significant to West African culture?

Stamp fabrics, Story fabrics, Kente cloth.

Name three music styles influenced by West African traditions.

Jazz, Rock and roll, Hip-hop.

Who was Hannibal and what was his achievement?

Led an army including elephants into Europe against the Romans.

Who were the Kandakes?

Female queens of Kush and military leaders.

What is Haile Selasse known for?

Maintained Ethiopia's independence as Emperor.

What did Nelson Mandela achieve?

Helped unify South Africa after the end of apartheid.

What was Hatshepsut known for?

First female Egyptian pharaoh to rule and established successful trading.

Who was Yaa Asentawa and what did she do?

An Ashanti queen who fought against the British.

Who was the king that took over the Congo?

King Leopold II of Belgium.

What valuable resource was the Congo used for?

Rubber.

What were Europeans’ reactions to Africa's civilizations and resources?

They wanted to gain wealth and often felt Africans were unfit to control resources.