political and economic development

what three pointers sum up the political developments ?

• the king and his wives

• centralisation

• provinces

how was the king’s authority different to Alafins?

kings power absolute - no conflict with councillors

What is an example of the king’s absolute power ?

no one could build houses more than one storey except for him and Europeans

where did the administrative power come from ?

kings wives

how many wives were there said to be up to ?

2000

How could one access the king?

through his senior wife - Daklo

When Tegbesu acceded Agaja in 1704 - how did he take Oyo’s influence into Dahomey rule?

• borrowed Ilari slaves from Oyo - became messengers for him

• eunuchs and kinless slaves used to maintain power safely

What else did Tegbesu do to centralise power?

• consolidated Yovogan position

• introduced Migan position (prime minister)

who were the Agou ?

lead the army

Dinu?

chief eunuch in charge of the palace

what were the spy network called?

Agbajigbeto

How did provinces aid political developments ?

• Dahomey took tribute from them

• annual customs held - collect tax

• control of trade

• cowrie money became commercialised

What were the economic developments ?

• highly mercantile - good roads/bridges for trade

• Abomey markets every week - crafts and foods - luxury items eg tobacco

• markets administered by Migan who had 100 soldiers in case of disputes

• produce grown locally in large cultivated areas - yams ,potatoes , corn

• involvement in euro slave trade led to immense profits