West Africa Before Contact

West Africa was characterized by diverse societies with distinct lifestyles, a mix of hoe agriculture, mining, and metalsmithing, and extensive trade networks. Political structures varied widely, showcasing a mix of conflict and centralized authority, focusing on the control of people and labor. Major kingdoms such as the Mali and Songhai empires, alongside the kingdom of Benin, dominated the region, along with powerful city-states.

Trade and Exchange

The region engaged in extensive trade with various goods including gold, salt, ivory, and agricultural products like millet, yams, and rice. The trade routes connected several areas, leading to the rise of towns like Timbuktu, which became centers of economic and cultural exchange.

Portuguese Impact

The Portuguese never fully conquered Africa but established trade forts along the coast. Their focus was on extracting wealth, establishing a trade in slaves, and introducing Christianity through missionaries, ultimately leading to a harsher system of slavery in the region. This marked a significant shift in the socio-economic dynamics of West Africa.

African Empires and Kingdoms

Throughout different periods, key empires and kingdoms included:

• Ghana Empire (c. 300-1200)
• Mali Empire (1235-c. 1600)
• Oyo Kingdom (c. 1200-1835)
• Ashanti Empire (1695-1901)
• Benin Kingdom (c. 900-1897)

These empires contributed to the rich cultural and economic landscape of the region, influencing trade and social structures.