Songhai and Russia Notes

West African Empires

• Mali's decline began with the fall of Islamic caliphates in the 13-14th century.

• Gao, led by the Songhai family, expanded by conquering Malian cities starting in the 1460s.

• By 1500, the Songhai had formed the largest sub-Saharan state, the Songhai Dynasty (1464-1592).

Songhai Empire

• Askia the Great was a powerful ruler who promoted Islam while being tolerant of other religions.

• He opened religious schools and welcomed scholars from the Muslim world.

• The Songhai used Islam to legitimize political power, especially among the elite.

Asante Empire

• The Asante Empire thrived from 1670 to 1957 in modern Ghana, marking its emergence as a powerful state.

• Osei Tutu unified the Ashanti Kingdom under the Golden Stool symbol.

• The empire expanded through military strength and profited from trade with Europeans.

Kingdom of Kongo

• Located in present-day northern Angola, the Kongo was ruled by the Manikongo who converted to Catholicism in 1491.

• The kingdom became a major slave source for Portuguese traders.

Impact of the Mongol Invasions on Russia

• The Golden Horde's invasion in 1240 devastated Kiev and led to Russian tributary status.

• Isolation from Western Europe slowed Russia's cultural and technological development.

Ivan III (Ivan the Great)

• Ruled from 1462-1505, united the Rus’ against the Golden Horde.

• Defeated Mongols at the Battle of Ugra River, laying the foundation for a united Russian state.

Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible)

• Crowned as Tsar in 1547, he centralized power by diminishing boyar authority.

• Used brutal tactics against boyars, promoting loyalty through fear and enforcing military service.

Peter the Great

• Expanded Russian territory and reformed military and governmental systems (1682-1725).

• Moved capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg, aimed to modernize Russia akin to Western Europe.

• Enforced cultural reforms, including the famous beard tax to promote Western styles.