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Criteria: The development of Songhay - Coggle Diagram
Criteria: The development of Songhay
Political Impact Sonni Ali and Askia Mohammed
Sonni Ali's impact upon political advancements was limited. He introduced a growth in titles and married the royal clans of Gao and Djenne.
Uniting Djenne important as it was a significant trading center that kept Songhay active.
Askia Mohammed contributed more in a political sense for Songhay
He continued the development of Gao through administrative offices, he restored relations with the Sanhaja and the Turaeg
Hajj 1496- Caliph of Western Sudan which legitimised his dynasty while also enabling him to continue relations with Gao and Mecca
Similar to Sonni Ali he divided the kingdom into separate provinces
He was unable to hold his dynasty where his son took over for him. Failing to establish dynasty led to short-lived sucession
Suggest he may have limited political success as Songhay was broken up from civil wars towards the end as well as suffering from the factionalism
Askia Dawud contributed to changing the succession crisis as he appointed his own sons rather than following the descendants of his brothers.
Economic Impact of Sonni Ali, Askia Mohammed and Askia Dawud
Sonni Ali: improved agriculture, continued the trading systems by focusing strong attention on the river Niger and payment of tribute gave economic foundation.
Sonni Ali's treatment of Muslims prohibited the full use that could of been gained from Timbuktu.
Impact: Incredibly important as trade establishments gave Songhay superiority which continued the tribute being paid in. Sonni Ali did not treat Muslims particularly well, but this may not be completely relevant as he had unorthodox observance of Islam to show respect to Arab traders.
Established grand control over the Taghaza salt mines and Takedda copper mines. Officials were there to charge taxes on salt imports, while another controlled the goods that travelled along the Niger river.
Suggestion that the control over the mines was governed well and accepted as Songhay territory.
Maintained good tax control. Came in the form of harvests, livestock and being paid from merchandise which was imported into frontier towns.
Would say Askia Mohammed is economically more important as he had control over taxes coming in loyally as well as full control over mines that could easily receive them money.
Strengthened Songhay
as he retuned it to a state of prosperity, with a huge growth in the Trans- Saharan trade.
Dominated the river Niger, where land was owned and farmed through slave labour.
Social impact of Sonni Ali, Askia Mohammed and Askia Dawud
From obtaining the Tuareg Sonni Ali received repositions from Ulemas who were strong allies.
Mistreatment of Islam's led to serious tensions from Gao and Islamic population of Timbuktu
Askia Mohammed incorporated Islam into culture which improved the social status of Songhay
Scholars of Timbuktu were placed at the heart of the empire and he also created an alliance with the Ulema's and Timbuktu which increased literacy among the ruling classes.
Relevance of Timbuktu
- Mohammed solidified relationships with princes who were educated in the Sankore Mosque. Relationships linked for example with Timbuktu as they resettled and became a large legal center from the University of Sankore restoring to prominence.
Askia Dawud understood the importance of Timbuktu- established gardens for the poor.
Kept social culture alive- establishing public libraries, supporting the act of learning and
Military Impact of Sonni Ali, Askia Mohammed and Askia Dawud
Askia Dawud is most relevantly seen as a military leader- he reorganised the army which proved successful for fighting off Tuareg raiders and was successful in most military campaigns.
Only partially unsuccessful after losing control of the salt mines temporarily in 1557
Incredibly impactful military leader
Organisational skills- divided the army into two separate armies, one for western provinces based in Timbuktu and the other as an eastern province based in Gao.
The army was adapted into a professional army where the cavalry was built up.
Most importantly
- made into the largest state that Songhay had ever seen. Extended far beyond the Niger river and Inland Deltas which was where Sonni Ali was able to expand to.
Sonni Ali conquered the likes of Timbuktu and Djenne from 1468 onwards which contributed to expanding the original Songhay empire from the small province of Gao.
Despite his elite military and cavalry there were was constant rebels of frequently conquered people and constant raids.