West Africa

Terms and People Ghana − prominent kingdom in West Africa, known for its wealth and trade in gold, lasting from A.D. 800 to A.D. 1050 Mali − West African empire lasting from 1200 to the 1400s that prospered from the gold trade Mansa Musa − king of Mali in the early 1300s who expanded the kingdom’s domain, increased the role of Islam, and promoted scholarship Songhai − large West African empire lasting from 1460 to the 1600s

Trade promoted rich and thriving cultures. West African Kingdoms, A.D. 800–A.D. 1600 Trade promoted rich and thriving cultures.

Mansa Musa

West African Trade Routes, A.D. 800−A.D. 1600

West African societies were diverse. Spiritual Beliefs Islam had a strong influence, although many held traditional beliefs about the spirit world and the influence of ancestors. Land Land belonged to extended kinship networks. People often farmed the land in common and divided the harvest.

West African slavery had developed as a system with unique characteristics. It was not based on racial superiority or inferiority. Prisoners of war and criminals often became slaves. Slaves were usually adopted by their owners, and their children usually did not inherit slave status. Slaves could become wealthy, important officials and soldiers.

The Portuguese exported peppers, ivory, copper, and African slaves. In time, the Portuguese established a profitable trade with the West Africans. In this way, Europeans first became involved in the long-standing slave trade of Africa. The Portuguese exported peppers, ivory, copper, and African slaves.

The Portuguese greatly expanded the slave trade. Some slaves were shipped to Europe. Most worked on sugar plantations on islands in the East Atlantic. Growing numbers went to new plantations in the Americas. By 1500, Europeans purchased about 1,800 African slaves a year, nearly doubling the trade between the West Africans and the Arabs.