1. What is going on in the World???
AFRICA

2. Kingdom of Ghana Ideal position to become a trading center
As trade in gold and salt increased, Ghana’s rulers gained power.
By 800 Ghana was firmly in control of West Africa’s trade routes.
Ghana’s rulers gained incredible wealth from trade.
Ghana’s contact with Arab traders helped spread Islam into Ghana.

3. Kingdom of Mali Mali had fertile soil that helped them grow.
Because it was located on the Niger river they could control trade.
Ruler Mansa Musa, ruled about 25 years and added many important trade cities, including Timbuktu.
Islam was important to Musa and he stressed the importance of learning to read and write the Arabic Language

4. Songhai Empire
Mali had at one time conquered Songhai but after the death of Musa, the Songhai Empire had taken control of Mali.
Askia the Great came to power and he created a professional army and improved the government.
Soon after Askia the Great lost power the empire declined.

5. West African Slave Trade
The practice of slavery had existed in Africa and other places for centuries.
Europeans had long traded resources with Africa but they became more interested in the growing slave trade.
People who were captured by warring groups during battle or were criminals could be sold into slavery.
West Africa was the home to many enslaved Africans brought to the Americas.
Over time, the slave trade became an important part of the West African economy. Kings traded slaves for valuable goods.