West African kings became powerful by controlling trade routes and valuable resources, particularly gold and salt. By managing the flow of these commodities, they were able to accumulate wealth and influence, which also allowed them to strengthen their armies and establish centralized authority. Additionally, their control over trade facilitated diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions and beyond. This economic power was crucial for the rise of prominent empires like Mali and Songhai.
The Songhai Empire thrived in West Africa from 1493 to 1528. It became one of the largest and most powerful empires in African history, flourishing due to its strategic position along trans-Saharan trade routes, particularly in gold and salt. The empire's capital, Gao, and the famous city of Timbuktu were centers of trade, culture, and Islamic scholarship during this period. The empire eventually declined due to internal strife and external invasions.
Only one country (namely Portugal) had any dealings with West African coast countries at the time. Portugal hoped to find gold there, and wanted to find the mystical Kingdom of Priest John, which turned out not to exist. Calling Portugal a "major trading partner of West African empires" would be a vast overstatement. They got out some gold in exchange for iron tools, cloth etcetra but that was about it. Further travels along the West African coast by the Portuguese all had the purpose of finding a route to Asia.
The first West African kingdom based on wealth from trade was the Ghana Empire. Flourishing between the 6th and 13th centuries, it became a powerful state due to its control over trans-Saharan trade routes, particularly in gold and salt. The empire's prosperity attracted traders and influenced the development of subsequent kingdoms in the region, such as Mali and Songhai.
Government became more powerful
GHANA AND MALI
The Mali Empire and the Ghana Empire were the two West African empires that became wealthy from trading salt and gold. The Ghana Empire lasted from c. 400 to c. 1200.
British and French empires
British and French
It became the most powerful Western African empire of its time.
Some became powerful from finding metal Ore and started making weapons.
West African kings became powerful by controlling trade routes and valuable resources, particularly gold and salt. By managing the flow of these commodities, they were able to accumulate wealth and influence, which also allowed them to strengthen their armies and establish centralized authority. Additionally, their control over trade facilitated diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges with neighboring regions and beyond. This economic power was crucial for the rise of prominent empires like Mali and Songhai.
Do you mean black Americans, Africans who became Americans, or Americans who became African?
Portugal, I got this answer from the SOL test so this is correct.
The Islamic Empire became powerful by conquering large swathes of territory from severely weakened and unprepared empires. It then put the conquered peoples to use in becoming the vanguard of subsequent conquests.
Songhai
The Songhai Empire.