The great West African empires, such as the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, declined primarily due to a combination of internal strife, external invasions, and economic changes. The rise of European colonial powers and the transatlantic slave trade further destabilized these empires, leading to weakened trade routes and loss of resources. Additionally, the shift in trade patterns towards coastal regions diminished their economic power. Ultimately, these factors contributed to the fragmentation and decline of these once-mighty empires.
The Songhai Empire
The ancient empires phase of West African history came first
Songhai Empire
West African empires, such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, gained wealth primarily through control of trans-Saharan trade routes. They traded valuable commodities like gold, salt, and ivory, which were in high demand in both Africa and Europe. Additionally, these empires established strong agricultural practices and used taxes on trade to further enhance their wealth and power. The strategic location of these empires allowed them to become crucial hubs for commerce and cultural exchange.
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 "Great Three" West African empires were Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
Songhai
The people that carried goods from Europe to west African empires were Portuguese people.
salt and gold
The West African trade empires made their money mainly by trading slaves, salt and gold.
The Songhai Empire
You're suppose to tell me
The ancient empires phase of West African history came first
The main sources of wealth and power of all the West African empires was the armies they built whose superior iron weapons let them take control of the trade in salt and gold.
Portugal
Niger River
Arab and Berber Muslims from the Northern coast of Africa came to trade with West African Tribes and Empires like Ghana.