History - Trans – Saharan Trade | JAMB, NECO and WAEC Prep Material

Overview

Welcome to the course material for the topic 'Trans-Saharan Trade' in West Africa and the Wider World from the Earliest Times. Trans-Saharan trade played a significant role in the development of West African states, shaping their economies, societies, and cultures over centuries. This trade network, connecting the Saharan desert with the regions south of it, was a key driver of exchange and interaction between North Africa and West Africa.

Origin of Trans-Saharan Trade: The origin of Trans-Saharan trade can be traced back to ancient times when camels were domesticated in the Sahara. The domestication of camels enabled traders to travel long distances across the desert, opening up trade routes between North Africa and West Africa. Initially, the trade mainly involved the exchange of salt from the desert regions for gold from the forests and savannas of West Africa.

Organization of Trans-Saharan Trade Networks: Trans-Saharan trade networks were complex systems that involved various intermediaries and trade hubs along the route. The trade caravans typically consisted of hundreds of camels carrying goods such as salt, gold, ivory, spices, and enslaved people. These caravans navigated the harsh desert terrain, relying on specialized knowledge of the desert environment and the location of oases for rest and replenishment.

Effects of Trans-Saharan Trade on the Development of West African States: The impact of Trans-Saharan trade on West African states was profound. The trade brought wealth and prosperity to the region, leading to the rise of powerful empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. These empires controlled key trade routes and grew rich from taxing the trade that passed through their territories. The wealth generated from the trade enabled these states to flourish culturally, politically, and economically.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Trans-Saharan trade was a transformative force in the development of West African states, shaping their societies and economies in significant ways. By understanding the origins, organization, and effects of this trade network, we gain insight into the interconnected histories of North Africa and West Africa, highlighting the importance of trade in fostering exchange and development across diverse regions.

Objectives

Examine the effects of Trans-Saharan trade on the development of West African states
Analyze the organization of Trans-Saharan trade networks
Understand the origin of Trans-Saharan trade

Lesson Note

Not Available

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Trans – Saharan Trade. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What impact did Trans-Saharan trade have on the development of West African states? A. It led to the spread of Islam and the introduction of new crops and technologies B. It resulted in the decline of existing kingdoms and empires C. It had no significant impact on the political and economic structures of West African states D. It caused isolation and limited cultural exchange Answer: A. It led to the spread of Islam and the introduction of new crops and technologies
How did the organization of Trans-Saharan trade networks contribute to the prosperity of West African states? A. By promoting inter-regional conflicts and warfare B. By creating economic dependencies on foreign traders C. By fostering cultural exchange and technological advancements D. By limiting the growth of urban centers and trade hubs Answer: C. By fostering cultural exchange and technological advancements
Which of the following cities was a major hub for trans-Saharan trade in West Africa? A. Cape Town B. Timbuktu C. Nairobi D. Cairo Answer: B. Timbuktu
What goods were commonly traded across the Trans-Saharan trade networks? A. Spices and luxury goods B. Silk and porcelain C. Gold and salt D. Textiles and pottery Answer: C. Gold and salt
In what ways did the origin of Trans-Saharan trade contribute to the growth of West African states? A. It allowed for the establishment of strong military alliances B. It facilitated the rise of powerful merchant classes C. It did not have any impact on the social structures of West African societies D. It led to increased isolation and cultural stagnation Answer: B. It facilitated the rise of powerful merchant classes

Recommended Books

	The Trans-Saharan Trade Subtitle Origin, Organization, and Impact on West African States Publisher Cambridge University Press Year 2003 ISBN 9780521651488
	Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, 1830-1885: An Introduction to the Economic and Political History of Nigeria Publisher Clarendon Press Year 1968 ISBN 9780198216878

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Trans – Saharan Trade from previous years

JAMB UTME - History - 2023 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is an important historical document that limited the power of which figure?

Kings and Monarchs

The Pope

Military Generals

Wealthy Merchants

View Answer

WAEC SSCE - History - 2018 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

a. List any three articles of trade exported to North Africa from Western Sudan during the trans-Saharan trade.
b. Highlight any four factors that contributed to the decline of the trans-Saharan trade.

Answer

a. Three articles of trade exported to North Africa from Western Sudan during the trans-Saharan trade were:

Gold: Gold was one of the most important commodities traded from West Africa to North Africa during the trans-Saharan trade. The region had abundant gold deposits, which were highly valued by North African traders.

Salt: Salt was another important commodity traded during the trans-Saharan trade. North African traders needed salt for food preservation and other purposes, and the West African region had abundant salt deposits.

Slaves: Unfortunately, the trans-Saharan trade also involved the trade of slaves from West Africa to North Africa. This was a significant part of the trade, and many West Africans were captured and sold into slavery in North Africa.

b. Four factors that contributed to the decline of the trans-Saharan trade were:

The rise of sea trade: The development of sea trade routes in the 15th century made it easier and cheaper to trade with Europe and other regions, reducing the demand for trans-Saharan trade.

Political instability: The region was marked by political instability and warfare, which disrupted trade routes and made them unsafe for traders.

Decline of West African empires: The decline of West African empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai also contributed to the decline of the trans-Saharan trade. These empires had played a key role in facilitating trade in the region, and their decline led to a disruption in trade routes.

Technological advances: The development of new technologies such as firearms and other weapons meant that West African traders were at a disadvantage when trading with North African traders, who had access to these new technologies.

Overall, the decline of the trans-Saharan trade was influenced by a combination of factors including the rise of sea trade, political instability, the decline of West African empires, and technological advances.

Answer Details

a. Three articles of trade exported to North Africa from Western Sudan during the trans-Saharan trade were:

Gold: Gold was one of the most important commodities traded from West Africa to North Africa during the trans-Saharan trade. The region had abundant gold deposits, which were highly valued by North African traders.

Salt: Salt was another important commodity traded during the trans-Saharan trade. North African traders needed salt for food preservation and other purposes, and the West African region had abundant salt deposits.

Slaves: Unfortunately, the trans-Saharan trade also involved the trade of slaves from West Africa to North Africa. This was a significant part of the trade, and many West Africans were captured and sold into slavery in North Africa.

b. Four factors that contributed to the decline of the trans-Saharan trade were:

The rise of sea trade: The development of sea trade routes in the 15th century made it easier and cheaper to trade with Europe and other regions, reducing the demand for trans-Saharan trade.

Political instability: The region was marked by political instability and warfare, which disrupted trade routes and made them unsafe for traders.

Decline of West African empires: The decline of West African empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai also contributed to the decline of the trans-Saharan trade. These empires had played a key role in facilitating trade in the region, and their decline led to a disruption in trade routes.

Technological advances: The development of new technologies such as firearms and other weapons meant that West African traders were at a disadvantage when trading with North African traders, who had access to these new technologies.

View Answer