Lesson 15: West Africa: Early Society

Which geographical feature forms the northern boundary of West Africa?

• The Atlantic Ocean
• The Sahara Desert
• The Niger River

Why was the Sahara not suitable for large settlements?

• It was too cold year-round
• It had frequent earthquakes
• It was too dry with limited water sources.

How did geography influence trade in West Africa?

• The varied vegetation zones created a need for trade between regions
• The Sahara was the main trade route
• Every region had the same resources, reducing the need for trade

What was one key advantage of the Niger River for trade?

• It prevented invaders from entering West Africa
• It acted as a trading highway for transporting goods
• It produced wood for housing

What was the primary reason early farming communities in West Africa were based on extended families?

• To follow religious traditions
• To make it easier to trade with outsiders
• To work together in farming and daily survival

Why did extended-family communities eventually form villages?

• To build larger farms
• To unite for protection and large projects
• To create schools and marketplaces

What evidence suggests that early West African villages defended themselves against attacks?

• Discoveries of ancient weapons
• Written records from the time period
• Ruins of high walls and gates in places like Dhar Tichitt

How was leadership typically determined in EARLY West African villages?

• Leadership was based on wisdom and strength
• The leader was always the eldest male in the village
• A leader was chosen through democratic elections

How did the rulers of West African trading cities become wealthy?

• By farming large areas of land
• b) By collecting taxes from traded goods
• c) By discovering large oil reserves

What was the purpose of collecting tribute from conquered people?

• To show their acceptance of the king’s authority and to pay for protection
• To fund religious ceremonies only
• To reduce the population of the empire