West Africa Before the Europeans: Europeans early arrival

The video explores the integration of Europeans into African societies, highlighting the formation of creolized populations through marriages and trade. It discusses the cultural and linguistic exchanges, such as the use of Arabic as a lingua franca, and the shared knowledge between Europeans and Africans. The video also examines the political diversity and changes in West Africa before European arrival, emphasizing the internal dynamics and empires like Ghana and Mali.

How did Europeans form alliances with African societies during their early interactions?

• By establishing trade agreements

• Through military conquest

• By forming African families through marriage

• By converting local leaders to Christianity

Which language served as a shared lingua franca between the Portuguese and West African peoples?

• French

• Arabic

• Spanish

• Swahili

What was the center of the Empire of Ghana?

• Mali

• Mauritania

• Senegal

• Nigeria

Which empire arose in Mali and extended to the Atlantic Coast?

• Empire of Mossi

• Empire of Songhai

• Empire of Mali

• Empire of Ghana

What are some factors that might have driven political changes in 15th century West Africa?

• Discovery of new trade routes by Europeans

• Introduction of new religions

• The Black Death and environmental shifts

• European colonization