4. DEVELOPMENT OF SOCAIL AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
What is political
organization?
Pre-colonial political
system: were the political organizations which were developed by some
pre-colonial African societies and usually comprised of various forms of political
organization and the administrative authority determined by the nature of
environment, population size and nature of economics activities. Africans had
their own social and political system of administration, before the coming of
colonialists, African
administration system was interrupted after the interaction with colonialist in
19th century.
FACTORS THAT DETERMINED
THE NATURE AND TYPE OF POLITICAL ORGANIZATION IN PRE-COLONIA AFRICA
The
type and nature of political organization during the pre-colonial Africa to a
great extent were determined by various factors such as: -
1. The nature of climate: the
community lived in areas with abundant rains were ablef to develop centralized
state because rains supported agricultural development which resulted in to
population increase and establishment of permanent settlement, example mugabda,
Mali, Soghai while those areas along the
semi arids developed Age-set organization example Maasai in East Africa, Karamajong Uganda, Khoikhoi south Africa, Mandika in Guinea Bisau..
2.The nature of soil: The Communities which were settled
in areas with fertile soils supported agricultural development hence those
places supported the formation of strongest states.
3. Geographical location: this is the
combination between the nature of climate and the nature of soils. Therefore,
the community which located in areas with good geographical location supported
the formation of strongest States. Example Mali, Buganda, Soghai, etc
4. The level of technology: Some
societies developed much in iron technology were abled much in improvement of
productive forces like use of sharped iron tools while societies with backwards
technology developed age-set organization.
5. The population size: The high
population encouraged the development of strong centralized state, while low
population supported clan head system.
6. The nature of economic activities:
The economic activities were determining the type of state organization because
it was affected the nature of settlement. Example those pastoralist societies based in age-set organization because
societies moving from one place to another. But societies practiced some
economic activities like iron working, agriculture and trade supported
permanent settlement hence those societies developed state organization.
TYPES OF PRE-COLONIAL
AFRICAN POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
However the
pre-colonial political organization include: -
1. The kinship/clan organization.
2. Age-set organization.
3. State organization.
1. THE KINSHIP/CLAN HEAD
ORGANIZATION
THE FAMILY: Family is a
combination of wife husband and children. Family was the basic and the simplest
means of production in the early agricultural societies.
Clan: is a combination
of several related families with a common ancestor.
Clan organization: is
the combination of both the matrilineal and patrilineal societies. In the
patrineal societies clan heritage was based on the father, in the matrilineal
clan heritage was based on the mother examples of this society were Mweras,
Kambas and Kikuyus whom others are patrineals. The main economic activity in
the clan organization was agriculture. clan is controlled or ruled by the
clan’s head. More examples of matrilineal societies; The Ngindo, Zaramo, Makua
and Matumbi.
There are two types of
clan head societies;
i. Matrilineal
ii. Partrilineal
i.
Matrilineal
clan organization: This is the organization where by the husband moved
to the wife’s family
and children of the new family belonged to the mother’s (wife’s clan). As a
result clan heritage was based on the mother’s clan. Uncles have to make all
the important decisions concerning the children and the nephews of their
sisters.
Matrilineal age in Africa was practiced among the Makonde, Makua, Mwera and the Yao of Tanzania and the Kamba of Kenya.
ii.
Patrilineal
clan organization societies: This is the system of organization in which the
clan heritage was based on the father’s clan and all children belong to the father's
clan. The husband had to pay substantial bride price in different forms such as
cattle, goats, etc in Oder to get the wife, the bride price could be stored as
wealth, in this system all the children of the new family belonged to the
father’s clan.
DUTIES OR FUNCTIONS OF
THE CLAN HEAD
1. To distribute land to the
communities or clan members.
2. To preserve traditions and customs
of the clan.
3. To preserve land belonging to the
clan.
4. To settle disputes and quarrels.
5. To find wives for boys and husbands
for girls.
2. AGE-SET ORGANIZATION
Age set organization:
This was the kind of socio-political organization in which the responsibilities
based on age and sex. In order for one to fit in the society one was required
to fulfill certain obligations. Often the main productive activity was based on
the harsh environments. Such as arid grass land and semi arid, in these areas
poor soil could not support agriculture economy but vegetation could be used
for animal husbandry. examples of the societies practiced age set organization
were the Maasai, Nyakyusa of East Africa, Hausa in West Africa and the Khoi
Khoi of South Africa. The division of responsibilities and duties was based on
age and sex and was usually done during initiation ceremonies.
DIVISION OF
RESPONSIBILITIES BASED ON AGE
1. Children group aged 0-8years: were
regarded as non-producers’ group. They were not directly involved in
production.
2. Youth group 8-18 years: their main
responsibility was to graze animals, trading young animals and milking cattle
they were assisted by women.
3. Moran group 35yers: these were
soldiers of the society.
The main
responsibilities of the Moran
i. To protect the whole society as
trained soldiers.
ii. To protect livestock against
dangerous animals and raiders.
iii. To increase the number of animals
through raiding their neighbors
iv. To travel with their livestock in
searching for water and pastures.
4. Laibons group 40 years: this is the
group of elders aged 40years and above. it divided in groups namely; junior
elders (45 to 60 years age) and senior elders (60 years and above).
Responsibilities
of Laibons (Elders)
1. To control livestock and all the
properties on behalf of their communities.
2. To protect norms and ethics in the
society.
3. To protect spiritual and political
matters of the community.
4. To advice the members of the
society.
5. To settle disputes among the
society members.
6.
To
perfom minor productive activities in the society.
3. NTEMISHIP
ORGANIZATION
The word Ntemi comes
from the word “kutema” which means opening up of new land. It also means
finding a locality. Ntemi was the name given to a leader who organized the
action of opening up new land and controlled the people,
Ntemiship system: was
the form of political oganization practised in Unyamwezi by 1300 AD. It then
spread in the neighbouring such as the Sukuma, Sangu, Hehe, Kimbu, Gogo and
Bena of Tanzania. There were about 300 Ntemiship in Tanzania in the 18thC. Among
the Sukuma, the ruler in Ntemiship organization was called Ntemi. He became
Ntemi because he was the founder of the locality. He was chosen by a counsel of
elders choosing a person to become Ntemi depended on his wisdom courage and
experience.
Responsibilities of Mtemi
1. To provided guidance in the
community.
2. To enforce proper uses of resources
such as land, water, forest resources etc.
3. To ensure food security to the
community.
4. To solve conflict in the community.
5. To protect norms and ethics to the
community.
6. To collect taxes from his
community.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
NYAMWEZI KINGDOM
Nyamwezi who lived in
central Tanzania area group of the Bantu societies. Each of these societies had
their own settlements headed by a chief and titled Mtemi(Ntemi).
Factors for the rise of
the Nyamwezi kingdom or chiefdom can be explained below as follows;
1. Ngoni invasions: the Ngoni
invasions in Western Tanganyika made the Nyamwezi people to unite in order to
resist the Ngoni attackers.
2. The expansion regional trade: Long
distance trade due to emergency of wealthy traders like the Mirambo who made
the effective use of Ruganga.
3. Penetration of the Europeans: This
introduced new trading patterns to the Nyamwezi traders who joined together to
effective resist European pressure to stop slave trade.
4. Good leadership like Mirambo: used
their influence to unite the Nyamwezi land.
5. The strong army: the use of the gun
and gun powder by the Mirambo’s solders; this caused the weakening of watemi
submissive to his rule.
6. Population growth.
7. Unity among the people.
4. STATE ORGANIZATION
State is a community occupying a certain given territory and living under full control of its government and therefore it is independent form of external control. State in East Africa mostly started to emerge in the 18th century AD due to the rapid spread of agricultural communities and improvement of science and technology.
TYPES OF STATES IN
PRE-COLONIAL AFRICA
There were two dominant
states emerged Africa and the varied more from one place to another;
i. Decentralized state
(non-centralized) or stateless political societies
ii. Centralized kingdoms and empires
I.
DECENTRALIZED
(NON-CENTRALIZED STATE) OR STATELESS POLITICAL STATE
Decentralized state: is
the one of the powerless states which cover small geographical unit and it had
no permanent boundary. Example of decentralized states were, Yao state, Buhaya,
Ukimbu chief dom, etc.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
DECENTRALIZED STATES
1. They had small population.
2. They lacked strong leaders: most of
them founded by elders.
3. They had no permanent bounderies.
4. They cover small geographical unit
such as villages.
5. They practiced shifting
agriculture. 6.They characterized by weak army.
7. They had no
heriditary system of leadership.
FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
DECENTRALIZED STATES
1. Existence of low population.
2. Presence of weak army.
3. Existence of harshness climatic
condition.
4. Presence of poor technology.
5. Absence of strongest leaders.
6. Existence of disunity among the
societies.
7. Presence of frequently external
attacks.
II.
CENTRALIZED
STATES
Centralized states:
These were large kingdoms that developed in a complex system of government.
These large empires governed by kings who had absolute power. Example of
centralized states were such as Ancient Egypt in north Africa, Ghana, Mali and
Songhai in West Africa, Zimbabwe (southern Africa), Bunyoro, Buganda, Karagwe,
Ankole and Toro of East Africa.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
CENTRALIZED STATES
1. They had large population.
2. They had strong leaders: most of
them founded by kings or chiefs.
3. They had permanent boundaries.
4. They cover large geographical unit.
5. They practiced permanent
agriculture. 6.They characterized by strong army.
7. They had hereditary system of
leadership.
8. They had expansionism policy.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF CENTRALIZED STATE
1. Existence of strong leadership for
example among the Baganda, strong and able rulers such as Kyabagu, Suna and
Mutesa. These rulers were able to unite the Baganda people and govern them.
2. Existence of Permanent cultivation.
3. Conquest: for a long period of war
with neighbours encouraged the people to form one united state for the sake of
security such as among the Sambaa and Baganda.
4. Strong army: helped to conquer new
areas and force the people to accept the ruler of one leader. E.g Chief Mirambo
of Unyamwezi.
4. Dense population.
5. Trade.
6. Iron technology.
7. Intermarriage. Example Kabaka Mutesa in Buganda married to about
36 tribes.
GENERAL FACTORS FOR THE
RISE AND EXPANSION OF STATES IN FRICA
Normally the state
formation and expansion in Africa to a great extent was due to the internal
dynamics - the material conditions within African societies. Nevertheless, the
material conditions did not operate in isolation as they were in hand
supplemented by the natural and external factors. Therefore, the state
formation was supported by the following factors: -
1. Existence of good geographical
location: This was a combination of good climate with reliable rainfall and
fertile soils. Such a climate favoured permanent food crop production that
developed permanently settled communities and population expansion. This
explains the emergence of powerful states like Buganda, Bunyoro and Karagwe in
the Interlacustrine Region and Oyo, Dahomey and Benin in the Equatorial Region
of West Africa.
2. Existence of good leadership:
Societies blessed with strongest leaders like Mansa Musa (Mali), Kabaka
Katerega (Buganda) and Mkwawa (Hehe) rose to greatness. Such leaders put in
place strong administration and armies, united their people and organised production
and trade. Efficient administrative system enforced law and order. Typical
examples are the Parliamentary systems of Buganda (Lukiiko) and Oyo (Oyo
Messi).
3. The role of trade: Participation in
trading activities mainly, long distance trades had vital implication in the
making of powerful states in pre-colonial Africa. They accumulated wealth
through profits and taxes/tribute from traders and also firearms which they
used to strengthen their states. Remarkably, the Trans-Saharan trade with the
development of states like Mali and Songhai and the East African Long-Distance
trade with states like Buganda and Nyamwezi.
4. Existence of strong armies: The
role of strong armies like the Rugaruga of the Nyamwezi and Abarusula of
Bunyoro cannot be underrated. The armies were instrumental in keeping law and
order, defence against foreign invasions, conquest of weak neighbouring
societies for expansion and for collection of tributes/taxes. By powerful armies’
men like Samore Toure of the Mandika, Mansa Musa of Mali and Mirambo and Nyungu
ya Mawe of the Nyamwezi and Mkwawa of the Hehe were able to build large
commercial empires.
5. Existence of advanced iron
technology: Most significant was iron technology that definitely improved
productive forces greatly. Societies with Iron works like Buganda and Bunyoro
advanced economic activities like agricultural, industry and trade. As iron
instruments improved efficiency, food production increased to support
population expansion and production of surplus was realised to make trade
possible. Most crucial also was improvement in weaponry for state defence and
expansion.
6. Population increase: Population
increase was mostly due to reliable food supply and security. It led to intense
land competition between clans or societies leading to conquest of weak ones.
Large population availed abundant supply of labour and armies for state
building. High population in the Interlacustrine Region led to powerful states
like Buganda and Toro and in West African forest region states like Oyo and
Dahomey.
7. The role of migration: The early
migrations played a vital role in state building as the moving peoples carried
with them new skills in new areas where passed or settled. Notable case is the
Ngoni Migration with formation of states like, Sotho, Ndebele and Hehe in
South, Central and East Africa. In the Interacustrine Region and the Congo,
states like Buganda and Mani Kongo were largely due Eastern Bantu migration.
8. Conquest: Some clans or communities
developed in to powerful states by conquering weak neighbours to absorb their
land and people. For example, a
small state of Kangaba expanded into weak neighbours like Kankan to form a
large Mali Empire, Also King Shaka conquered the weak Nguni communities to
build a strong Zulu Kingdom, Kabaka mutesa of Buganda conquered Bunyoro to form
the powerful Buganda kingdom.
9. The role of religion: The influence
of religion in state formation and growth was its uniting factor and
significance in shaping leadership, administrative and judicial roles of
societies. Africa traditional Religion, Islam and Christianity had greater role.
Notable states where traditional religion was a strong factor include Buganda
and ancient kingdoms of Ghana and Zimbabwe. Islam played a grey role in states
formation like Egypt, ancient Mali, Songhai, Bornu and Mandinka while
Christianity was responsible for Ethiopia
FORMATION OF THE
WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
The early states in
western Sudan were established in the region between the Sahara desert and the
forest region of the South. The most notable states are/were Ghana, Mali,
Songhai and Karnem Bornu.
GENERAL FACTORS FOR THE
RISE OF WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
1. Good geographical location
2. Iron technology
3. The growth of population
4. Development of local industries
5. Taxation
6. Trans - Saharan Trade
7. Availability of valuable goods e.g.
Gold
8. Good centralized government
9. Capable leaders
10. Strong Army
A. GHANA EMPIRE
The Ghana empire was
formed in the early of 3rd Century. The Ghana had two main towns, one occupied
by Muslims and the other by Pagans. The rulers and the people were Soninke
speaking group. The capital center of administration was Kumbisalehe. The founder
of Ghana empire was Sundiata Keita
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
THE GHANA EMPIRE
1. Agricultural activities.
2. Availability of valuable goods e.g.
gold.
3. Trans – Saharan trade in gold and
salt
4. Good leadership of Sundiata keita.
5. Common language.
6. Mining activities.
FACTORS FOR THE DECLINE
OF GHANA EMPIRE
1. Conquest from Almoravids.
2. Disunity among people.
3. Jihad wars.
4. Lack of stable system of royal
successions
5. The rise of rural kingdoms e.g.
Mali
B. MALI EMPIRE
Mali empire was formed
in the 8 Century after the decline of Ghana empire as a result of the war
between Samangwa the king of Ghana and Prince Sundiata Keita the king of
Kangaba. Ghana was defeated and Ghana fall Under Sundiata’s rule. The leader of
Mali empire was Mansa Kan Kan Musa
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
THE MALI EMPIRE
1. The fall of Ghana empire.
2. Control of gold fields of Bure.
3. Strong army.
4. Agricultural activities.
5. Trans – Saharan trade.
6. Strong leadership of Mansa Kan Kan
Musa.
7. Islamic faith which promoted
libraries and Islamic universities
8. Political system in Mali
DECLINE OF THE MALI
EMPIRE
1. Weak leadership after the death of
Mansa Musa.
2. Empire became too large to control.
3. Lack of unity and the empire was
divided into three spheres of influence and they fought against each other.
4. Attacks by Tuaregs.
5. Civil
wars.
6. The rise of Songhai empire
C. SOGHAI EMPIRE
The Songhai empire was formed in the late
of 11 Century and it expanded much in the late of 15th Century. The founder of
Songhai empire was Sunni Ali. The capital city of Songhai empire was Gao. The famous
leaders of Songhai
empire were, Sunni Ali, Askia Mohamed and Askia Daud.
FACTORS FOR THE GROWTH
OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
1. Agricultural activities
2. Strong army
3. Trans – Sahara trade.
4. Good administration
5. Taxation
6. The role of Islamic religion.
DECLINE OF SONGHAI
EMPIRE
1. Weak leadership after the death of
Askia Daud.
2. The Moroccan invasion.
3. The empire was too large to
control.
4. Religious hostility between Islamic
and traditional beliefs
5. The shift in orientation of trade
towards the Atlantic following the introduction of the Trans-Atlantic Slave
Trade.
FORMATION OF FOREST
STATES IN WEST AFRICA
The forest states which
were formed in west Africa region includes: -
a. The Benin empire.
b. The Oyo empire.
c. The Dahomey empire.
d. The Asante empire.
A. THE BENIN EMPIRE
The Benin Empire was
formed between 14 – 15. It was very small state with the Edo speaking people. The founder of the Benin empire was
Ogiso which meant the ‘Kings of the Sky. The capital city of Benin empire was
Ubinu. By 15th C, the empire expanded into a city-state under the leadership of
Oba Ewuare the Great.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE BENIN EMPIRE
1. Good leadership: Some of capable
rulers the greatest of those was Aware.
2. Good centralized system of
government.
3. Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
4. Unity among people.
5. Development of Handicraft Industry.
6. Iron technology.
DECLINE OF THE BENIN
EMPIRE
1. Introduction of Slave trade
2. Disunity among people.
3. Firearms that were introduced
through the European trade caused tribal wars that led to the final decline of
the Benin Empire.
B. THE OYO EMPIRE
The Oyo empire began in
the late 14th C or early 15th C, and it reached its peack in 19 Century. The
people of Oyo were Oranmiyan, their capital city of Oyo empire was Oyo-Ile and
the King of Oyo was called Alafin. The Bashoran was the leader of the army.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF
THE OYO EMPIRE
1. It had organized political system
headed by a number of great Alafins.
2. Strong organized army
3. Agricultural activities.
4. Development of local industries
5. Slave trade
6. Dahomey tributary
DECLINE OF THE OYO
EMPIRE
1. Conflict between Alafin and
Basharon
2. Conquest from the Fulani and
Dahomey
3. Civil wars
4. Disunity.
5. Death of Alafin.
C. THE DAHOMEY EMPIRE
The Dahomey empire rose
after the decline of Oyo in the 19thC. The Dahome empire was founded by the Fon
people. It had good leaders such as King Aguja and Houegbadja who built the
Royal Palaces of Abomey.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
THE DAHOMEY EMPIRE IN THE 18th C
1. Growth of centralized and powerful
monarchy
2. Boyul succession system was
effective
3. Strong army
4. Good leadership of King Gezo and
later Aguja
5. Control of Slave trade DECLINE OF
DAHOMEY
Dahomey declined after
the arrival of the French.
D. THE ASANTE EMPIRE
The Asante or Ashanti
was formed in the early of 15century. The leader of Asante empire was Osei
Tutu. The people of Asante were Akan ruled by the Oyuko clan. The capital city
of Asante or Ashanti was Kumasi. The symbol of Asante union was a Golden stool.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
ASANTE
1. Agricultural activities
2. Development of local industries
3. Some of its capable rulers e.g.
Osei Tutu
4. Well organized political system
5. Slave trade.
DECLINE - The state
declined after the arrival of Europeans in 16 century.
THE STATE FORMATION IN
CENTRAL AFRICA
The centralized states
in central Africa include: -
a. The Congo empire.
b. The Mwenemutapa
empire.
c. The Luba empire.
d. The Lunda state.
A. THE CONGO EMPIRE
The Kongo empire, was
founded in the 14th C. The head of the kingdom took the title of Manikongo or
Mwekongo means lord of Kongo. The capital city of Kongo empire was Mbaza, which the
Portuguese later baptized Sutrador.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
KONGO EMPIRE
1. Technological development e.g. Iron
technology
2. Trade
3. Taxation
4. Development of local industries
5. Emergence of traditional leaders
with a strong belief in spiritual and magic power
DECLINE OF THE CONGO
EMPIRE
1. The arrival of the Portuguese
2. Slave trade
3. Weak leadership after Manikongo
Mingo Mkuwa who acquired up an Embassy in Portugal. His son Mzingo Mbemba was
baptized as Dan Alfonce. He was a puppet of the Portuguese and caused civil war
in Kongo.
B. MWENEMUTAPA KINGDOM
The Kingdom was created
in early 14th Century. The ruler of Mwenemutapa empire was Mutola. Mutola
conquered Tongu and Torura of the Zambezi valley. He acquired the title of
Mwenemutapa, which means ‘Master of the conquered lands. He was a political,
military and religious leader. Mutola died in 1450 and his son Matope
inherited, after Matope’s death in 1480 Changamire took over in 1490.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF
MWENEMUTAPA
1. Agricultural activities
2. Good leadership of Mutola
3. Availability of valuable goods e.g.
copper, iron and gold.
4. They controlled trade routes
5. Trading activities.
6. The existence of strong army.
REASONS FOR THE DECLINE
OF MWENEMUTAPA
1. The arrival of Portuguese who
monopolized the gold trade
2. The kingdom became divided into two
parts Mutapa and Ruzwi
3. Rebellion from local people.
4. After the death of Matope, his son
Nyahuma took over. He was younger than the other Chief so that Chief rebelled
and caused civil war.
C. THE LUBA STATE
This state is found
between the tributaries of river Kongo. The Songiye people migrated from
Katanga led by a leader from the Kangolo clan. The united Kaniok and from Luba
kingdom, Ilungambila married into the Kangolo clan. This intermarriage gave the
rise of Luba lineage of Kalala Ilunga, the founder of Munza as capital of Luba.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF
THE LUBA STATE
1. Centralized system of
Administration where the kingdom had final say in wars and external trade
2. The development of trade
3. Agricultural Activities
4. The presence of iron technology
D. THE LUNDA STATE
The centre of the
empire lay in the Valley of Nkala River. The ruler of Luba state was Mantagand.
It began as a simple village and their first ruler was called Mwantagaand.
Ilunga Tshibinda who came from Luba married a princess from the area and their
son became the first paramount ruler of the Lunda State.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
LUNDA STATE
1. Iron technology
2. Development of local industries
3. Agriculture activities
4. Good leadership
5.Trade.
The empire declined
after the arrival of Europeans.
STATE FORMATION IN
NORTH EAST AFRICA
The north east African
state were:-
i. Egyptian empire
ii. Nubian kingdom.
iii. Ethiopian kingdom.
A. THE RISE OF EGYPT
KINGDOM
The Egypt state developed between1500-
5000BC under the leadership of Pharaoh. According to archaeological evidence,
the Egyptian state arose between 1500 and 500 BC. The evidence also show that
by this time there were already villages of self sufficient producers who grew
wheat, barley and kept animals. These producers formed permanent settlements as
they increased in population. The kingdom was under the leadership of Pharaoh
as a title of the king, Menes was the famous Pharaoh who led the development of
Egypt.
CLASSES IN THE EGYPTIAN
STATE
i. The ruling class- Consisted of the
Pharaoh who was at the top followed by the nobility, priests, court officials
and other officials- Followed by administrators of the people called the
Vizier.
ii. The working class, The peasants and
slaves
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF
THE EGYPTIAN STATE
i. The development of agriculture and
pastoralism Specialization of labour
ii. The rise of Menes who united the
upper and the lower Egypt
iii. Development of local industries
iv. Taxation
v. Strong Army
vi. Development of productive forces, therefore
any one with the following rose to power.
vii. Iron technology.
viii. Good leadership of pharaoh dynasty.
B: THE KINGDOM OF
ETHIOPIA/AXUM
Ethiopia started as a
small kingdom known as Axum, was founded near the red sea coast by a dynasty of
Sabean from the other side of the Red Sea. The Ethiopia arose around 1000 BC,
Menelik 1 founded the Ethiopian empire in 1st century BC, and the kingdom was
occupied by Axumites. Feudalism was consolidated by the introduction of Christianity (Ethiopian orthodox
church) during the 4th. AD and King
Ezana, was the first to be converted. King Zagwe built 30 churches. A
descendant of King. Solomon and Queen Sheba. Expansion done by 3 emperors
(leaders): Zagwe Dynasty – 12th C – 13th
C.
King Theodore – 19th C – 1855 – 1868 Menelik II – 19th C – 1889 – 1913 Menelik
II made Addis Ababa his Capital.
FACTORS FOR THE GROWTH
OF THE ETHIOPIAN STATE
i. Strong leadership
ii. Agriculture.
iii. Unity among the people.
iv. Growth of local industries.
v. Strong army.
vi. Taxation.
vii. Christianity
CLASSES IN ETHIOPIA
i.Feudal Lords.
ii. Peasants (tenants and serfs)
iii. Slaves.
STATE FORMATION IN
SOUTH AFRICA
A. ZULU KINGDOM
Zulu kingdom: It was
located in the present day south Africa. It emerged in the 19th century. It was
built in the northern part of the Nguni speaking areas to the north east of
south Africa. Zulu was founded by Mthetwa later Dingswayo. Dingiswayo was killed
in 1818 by Zwide the Shaka controlled the state.
FACTORS WHICH
INFLUENCED THE FORMATION OF ZULU KINGDOM
1. The influence of Mfecane wars.
2. Good leadership of King Shaka.
3. Iron technology.
4. Presence of strong army.
5. The Boer expansionism policy.
6. Advancement of productive forces.
STATE FORMATION IN EAST
AFRICA A. BUNYORO KITARA
Bunyoro kitara: it was
originated from the tradition of Bunyoro, Batoro and Banyankole. It was founded
by chwezi. The kingdom Led by mukama as title of the king. It declined in
1500AD.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
BUNYORO KITARA
1. Good leaderships of Mukama.
2. Presence of strong army.
3. Advanced iron technology.
4. Unity among people.
5. Permanent agriculture.
6.n Expansion of trade.
It's collapsed due conquest from Buganda kingdom.
B: NYAMWEZI KINDOM
Nyamwezi kingdom was
formed by Nyamwezi group of the Bantu societies who lived in central Tanzania area. Normally
each of these societies had their own settlements headed by a chief and tilled
Mtemi (Ntemi). Ntemiship (chiefdom) was composed of people of shared background
or kingship and believes. Each of the Nyamwezi kingdoms had a Ntemi at the
centre who was helped by a council of elders the Wanyampala in
administration.Towards themiddle of 19th century more dynamic political
structure developed among the Nyamwezi under Fundikira, Nyungu ya mawe and
Mirambo.This led to the institution of the Ntemi becoming of the most powerful,
position, the several Nyamwezi settlements were united under one senior Ntemi.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
THE NYAMWEZI KINGDOM OR CHIEFDOM
Factors for the rise of
the Nyamwezi kingdom or chiefdom can be explained below as follows:-
1. Ngoni invasions: the Ngoni
invasions in Western Tanganyika made the Nyamwezi people to unite in order to
resist the Ngoni attackers.
2. The role long distance trade: The
expansion of real trade into the regional trade/long distance trade due to
emergency of wealthy traders like the Mirambo who made the effective use of Runganga.
3. Penetration of colonial agents: the
Europeans into the coastal interior trade.This introduced new trading pattern
to the Nyamwezi traders who joined together to effective resist European
pressure to stop slave trade.
4. The influence of good leaders: The
rise of Mirambo as trader and leader used their influence to unite the Nyamwezi
land.
5. The use of strong waepons: The use
of gun and gun powder by the Mirambos solders,this caused the weakening of
watemi submissive to his rule.
6. Growth of the towns: Example: Tabora and Ujiji.
7. Population growth.
8. Unity among the people.
C. THE KING DOM OF
UKIMBU
It was founded by
Nyungu ya Mawe.
It existed btn 1870 to 1880 D. KARAGWE KINGDOM
It was found in the
North west of the present day
Tanzania. It was also known as Bunyambo led by Omuggabe as a title of the
leader.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
KARAGWE KINGDOM
1. Good
leaderships of Omuggabe.
2. Presence of strong army.
3. Advanced iron technology.
4. Unity among people.
5. Permanent agriculture.
6. Expansion of trade.
E. SULTANATES
Were centralized states
that developed along the coast of east Africa, these were feudal states which
emerged in 9th century AD, they were also called city states eg, Mogadishu,
Barawa, Kilwa, pate, Lamu, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Sofala and Malindi.
