DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS
The
Meaning of the Kinship or Clans
Prior to European colonisation in
the late 19th century, Africa had a very long history of state building as well
as a rich variety of social formations that were decentralised or stateless.
The
Social, Political and Economic Organization of Kinship or Clans
Clan Organisation
Leaders in the clan organisation
were chosen by a heritage system that was either matrilineal or patrilineal.
Matrilineal systems are based on the mother’s side and patrilineal systems are
based on father’s side e.g. of matrilineal societies are Makonde and Zanaki,
while the Sukuma and Pare are good examples of patrilineal societies.
The clan leader had a lot of
functions such as:
Note: The clan leaders in Africa had
local names e.g. Sukuma – Mtemi, Nyakyusa- Malafyale.
Chiefdom or Chieftain Organization
Therefore, the chiefdom organisation
system was adopted by many societies that were under clan organisation. This
included the Sukuma, Chagga, Nyakyusa, etc.
The functions of a chief in these societies
were similar to that of the clan leader the difference is the chief had a
larger area.
Age set system was a type of
organisation which involved age and sex in distribution of activities.
Looking at the Maasai; they were
organised as follows:
1.
Soldiers
2.
Increasing
the herds of cattle by raiding from other societies
3.
Moving
with their cattle in need of water and gras
.
1.
Religious
leaders
2.
Distributed
resources e.g. Cattle
State organisation were systems of
administration adopted by few African societies while having administrative
organs, army and judiciary. Each organ was responsible for different
activities. State Africa can be grouped as follows:
Interlacustrine Region
·
Buganda
·
Bunyoro
Kital
Others include
·
Hehe
·
Nyamwezi
Western Sudanic State
·
Ghana
·
Sangai
·
Dahomey
·
Fulani
·
Oyo
Central Africa
·
Nubiii
·
Ethiopia
Age-set
System
The
Meaning of Age-Set System
Age set is a social system or
organization which involves age and sex in the distribution of activities and
duties. Therefore age, sex and gender are highly considered in division of
labor and specialization. Examples of tribes that practiced age set are the
Maasai in Tanzania, Karamajong in Uganda and Nandi in Kenya.
The
Social, Political and Economic Organisation of Societies which Practiced the
Age-Set System
The social, political and economical
organization of societies that practiced age set organization was based on age
and sex in the division and specialization of labor. The main economic activity
in age set system societies was livestock keeping which resulted in a
semi-nomadic life. The tribes which practiced the age set system were Maasai in
Tanzania, Karamajong in Uganda and Nandi in Kenya.
Age set covered a specific group of
years for example.
a.
Children
group aged 0-8 years were regarded as non producers group.They were not
directly involve in production.
b.
Youth
group 8-18 years their main responsibility was to graze animal, trading young
animals and milking cattle they were assisted by women.
c.
Moran
group (people between youth and adults aged between 35 years) and above these
were solders of the society and the society and the main responsibilities of
the Moran were as follows; i. To protect the whole society as trained solders.
ii. To protect live stock against dangerous animals and raiders. iii. To
increase the number of animals through raiding their neighbours; iv. To travel
with their herds in search for water and pastures;
d.
Laibons
this is the group of elders aged 40 years and above it consisted of elders who
were divided in groups namely;Junior elders; Elders and senior elders.Responsibilities of elders included:
·
To
control live stock and the properties on behalf of their communities.
·
To
enable norms and ethics to govern the society.
·
They
were top overseeds of all the spiritual and political matters of the community.
·
They
were responsible for counseling other members of the society.
·
To
settle disputes among the society members.
·
They
were regarded as retired producers of the society but their ideas and skills
were highly appreciated.
Ntemiship
The
Meaning of the Ntemiship System
Ntemiship is a socio-political
organization or system characterized by being made up of separated groups. The
word Ntemiship is derived from the word Kutema which means split apart. The
ruler in a Ntemiship system was called Mtemi. The Nyamwezi tribe practiced the
Ntemiship system.
The
Social, Political and Economic Organisation of Ntemiship
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 was being practiced 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 18th C.
Among the sukuma, the ruler in Ntemiship organization was called Ntemi. He
became Ntemi because he founder he was 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 the Ntemi:
1.
He
was the top authority in the political and matters provided over all guidance
in the community.
2.
He
enforced proper uses of resources such as land,water,forest resources etc.
3.
He
was the overseer of the community food reserve.
4.
He
settled disputes in the community.
5.
He
had the religious power.He led the people in his community in performing
religious and offering sacrificies to the sprits.
6.
To
collect tributes from his subjects.
7.
He
provided over all guidance in the society.
State
Organisation
The
Meaning of State Organisation
State formation in Africa
Environmental factor
Location of a place e.g. in trading
while some of the African States were near to the trading towns as they
obtained tax and commodities.
Iron technology in Africa also
helped in the development and rise of Africa states e.g. By Iron they made
weapons like spears, Arrows, guns etc. weapons were useful on conquering small
states eg. Buganda conquered Bunyaro-Kutoro, Nyankole.
Some states had good leadership and
they were able to organise their states e.g. Shaka Zulu, Mirambo of Nyamwezi,
Mkwawa of Hehe. Tunkumanin of Ghana, Sunsiata of Mali etc.
Men belonging to African societies
were involved in long and short distance trade which led to:
·
Outbreak
of wars and migration
·
Formal
governments
Prime minister, council of elders,
Provision chief, general commander and others like Abakungu, Abalangira.
Some states rose up due to the
influence of the Islamic religion e.g. through the use of Jihad while states
were turned into Islamic states. For instance in West Africa we see the Sokoto
caliphate (under Uthman Dan fodio) who managed to conquer several states in the
forest zone.
Some of African tribes had strong
armies and had improved weapons for conquering other states. It is said that
before the White man’s intrusion, Ghana had about 20,000 experienced soldiers
and Mali had 10,000 soldiers.
Fall of some states in Africa
·
Increase
in size of states led to poor organisation and state management e.g. Ghana and
other states.
·
Wars
and conquest while some of the states were conquered by strong states e.g. In
Mfecane war about 100 states were conquered by Zulu.
·
Slave
trade in Africa also affected a lot of weak states while strong states managed
to conquer small states e.g. Fulani in West Africa declined due to this.
·
The
system of obtaining leaders through heritage did not lead to the development of
states but the fall of states that were following this system.
·
The
conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims in some societies while
non-Muslimsocieties being conjured by the Muslim societies.
·
Weak
leaders in some societies failed to organise their states leding to their
decline.
STATES ORGANISATION
TYPES OF STATES IN AFRICA
1.
Decentralised
states (Non centralised)
2.
Centralised
states.
These emerged as a result of one
powerful family to control other classes in domination of wealth and political
power.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DECENTRALISED
STATES
1.
Most
decentralised societies were small in terms of population and area.
2.
Decentralised
states had no political connection with a large kingdom.
3.
Each
village was politically separated and was not politically connected to
neighbouring villages.
4.
Most
decentralised societies did not have a system of chiefs.
5.
Council
of elders were religious leaders . Organisational structure of kinship ties
lineage groups.
CENTRALISED KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES
Some African societies were large
empires governed by kings, who had near absolute power. For Example:
1.
North
Africa – Egypt, Nubia, Axum in North East
2.
Ghana,
Mali, Soghai and Kaneroi Burnu in Western
3.
Buganda,
Karagwe, Ankole and Tero in East Africa
CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRALISED
POLITICAL SYSTEMS
1.
Presence
of a king or queen.
2.
The
clan had to pay tribute to the monarchy
3.
Availability
of enough food to feed the settled population
4.
The
centralised authority was responsible for solving social disputes.
Example: Ancient Egypt
Origins: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
Factors that gave Rise to Centralised States and Non-Centralised States
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE EGYPTIAN
STATE
1.
The
development of agriculture and pastoralism
2.
Specialization
of labour
3.
The
rise of Nemes who united the upper and the lower Egypt
4.
Development
of local industries
5.
Taxation
6.
Strong
Army
7.
Development
of productive forces
Therefore any one with the following
rose to power:
1.
Anyone
who could control disasters by rituals and charms
2.
Anyone
who had experience and stored knowledge of floods
3.
Anyone
who had knowledge of predicting floods
CLASSES IN THE EGYPTIAN STATE
1.
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.
2.
The
working class
3.
The
peasants and slaves
ETHIOPIA
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
FACTORS FOR THE GROWTH OF THE
ETHIOPIAN STATE
1.
Strong
leadership
2.
Agriculture
3.
Unity
among the people
4.
Growth
of local industries
5.
Strong
army
6.
Taxation
7.
Christianity
CLASSES IN ETHIOPIA
1.
Feudal
Lords
2.
Peasants
(tenants and serfs)
3.
Slaves.
Feudalism was consolidated by the
introduction of Christianity during the 4th AD and King Ezana was the first to
be converted. King Zangwe built 30 churches. A descendant of King Solomon and
Queen Sheba.
Expansion done by 3 emperors
(leaders):
1.
Zangwe
Dynasty – 12th C – 13th C
2.
King
Theodire – 19th C – 1855 – 1868
3.
Menelik
II – 19th C – 1889 – 1913 Menelik II made Addis Ababa his Capital
THE KINGDOM OF NUBIA
Nubia lay in the area that cut
across the borders of modern Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The Nubian State arose
around 200 BC. It was called Kush and its capital was Napata. In 3rd C the
capital shifted to Meroe.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE/GROWTH OF THE
NUBIAN STATE
1.
Agricultural
activities
2.
Trade
3.
Availability
of valuable goods e.g. Gold and Ivory
4.
Development
of local industries
DECLINE OF NUBIA
1.
Feudal
lords were against the peasants
2.
Attacks
by Muslims
3.
Disunity
WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
The early State in western Sudan was
established in the region between the Sahara desert and the forest region of
the South. The most important states are Ghana, Mali, Songhai and Kanem Bornu
GENERAL FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF
WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
1.
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
centralised government
9.
Capable
leaders
10.
Strong
army
GHANA EMPIRE
During its rise Ghana had two main
towns, one occupied by Muslims and the other by Pagans. The rulers and the
people were Soninke speaking group. The word Ghana as the King title emerged in
5th AD. The capital center of administration was Koumbi Saleh.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF THE GHANIAN
EMPIRE
1.
Agricultural
activities
2.
Availability
of valuable goods e. g gold
3.
Trans
– Saharan trade in gold and salt
4.
Good
leadership and efficient system of government.
5.
Common
language.
FACTORS FOR THE DECLINE OF GHANA
EMPIRE
1.
Almoravids
constant attacks
2.
Disunity
among people
3.
Jihad
wars
4.
Lack
of stable system of royal successions
5.
The
rise of rural kingdoms e.g. Mali
MALI EMPIRE
Early in the 3rd C Ghana fell apart
as a result of the war between Samangwa the king of Ghana and Prince Sundiata
Keita the king of Kagaba. Ghana was defeated and Ghana fell under Sundiata’s
rulership. Sundiata formed a large kingdom known as Mali the capital was Niani
and the title of the ruler was Mansa.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF THE MALI
1.
The
fall of Ghanaian empire
2.
Control
of gold fields of Bure
3.
Strong
army
4.
Agricultural
activities
5.
Trans
– Saharan trade
6.
Strong
leadership of Sundiata Keita and later Mauna Kan Kan Musa
7.
Islamic
faith which promoted libraries and Islamic universities.
DECLINE OF THE MALI EMPIRE
1.
Weak
leadership after the death of Mansa Mahmud IV
2.
Empire
became too large to control
3.
Lack
of unity and the empire was divided into three spheres of influence and they
foughtagainst each other.
4.
Attacks
by Tuaregs
5.
Civil
wars
6.
The
rise of Songhai empire
SONGHAI EMPIRE
In the late 15th Century the Songhai
empire originally the Gao, conquered neighbouring states under the leadership
of Sunni Ali and formed the large empire of Songhai. Gao became its capital at
around the 11th C and remained the capital under the empire. Its famous leaders
were Sunni Alli, Askia Mohamed and Askia Daud.
FACTORS FOR THE GROWTH OF SONGHAI
EMPIRE
1.
Agriculture
activities
2.
Strong
army
3.
Trans
– Sahara trade
4.
Good
administration
5.
Taxation
6.
Islamic
faith
DECLINE OF THE 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
FOREST STATES
THE BENIN EMPIRE
Benin empire was a very small state
made up of the Edo speaking people. The highest authority at the time were
chiefs known as Ogiso which meant the ‘Kings of the Sky’ and the administrative
centre was Ubinu. Between 1388 – 1431 there was a series of civil wars which
divided the Edo. After the death of the last Ogiso, his son Prince Ekaladerhan
left for exile and established himself in Ile-Ife, so when the Edo people
requested his return, he sent his son, Prince Oranmiyan who took up the throne.
EXPANSION INTO CITY-STATE EMPIRE
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.
Some
of capable rulers the greatest of whom was Ewuare
2.
Good
centralized system of Government
3.
Trade
4.
Unity
5.
Development
of Handicraft Industry
DECLINE OF THE BENIN EMPIRE
·
Introduction
of slave trade
·
Trans-
Atlantic trade
·
Firearms
introduced through European trade caused tribal wars that led to the
finaldecline of the Benin Empire.
THE EMPIRE OF OYO
Oyo empire began in the late 14th C
or early 15th C likely 1388 – 1431. The people of Oyo were Oranmiyan, their
capital was Oyo-Ile and the King of Oyo was called Alaafin. The Bashoran was
the leader of the army.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE OYO
EMPIRE
1.
It
had organised political system headed by a number of great Alafins
2.
Strong
organised 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 and disunity
DAHOMEY EMPIRE
Dahomey rose after the decline of
Oyo in the 19thC. it was founded by the Fon people. It had good leaders such as
King Agaja and Houegbadja who built the Royal Palaces of Abomey.
THE RISE OF THE DAHOMEY EMPIRE IN
THE 18th C
1.
Growth
of centralised 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.
ASANTE EMPIRE
Asante or Ashanti empire was found
as a result of emergence of several cities in the region of Kumasi. The people
of Asante were Akan ruled by the Oyuko clan. The King was Obiri Yeboa who was
Osei Tutu. The capital city of Asante or Ashanti was Kumasi. The symbol of
Asante union was a Golden stool. The ruler of Asante was known as Asantehene.
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
organised political system
5.
Trade
DECLINE - The state declined after the
arrival of Europeans.
The
Organisation of Centralised and Non-Centralised States
Explain
the organization of centralized and non-centralized states
CENTRALISED STATES OF CENTRAL AFRICA
Example: Onya empire, it was founded
in the 14th C. The head of the kingdom took the title of Munikongo or Mwekongo
means lord of Kongo. The capital was Mbaza which the Portuguese later baptised
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
·
The
arrival of the Portuguese
·
Slave
trade
·
Weak
leadership after Manikongo Mingo Mkuwa who acquired up an Embassy inPortugal.
His son Mzingo Mbemba was baptized as Dan Alfonce. He was a puppet of
thePortuguese and caused civil war in Kongo.
MWENEMUTAPA KINGDOM
This Kingdom was created under the
leadership of Mutola. Mutola conquered Tongu and Torura of the Zambezi valley.
He acquired the title of Mwenemutapa which means ‘Master of 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.
Agriculture
activities
2.
Good
leadership of Mutola
3.
Availability
of valuable goods e.g. copper, iron and gold
4.
They
controlled trade routes
5.
Trading
centres
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
After the death of Matope, his son
Nyahuma took over. He was younger than the other chief who wanted power so that
chief rebelled and caused civil war.
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 rise to the Luba lineage
of Kalala Ilunga, the founder of Munza as capital of Luba.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE LUBA
STATE
1.
Centralised
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
THE LUNDA STATE
The centre of the empire lay in the
valley of Nkala river. The Luba kings took the title of Mwanta. 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
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