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State Building in Africa

Driving Question: How was the process of state formation similar and different in various regions of Africa from c. 1200 to 1450 CE?

As in Eurasia and the Americas, state systems in Africa instilled order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures. They also varied by region, implementation, and purpose.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain how and why states in Africa developed and changed over time.
  2. Explain a historical concept, development, or process.

Vocab Terms:

  • bureaucracy
  • caliphate
  • matrilineal
  • state
STEP 1

Opener: State Building in Africa

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of Lesson 1.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

What does comparing and contrasting look like in the social studies classroom? Check out this video to find out!

STEP 2

Africa 1200–1450

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 6 of Lesson 1.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

For an in-depth look at Swahili city-states of East Africa, check out this blog post.

Communities are often organized along some hierarchical line—but how does one reach the top? In Africa c. 1200–1450, the path to the top was paved with tribal loyalty, trade, and religion.

STEP 3

Comparison: States 1200–1450

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of Lesson 1.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

For more on comparison, check out the Comparison Topic Page.

Ready to add a few stamps to your time-travel passport? It’s time to dig into a comparison of how different regions governed their people, managed resources, and created communities between 1200 and 1450.

STEP 4

State and Empires of West Africa

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 12 of Lesson 1.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

Not all states and empires are the same. Factors such as geography, culture, and even climate may dictate how governments are instituted and run. In West Africa during the period c. 1200–1450, if you could manage farmers, you could manage an empire.

STEP 5

Closer: State Building in Africa

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 14 of Lesson 1.5 Teaching Guide Locked .

Need some tips for getting your students to ACE an SAQ? Follow this thread where teachers are sharing their best strategies External link !

The Short Answer Question (SAQ for short) on the Advanced Placement exam can be stressful; however, you will be an ACE at answering them once you learn how to Answer, Cite, and Explain!