Activity 2: Analyse the value of primary sources 1 Find information from Source C which shows whether the fo statements are true or false. Explain your choice. a) Europeans traded their cloth directly with Songhai. b) Women were not allowed to trade. c) Timbuktu had a well-planned water system. d) Songhai had to get salt and horses from elsewhere. e) All people were happy with the system of rule. f) All people were seen as equal in Songhai. g) The king and Songhal society valued knowledge very 2 Explain why Islam played such an important role in Songh Askia Muhammed I. 3 Assess the value to historians of these types of evidence: a) eyewitness accounts (such as Source C) b) mosques and archaeological remains (seen in Source c) the ancient manuscripts from Timbuktu (like the one Compare the reasons given in the text and Source F for Songhal empire.

### Activity 2: Analyse the Value of Primary Sources #### 1. Evaluate the Statements Using Source C *Note: As Source C is not provided, the following responses are based on historical knowledge of the Songhai Empire. When using Source C, ensure to reference specific details from the source to support each answer.* a) **Europeans traded their cloth directly with Songhai.** **False.** *Explanation:* Historically, direct trade between Europeans and the Songhai Empire was limited. Most European contact was indirect, often mediated through North African traders. European presence in West Africa increased during the later periods, but during Songhai's peak, direct trade was uncommon. b) **Women were not allowed to trade.** **False.** *Explanation:* Women in the Songhai Empire were actively involved in trade. Markets in cities like Timbuktu and Gao included women who traded goods such as textiles, foodstuffs, and crafts. Women played a significant role in the commercial activities of the empire. c) **Timbuktu had a well-planned water system.** **True.** *Explanation:* Timbuktu was renowned for its advanced infrastructure, including sophisticated water management systems. This included wells, irrigation channels, and storage facilities that supported the city's population and its role as a commercial hub. d) **Songhai had to get salt and horses from elsewhere.** **True.** *Explanation:* The Songhai Empire lacked natural salt deposits and sufficient horse populations. Therefore, they relied on trade with neighboring regions, such as the Sahel, for salt and with North African traders for horses, which were essential for transportation and warfare. e) **All people were happy with the system of rule.** **False.** *Explanation:* While the Songhai Empire was powerful and prosperous, not all subjects may have been satisfied. Historical sources often highlight the effectiveness of governance but may not account for dissent or discontent among different social classes or ethnic groups within the empire. f) **All people were seen as equal in Songhai.** **False.** *Explanation:* The Songhai society was hierarchical. There were distinctions between the ruling class, merchants, artisans, farmers, and slaves. Social mobility was limited, and equality was not a prevailing principle in the societal structure. g) **The king and Songhai society valued knowledge highly.** **True.** *Explanation:* The Songhai Empire, particularly under rulers like Askia Muhammed I, placed great emphasis on education and scholarship. Timbuktu was a center of learning, home to the University of Sankore and numerous manuscripts, reflecting the society's dedication to knowledge and intellectual pursuits. #### 2. Importance of Islam in Songhai under Askia Muhammed I Islam played a pivotal role in the Songhai Empire, especially under the reign of Askia Muhammed I. Islam served as a unifying ideology that strengthened the state’s administrative framework and legitimized the ruler's authority. The adoption and promotion of Islam facilitated relations with other Muslim states, enhancing trade and cultural exchanges across the Sahara. Additionally, Islamic scholarship thrived in cities like Timbuktu, fostering advancements in education, law, and governance. The incorporation of Islamic principles into the legal system helped in maintaining social order and justice, reflecting the ruler's commitment to a structured and morally guided society. #### 3. Assessing the Value to Historians of Different Types of Evidence a) **Eyewitness Accounts (such as Source C)** **Value: High** *Explanation:* Eyewitness accounts provide firsthand perspectives of historical events, offering detailed and personal insights that other sources may lack. They help historians understand the experiences, opinions, and contexts of individuals who lived through specific periods. However, such accounts can be subjective and may contain biases, requiring careful cross-examination with other sources for accuracy. b) **Mosques and Archaeological Remains (seen in Source B)** **Value: High** *Explanation:* Physical structures like mosques and archaeological remains offer tangible evidence of the architectural, cultural, and religious practices of the Songhai Empire. They help historians reconstruct aspects of daily life, urban planning, and technological advancements. These artifacts provide objective data that can corroborate or challenge written sources, enriching the overall understanding of the period. c) **Ancient Manuscripts from Timbuktu (like the one in Source)** **Value: Very High** *Explanation:* The manuscripts from Timbuktu are invaluable for their wealth of information on various subjects such as religion, science, law, and literature. They offer deep insights into the intellectual and cultural life of the Songhai Empire. These texts help historians piece together societal norms, educational practices, and the empire’s engagement with broader Islamic and global discourses. #### 4. Comparing Reasons Given in the Text and Source F for the Songhai Empire *Note: Without access to Source F, a general comparison is provided based on typical historical narratives.* The primary text likely outlines the Songhai Empire's rise to power through military strength, strategic trade control, and effective administration. It may emphasize factors such as the leadership of rulers like Sonni Ali and Askia Muhammed I, the empire’s economic prosperity derived from trans-Saharan trade, and the establishment of centers of learning. Source F might provide additional or complementary reasons, such as specific policies implemented by the rulers, the role of religion in unifying the empire, or particular events that contributed to its expansion and sustainability. For example, Source F could detail the administrative reforms introduced by Askia Muhammed I or describe the social structures that supported the empire’s stability. **Comparison:** Both the text and Source F likely highlight the combination of military prowess, economic control, and administrative efficiency as key factors in the Songhai Empire’s success. While the text may present a broad overview, Source F could offer detailed examples or specific instances that illustrate these reasons in action, providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the empire’s growth and maintenance. --- *When completing this activity, ensure to reference specific information from the provided sources to substantiate each point. Analyze the evidence critically, considering the context and potential biases inherent in primary sources.*