History Form One Notes – Development of Social and Political Systems
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DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
SYSTEMS
Kinship Of Clan Organization
‘The Meaning of the Kinship or Clans
explain the meaning ofthe kinship or clan
Prior to European colonisation inthe late 19th century, Aica had a very long history of state
building as well as rich variety of social formations that were decentralised or stateless
The Social, Political and Economic Organization of Kinship or Clans
«explain the social, political and economic organization of kinship or clan
Clan Organisation
‘Leaders in the clan organisation were chosen by a heritage system that was either matilineal or
patrilineal. Matrlinea systems are based on the mothers side and patrilineal systems are based
on father’s side eg. of matrilineal societies are Makonde and Zanaki, while the Sukuma and Pare
are good examples of patilineal societies.
‘The clan leader had a lt of functions such as
[Note:The lan leaders in Africa had local names eg, Sukuma ~ Mtemi, Nyakyusa- Malafale
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, ete.
The functions ofa chien these societies were similar to that of the clan leader the difference is
the chief ha a larger area,
‘Age set system was a type of organisation which involved age and sex in distribution of
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Looking at the Maasai; they were organised as follows
1. Soldiers
2 Increasing the herds of calle by riding fom other societies
3. Moving with their cate in need of water and gras
1. Religious leaders
2 Distributed resources eg. Catle
State organisation were systems of administration adopted by few African societies while having
administrative organs army and judiciary. Each organ was responsible for differem activites.
Sate Affica can be grouped as follows:
Interlacustrine Region
+ Buganda
+ Bunyoro Kita
Others include
+ Hebe
© Nyamweri
Western Sudanic State
+ Ghana
© Sangsi
+ Dahomey
+ Fulani
+ Oy
Central Africa
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Nabi
+ Ethiopia
‘Age-set System
The Meaning of Age-Set System
Explain the meaning ofageset system
[Age set is a social sytem of organization which involves age and sex inthe 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
Explain the social, political and economic organization of societies which practiced the age-set
‘pstem
The social, political and economical organization of societies that practiced age set organization
was based on age and sex inthe 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.
2. 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.
«Moran group (people between youth and adults aged between 35 years) and above these
were solders ofthe society and the society andthe main responsibilities ofthe Moran were as
follows; i. To protect the whole society as trained solders. i. To protect live stock agninst
ss
dangerous animals and rides. ii, To inerease the number of animals though raiding their
neighbours; iv. To travel with thei herds in search for water and pastures;
4 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 oftheir communities,
+ Toenable norms and ethics to gover he society
+ They were top overseeds ofall the spiritual and political matters of the community.
+ They were responsible for counseling other members ofthe society.
+ Tossettle 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
Explain the meaning of the nemiship system
Ntemiship is socio-political organization or system characterized by being made up of
separated groups. The word Ntcmiship is derived from the word Kutema which means split
apart The ruler in a Ntemiship system was called Mtemi. The Nyamwezi tbe practiced the
eemiship system,
The Social, Political and Economic Organisation of Ntemiship
Explain the socal political and economic organization of ntemiship
Niemi comes from the word “kutema’” which means opening up of new land. It also means
finding 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.sanguhche kimbu,gogo and bena of
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Tanzania There were about 300 Ntemiship in Tanzania inthe 18h C. Among the sukuma, the
ruler in Ntemiship organization was called Niemi, He became Ntemi because he founder he was
founder ofthe locality He was chosen by a counsel of elders choosing a person to become Niemi
depended on his wisdom courage and experience
Responsibilities ofthe Nem:
1. He was the top authority inthe political and matters provided ove all guidance in the
community
2. He enforced proper uses of resources such sland, water, forest resources et
3. He was the overser ofthe 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 sacrifices tothe spi
6 Tocollect tributes from his subjects
7. He provided over al guidance in the society
State Organisation
‘The Meaning of State Organisation
Explain the meaning of state organization
State formation in Africa
Environmental factor
Location of a place eg in tading while some ofthe Aftcan States were near o 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 ike spears, Arrows, guns tc. weapons were weful 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 ete
‘Men belonging to African societies were involved in long and short distance trade which led t:
+ 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 eg. through the use of Jihad
hile states were turned into Islamic states. For instance in West Affica we see the Sokoto
caliphate (under Uthman Dan fodio) who managed to conquer several states in the forest zone.
‘Some of Aftican tribes had strong armies and had improved weapons for conquering other states.
I is said that before the White man’s intrusion, Ghana had about 20,000 experienced soldiers
and Mali had 10,000 solders.
Fall of some states in Africa
+ Increase in size of states led to poor organisation and state management ¢g. Ghana and
other states.
+ Wars and conquest while some of the states were conquered by strong states eg. In
Mfecane war about 100 states were conquered by Zul
+ 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 ths,
+ The systom of obtaining leaders through heritage did not lead to the development of
states but the fll of states that were following his system,
+ The conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims in some societies while non-
“Muslimsocieties being conjured by the Mustim societies.
‘+ Weak leaders in some societies failed to organise their states leding to their decline
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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
|. Most decentralised societies were small in terms of population and area,
2 Decentralised states had no politcal connection with a large kingdom.
3. Each village was politically separated and was not politically connected to neighbouring
villages.
4, Most decentralised societies didnot have a system of chiefs
5. Couneil of elders were religious leaders . Organisational structure of kinship ties lineage
sroups.
CENTRALISED KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES
‘Some African societies were large empires governed by kings, who had near absolute power. For
Example
1. North Aftica ~ Egypt, Nubia, Axum in North East
2 Ghana, Mali, Soghai and Kaneroi Buru in Western
3. Buganda, Karagwe, Ankole and Tero in East Aftica
CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRALISED — POLITICAL
SYSTEMS
Oa
1. Presence of aking 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
Appraise the factors that gave rise to centralized states and non-centralzed states
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE EGYPTIAN STATE
1. ‘The development of agriculture and pastoralism
2. Specialization of labour
3. The ise 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 withthe 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
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1. The ruling class- Consisted of the Pharaoh who was atthe top followed by the nobility,
Priests, court officials and other officials- Followed by administrators of the people called the
Vivier.
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 ofthe 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):
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1. Zangwe Dynasty ~ 12th C ~ 13th €
2 King Theodire – 19th C~ 1855 ~ 1868
3. Menelik I= 19th C1889 ~ 1913 Menelik Il 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 eg. 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
Boma
GENERAL FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF WESTERN
SUDANIC STATES
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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 eg. 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 Sth 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 eficient system of government,
5. Common language,
FACTORS FOR THE DECLINE OF GHANA EMPIRE.
1. Almoravids constant attacks
2. Disunity among people
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3. iad wars
4. Lack of stable system of royal successions
5. The ise of ural kingdoms eg. Mali
MALI EMPIRE
Early in the 3rd C Ghana fll apart as a result ofthe war between Samangwa the king of Ghana
and Prince Sundiata Keita the king of Kagaba. Ghana was defeated and Ghana fell under
‘Sundiata’srulership. Sundlata 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 MALL
1, ‘The fll 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 to larg to contro!
3. Lack of unity and the empire was divided into three spheres of influence and they
oughtagainst each other.
4. Attacks by Tuaregs
5. Civil wars
o
6. Therise of Songhai empire
SONGHAI EMPIRE
In the late 1Sth 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 L1th C and remained the capital under the empire. Is famous leaders were
‘Sunni Alli, Askia Mohamed and Aska 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 contol
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
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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 Ekaladethan left for exile and
established himself in le-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 save trade
+ Trans: Atlantic trade
+ Firearms introduced through European trade caused tribal wars that le 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-lle 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. Ithad organised political system headed by a numberof great Alafins
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2 Strong organised army
3. Agricultural activities
4. Development of local industries
5. Slave trade
6. Dahomey tributary
DECLINE OF THE OYO EMPIRE
1. Confict between Alafin and Basharon
2. Conquest ftom the Fulani and Dahomey
3. Civil wars and disunity
DAHOMEY EMPIRE
Dahomey rose afer the decline of Oyo in the I9thC. 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 Aguia
5. Control of slave trade
DECLINE OF DAHOMEY
Dahomey declined after the arrival ofthe French,
ASANTE EMPIRE
of
Asante or Ashanti empire was found as result of emergence of several cities inthe 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 Asantchene
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF ASANTE
1, Agricultural activities
2. Development of local industries
3. Some ofits 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 L4th 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
n
+ The arrival ofthe 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 copper, iron and gold
4. They controlled trade routes
5. Trading centres
REASONS FOR THE DECLINE OF MWENEMUTAPA
1. ‘Thearrval 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
n
This state is found between the tributaries of river Kongo. The Songiye people migrated from
Katanga led by a leader ftom the Kangolo clan, The united Kaniok and from Luba kingdom,
lungambila married into the Kangolo clan, Ths intermarriage gave rise to the Luba lineage of|
Kalala Inga, 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
extemal 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
Manta, It began as a simple village and their first ruler was called Mwantagaand. lunga
Tshibinda who came from Luba married a princess from the area and their son became the first
paramount ruler ofthe Lunda State,
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF LUNDA STATE
1. ron technology
2. Development of local industries
3. Agriculture activities
4. Good leadership
5. Trade
Te empire declined after the arrival of Europeans
2
