Discuss the process by which the Zulu kingdom and the Sokoto Caliphate were created. How typical were these examples of African state-building in this era?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER:
Students should recognize that these African states were founded by African leaders in response to internal conditions, and not by European or other outside pressures. For instance, the African societies that were transformed into the Zulu arose from environmental crises that created conflict over grazing and farming lands. Shaka's military leadership brought neighboring groups under centralized control. Military regiments based on age groups helped expand the Zulu kingdom. The Zulu in turn fostered the creation of other states that were opposed to the power of the Zulu. Some examples include the modern nations of Swaziland and Lesotho. New states in West Africa also came about because of internal conditions. Likewise, the Sokoto Caliphate was created by West African Islamic reformers who denounced existing West African Muslim rulers for allowing non-Muslim religious practices and observances to continue. Those Muslim scholars called for a jihad against the rulers. Islamic reformers also founded other new Islamic nations in West Africa.