The decline of the Songhai Empire in the 16th century was partly due to
Answer Details
The decline of the Songhai Empire in the 16th century was partly due to internal unrest and external attacks. There were a few factors that contributed to this decline.
Internally, the Songhai Empire faced challenges such as political instability and succession disputes. After the death of Emperor Askia Muhammad in 1528, there was a power struggle for the throne, which weakened the empire's leadership. This internal unrest weakened the empire's ability to govern effectively and respond to external threats.
Externally, the Songhai Empire faced attacks from neighboring states. The neighboring states, including the Mossi Kingdoms and the Kingdom of Morocco, saw the weakened state of the Songhai Empire as an opportunity to expand their own territories. These attacks put further pressure on the empire and contributed to its downfall.
In addition to these internal and external challenges, the decline of the Songhai Empire was also influenced by other factors, such as the disruption of trade routes and the introduction of firearms by the Moroccan forces. The Moroccan forces, equipped with firearms, had a significant advantage over the Songhai army, which predominantly relied on traditional weapons.
Overall, the decline of the Songhai Empire in the 16th century was a result of a combination of internal unrest and external attacks. The internal conflicts weakened the empire's leadership and governance, while the external attacks further destabilized the empire and eventually led to its downfall.