What strategies did African states use to control trade routes?

African states controlled trade routes through military dominance, strategic alliances, taxation, and monopolising key resources.

African states, particularly those in West and North Africa, employed a variety of strategies to control trade routes. One of the most common methods was through military dominance. States like the Mali and Songhai Empires maintained large armies that they used to secure and control trade routes. They would station troops along these routes to protect traders from bandits and rival states, ensuring that trade could flow freely. This military presence not only provided security but also served as a show of force, deterring potential threats.

Strategic alliances were another method used by African states to control trade routes. By forming alliances with other powerful states or tribes, they could ensure mutual protection and cooperation in controlling trade. For example, the Kingdom of Ghana formed alliances with Berber tribes to control the trans-Saharan trade routes. These alliances often involved marriages between royal families, creating strong bonds that ensured long-term cooperation.

Taxation was also a significant strategy. African states would levy taxes on goods passing through their territories, providing them with a steady source of income. This also gave them a degree of control over the trade, as they could adjust tax rates to encourage or discourage certain types of trade. For example, the Kingdom of Aksum imposed high taxes on the trade of luxury goods like ivory and gold, which were abundant in their territory, to maintain their high value.

Lastly, African states often sought to monopolise key resources. By controlling the production and trade of certain goods, they could exert significant influence over trade routes. For example, the Mali Empire controlled the gold mines of West Africa, making them a crucial player in the trans-Saharan trade. Similarly, the Kingdom of Zimbabwe controlled the trade of gold and ivory in Southern Africa, giving them control over the trade routes in the region.

In conclusion, African states used a combination of military dominance, strategic alliances, taxation, and monopolisation of key resources to control trade routes. These strategies allowed them to maintain control over their territories and ensure a steady flow of wealth and resources.