HSY2602 Assignment 1 (ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2023 - GUARANTEED
DISTINCTION GOOD GRADES.
Study Unit 1: The construction of African history
The Asante kingdom was a sophisticated precolonial society of Africa.’ Discuss how this African
kingdom was organised. HSY2602 Study Guide, Pages: 39(42)–61
OR
Study Unit 2: Islamic Africa
Discuss the spread of Islam across North and sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting its encounters with
various African societies. What were the effects of these interactions? Provide examples to
substantiate your answer. HSY2602 Study Guide, Pages: 63–81
OR
Study Unit 3: Africa and the Slave Trade
‘The transatlantic slave trade was built on existing forms of slavery.’ Do you agree? Mentions forms of
“unfree” labour that existed in Africa. HSY2602 Study Guide, Pages: 119–177
OR
Study Unit 4: The Scramble for Africa
Evaluate the motives for the Scramble for Africa by using three examples.
HSY2602 Study Guide, Pages: 215–251
OR
Study Unit 5: Africa under colonial rule
, Study Unit 1: The construction of African history
The Asante kingdom was a sophisticated precolonial society of Africa.’ Discuss how this African
kingdom was organised. HSY2602 Study Guide, Pages: 39(42)–61
Organizational Structure of the Asante Kingdom
The Asante kingdom, also known as the Ashanti kingdom, was a highly organized precolonial society in
Africa. It was located in what is now modern-day Ghana. The kingdom was known for its sophisticated
political, social, and economic systems. Here is a discussion on how the Asante kingdom was organized:
Political Structure:
The Asante kingdom was ruled by a monarch known as the Asantehene, who was considered the
supreme leader. The Asantehene had absolute power and was believed to be divinely chosen. Below the
Asantehene, there were various levels of authority, including regional chiefs and local leaders. These
leaders were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and enforcing the king's
policies.
Administrative Structure:
The Asante kingdom had a well-developed administrative system. The kingdom was divided into smaller
administrative units called "states" or "provinces." Each state was headed by a chief who was
responsible for the governance of that particular area. The chiefs were appointed by the Asantehene
and were expected to report to him regularly.
Social Structure:
The Asante society was organized into different social classes. At the top of the social hierarchy were the
royals, including the Asantehene and his immediate family. Below them were the nobles, who held
positions of power and influence. The commoners made up the majority of the population and were
engaged in various occupations such as farming, trading, and craftsmanship. Slavery was also prevalent
in the Asante kingdom, with enslaved individuals occupying the lowest position in society.
Economic Structure:
The Asante kingdom had a thriving economy based on agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. Agriculture
was the backbone of the economy, with the cultivation of crops such as yams, maize, and cocoa. Trade
