The contribution of Samori Toure in the 19th century History of West Africa

Achievements of Samori Toure of West Africa (1828-1900)

Samori Toure, also known as Samory Touré, made several notable achievements during his reign in the 19th century. Here are some of his key accomplishments:

1. Establishment of the Wassoulou Empire:

• Empire Building: Samori founded the Wassoulou Empire, which spanned parts of present-day Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. He declared himself Faama (monarch) in 1874 and later took the title of Almami, becoming the religious head of a Muslim empire1.

2. Military Expansion and Modernization:

• Military Strategy: Samori was known for his military prowess and modernization of his army. He incorporated firearms and established a gun factory to equip his forces.
• Conquests: He expanded his empire through military conquests, incorporating various regions and establishing a centralized administration.

3. Promotion of Islam:

• Islamic Principles: Samori justified his empire’s expansion using Islamic principles and organized his administration accordingly.
• Education and Religion: He promoted Islamic education by sending Quran teachers to villages and personally observing and testing Quran students.

4. Resistance Against French Colonialism:

• Persistent Resistance: Samori fiercely resisted French colonial rule from 1882 until his capture in 1898. Despite several confrontations and peace treaties, he continued to fight against French encroachment2.
• Symbol of Resistance: He is remembered as a symbol of resistance against colonialism and a significant figure in West African history.

5. Legacy and Historical Impact:

• Historical Influence: His efforts to resist French colonization and his military strategies have left a lasting impact on the history of West Africa.
• Great-Grandfather of Guinea’s First President: Samori Toure is the great-grandfather of Guinea’s first president, Ahmed Sékou Touré.

Failures of Samori Toure of West Africa (1828-1900)

Samori Toure, despite his many successes, faced several failures and challenges during his reign:

1. Persistent French Opposition:

• Military Defeats: Despite his military prowess, Samori Toure faced numerous defeats at the hands of the French colonial forces. His resistance was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to his capture in 1898.
• Loss of Territory: The continuous battles with the French resulted in the gradual loss of territory and weakening of his empire.

2. Treaty Failures:

• Bissandugu Treaty: In 1886, Samori signed the Bissandugu Treaty with the French, hoping to buy time and avoid direct confrontation. However, the treaty failed to bring lasting peace, and hostilities resumed1.

3. Economic Strain:

• Resource Drain: The prolonged conflict with the French put a significant strain on the empire’s resources. Maintaining a large, well-equipped army and continuous military campaigns required substantial financial and material resources1.

4. Internal Challenges:

• Political Instability: The constant warfare and external threats led to internal instability within the empire. Managing a vast and diverse territory with numerous ethnic groups posed significant administrative challenges.

5. Exile and Death:

• Capture and Exile: Samori Toure was eventually captured by the French in 1898 and exiled to Gabon, where he died in 1900. His capture marked the end of his resistance and the dissolution of the Wassoulou Empire.

Please obtain free notes, exams and marking guides of Physics, chemistry, biology, history, economics, geography … from digitalteachers.co.ug website.