Final answer:
The Songhai Empire's control over trade routes led to conflict with the Moroccan Saadi dynasty, culminating in 1591 with an invasion that contributed to the empire's downfall. Silver trade in the New World contributed to the first global economy, connecting continents and playing a key role in global commerce during the Middle Ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Moroccan Conflict with the Songhai Empire
The Songhai Empire, at its zenith, was an influential and wealthy empire in West Africa, known for its control over the trans-Saharan trade routes. This brought it immense prosperity through trade in gold, salt, and other commodities. Unfortunately, the empire's wealth and strategic control over trade made it a target for external forces. In the sixteenth century, the Moroccan conflict emerged as the Saadi dynasty of Morocco sought to take control of these lucrative routes. In 1591, the Moroccan invasion effectively ended the independence of the Songhai Empire. This intrusion was a significant factor in the empire's eventual collapse, demonstrating the vulnerability of states that relied heavily on trade and were susceptible to military conquest.
First Global Economy and Trade in Silver
The trade in silver can be seen as embodying the first global economy. Silver mined in the New World, particularly in Bolivia (PotosÃ) and Mexico, found its way to Europe and Asia, expanding global trade networks in the process. During the late Middle Ages, silver became so significant that it was used to mint coins in Europe, underpinning the early modern global trade system. This surge in demand and flow of silver connected economies across continents, significantly impacting global commerce.