Final answer:
The four major periods of West Africa's history include Medieval West Africa featuring Kingdoms like Ghana and Mali, the Age of Discovery and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade's impact, the rise of decentralized states from 1300 to 1800AD, and the political centralization and subsequent colonization of West Central Africa between the 14th and 18th centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The history of West Africa can be broken down into four major periods which reflect significant historical and cultural developments. The first is Medieval West Africa, which includes the Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. These civilizations were known for their wealth, derived from controlling trade routes and resources like gold and salt, and their cultural achievements.
The second period involves the Age of Discovery and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, greatly influencing Western and Central Africa through the evolving role of African states like the Kingdom of Dahomey in these global economic systems.
The third division, West Africa from 1300 to 1800AD, saw the rise of smaller political states along the coast, such as the Gonja and Volta Kingdoms. These societies were characterized by decentralized structures with political power shared within communities.
Lastly, the period of West Central Africa from the 14th to the 18th Centuries marked a time of political centralization in regions such as the Kongo kingdom, which was ultimately destroyed by European colonization.