Answer:
Between 1450 and 1750, the African continent experienced a number of continuities and changes in political and military power. Here are some examples:
Continuities:
1. Decentralized political systems: Many African societies during this time period continued to have decentralized political systems, with power shared among multiple rulers and chiefs rather than concentrated in a single central authority.
2. Military technology and tactics: African societies continued to use a variety of military technologies and tactics, including spears, bows and arrows, and defensive fortifications.
3. Slavery and the slave trade: The practice of slavery and the slave trade continued to be a major part of African societies, with many African societies participating in the transatlantic slave trade.
Changes:
1. Centralized states: Some African societies began to develop centralized states during this time period, with power concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or dynasty.
2. Islam as a political and military force: The spread of Islam on the African continent during this time period led to the emergence of Islamic states and empires such as the Songhai Empire and the Sokoto Caliphate, which used Islam as a basis for political and military power.
3. European colonization: Beginning in the late 15th century, European powers began to establish colonies on the African continent, which led to a significant shift in political and military power dynamics. European powers used their superior military technology to conquer and colonize African societies, often resulting in the displacement of existing political and military structures.
4. The rise of new empires: Some African societies experienced significant political and military changes during this time period, such as the rise of the Kongo Kingdom in Central Africa or the Oyo Empire in West Africa.
Overall, the period from 1450 to 1750 was a time of significant changes and continuities in political and military power on the African continent, with the emergence of centralized states, the spread of Islam, European colonization, and the rise of new empires all contributing to the evolving power dynamics of the region.