Question

Why Samori was finally defeated by French

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Answer 1

Samori Toure’s adoption of the scorched earth policy against local rulers made some people hostile towards him and helped the French. Sierra Leone was declared a British protectorate, so he could not impart arms anymore. He failed to get support from the British who bargained with the Mandinka for French. They did not have adequate supplies as compared to the French. They left the rich gold reserves and could not purchase ammunition, which further weakened the army. Lack of unity among African societies dealt Samori and his army a big blow. Constant movement of the people/army denied them opportunities to carry out economic activities leading to inadequate supply of necessary items/food. Lack of support from other African rulers such as Ahamed Seku of Tukolor empire, Tieba of Sikasso demoralized him. Samori’s second empire was difficult to defend as it was exposed to attacks from all sides/the British/the French.

Step-by-step explanation:

Samori Toure ran short of supplies due to limited or lack of involvement in economic activities as his army and people were constantly on the move. His scorched-Earth policy was resented, especially by civilians who remained with nothing. He lacked support from non-Mandinka and non-Muslim communities in the empire who felt mistreated under his reign and even supported the French against him. He lost some of the territories he had earlier occupied, especially the rich gold reserves of Bure and the link to Freetown, which left him economically unstable, unable to pay his warriors and mercenaries. The arms manufactured by his gunsmiths eventually proved inadequate. His second empire was open to attacks from all sides, especially by the British and French, which made it difficult to defend. The British denied Samori their support due to their policy of non-interference. As he expanded his empire, Samori clashed with other African rulers such as Tieba of Sikaso and Seku Ahmadu of the Tukolor empire who later supported the French against him.

Answer 2

Samori Touré, a prominent African military leader and founder of the Wassoulou Empire (located in present-day Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Liberia, and Sierra Leone), led a significant resistance against French colonial expansion in West Africa during the late 19th century. Despite his strategic brilliance and efforts to defend his empire, he was eventually defeated by the French for several key reasons:

Superior French Military Technology: The French colonial forces possessed superior military technology, including modern rifles, artillery, and machine guns. In contrast, Samori's forces primarily relied on traditional weapons such as spears and swords. The technological gap gave the French a significant advantage in battles.

Allied African Tribes: The French strategically allied with some African tribes and leaders who were hostile to Samori's expanding empire. These alliances weakened Samori's position and isolated his forces.

Resource Depletion and Attrition: Samori's prolonged resistance and military campaigns against the French put a strain on his resources, including manpower and supplies. As a result, his forces faced attrition and difficulties in maintaining a sustained resistance.

Geographical Challenges: The Wassoulou Empire covered vast territories, and it was challenging for Samori's forces to defend such an extensive area from French attacks. The French forces could concentrate their efforts on specific targets, gaining tactical advantages.

French Military Reinforcements: As the conflict intensified, the French sent additional military reinforcements and supplies from Europe to support their colonial efforts. This bolstered their military capacity against Samori's forces.

Capture of Samori: In 1898, Samori Touré was captured by the French, which significantly weakened the leadership of the resistance movement. His capture marked the effective end of the Wassoulou Empire's resistance against French colonization.

The combination of these factors ultimately led to Samori Touré's defeat and the incorporation of the Wassoulou Empire into French West Africa as a French colony. However, Samori's resistance remains an essential part of West African history, and he is remembered as a remarkable leader who fiercely fought against European colonialism in the region.