History+Before+1960+(Andre)

= History Before 1960 =

==== Many Empires have inhabited Senegal from 300 AD to 1800.The Sonike, who spoke Mande and lived near the Sahara, controlled West Africa from 750 AD to 1200 AD. Some other Islamic empires inhabited Senegal in the 11th century. It was known as the land of gold because of all the trading. The Malian empire started inhabiting West Africa in 1200 AD. They stayed until 1500 AD, but in 1400 AD they started to become weaker because of bad kings and rulers. In the 13th and 14th centuries the Mandingo, Songhai and Jolof empires controlled Senegal. Most left by 1600 AD. ====

==== Merchants came in the 10th century to trade and introduced Islamic people to the natives of Senegal. Later on, the Portuguese began to trade with the natives in the mid 1400s. Then the English, Dutch, and French came and started to trade in the 1500s. Millions of the natives were sent to America to become slaves. It was very cruel and unjust. They were usually sold at an auction house on Goree Island off the coast of the modern day capital Dakar. ====

==== By the 1800s the French were controlling the area of West Africa. They called it the French West Africa. Starting in 1902, Dakar was the capital. Dakar was founded in 1857 by the French. They thought it was a good place for fishing since it is right on the coast. After World War II, The native people of Senegal demanded independence. They didn't gain independence until April 4th, 1960 ====

==== Senegal has been in control by many different countries. When they eventually became independent they kept their same culture throughout all the years. Senegal is a great country and should be noted for it's extensive history. It is very interesting. ====.

[] The dark blue is French West Africa. Senegal is the farthest West Country.

=**//__ Bibliography __//**= > //Education//. N.p., 2000. Web. 12 Mar. 2010. . > Mar. 2010. < [] >. > Cresent, 2008. 61-65. Print. > .
 * "ANCIENT WEST AFRICAN KINGDOMS: AN OVERVIEW." //The American Forum for Global//
 * "Background Note: Senegal." //U.S. Department of State//. N.p., Dec. 2009. Web. 11
 * "Blending Past and Present." //Senegal//. Ed. Robert I Rotberg. Philadelphia: Mason
 * "History." //CultureGrams World Edition//. N.p., 2010. Web. 9 Mar. 2010.