OCR A Level History A African Kingdoms c.1400–
c.1800: four case studies (Y209/01)
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
June 2026 – Morning
A Level History A
Y209/01 African Kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: four case studies
Time allowed: 1 hour
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Choose one question and answer all the parts of that question.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 30.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
, 3
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the rise of the Songhay Empire?
(i) The collapse of the Mali Empire
(ii) Military factors
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* Assess the impact of religion on the politics and society of Oyo in the period from 1608 to c.1800.
[20]
2
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the decline of Benin?
(i) Changing patterns of trade
(ii) Succession crises
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How important was the economy in the development of the Songhay Empire? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
c.1800: four case studies (Y209/01)
Oxford Cambridge and RSA
June 2026 – Morning
A Level History A
Y209/01 African Kingdoms c.1400–c.1800: four case studies
Time allowed: 1 hour
You must have:
• the OCR 12-page Answer Booklet
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink.
• Write your answer to each question in the Answer Booklet. The question numbers must
be clearly shown.
• Fill in the boxes on the front of the Answer Booklet.
• Choose one question and answer all the parts of that question.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 30.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• Quality of extended response will be assessed in questions marked with an asterisk (*).
• This document has 4 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
, 3
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the rise of the Songhay Empire?
(i) The collapse of the Mali Empire
(ii) Military factors
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* Assess the impact of religion on the politics and society of Oyo in the period from 1608 to c.1800.
[20]
2
(a) Which of the following was of greater importance in the decline of Benin?
(i) Changing patterns of trade
(ii) Succession crises
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How important was the economy in the development of the Songhay Empire? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
