“The social effects of the rise of the Sokoto Caliphate were more significant than the political effects.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the social effects of the rise of the Sokoto Caliphate were more significant than the political effects. Candidates may recognize that social and political effects were often closely related. For instance, the caliphate first emerged following the jihad of Usman Dan Fodio. Similarly, religious fervour and the emergence of a theocracy consolidated the power of the caliph. Another effect was the introduction of Sharia law. Candidates may address economic factors, but only in the context of social or political effects. Trade in kola nuts and gold led to the emergence of a wealthy merchant class, while revenues from trans-Saharan trade helped strengthen the caliphate.