This was the time when Islam started spreading through Africa and those who resisted it and fought wars against Islamic conquerors would be enslaved and sold. Europeans also started participating in this slave trade and would buy numerous slaves from the Arabs who would enslave their prisoners of war and who often traded with Europeans.
Answer:
Yes, Civilians were protected for example were the people in WWII they were protected like families of high ranking officials.
What occurred following the clash between them was "The Long March"
