West Africa - Whorrall - 7.4.1 Empires

1. 1. One cause of Ghana's growth of its empire is

A. overgrazing

B. trading gold and salt

C. invading Northern Africa thus gaining resources

D. limited resources on trade routes

Ghana's growth of its empire can be attributed to its trading of gold and salt. Gold was abundant in Ghana, and the empire established trade routes that allowed them to exchange gold for salt with the Berbers of the Sahara. This trade was highly profitable and contributed to the wealth and expansion of the empire. The availability of these valuable resources gave Ghana a strong economic base and allowed it to establish its dominance in the region.

Explanation

Ghana's growth of its empire can be attributed to its trading of gold and salt. Gold was abundant in Ghana, and the empire established trade routes that allowed them to exchange gold for salt with the Berbers of the Sahara. This trade was highly profitable and contributed to the wealth and expansion of the empire. The availability of these valuable resources gave Ghana a strong economic base and allowed it to establish its dominance in the region.

2. The decline of the Mali Empire was caused by

A. outside invasion of raiders

B. trade routes were destroyed

C. gold and salt was limited

D. the death of Maghan

The decline of the Mali Empire was caused by the outside invasion of raiders. This invasion weakened the empire's military and disrupted its political stability. It also led to the destruction of trade routes, limiting the empire's access to valuable resources such as gold and salt. The death of Maghan, while potentially contributing to the empire's decline, was not the primary cause.

Explanation

The decline of the Mali Empire was caused by the outside invasion of raiders. This invasion weakened the empire's military and disrupted its political stability. It also led to the destruction of trade routes, limiting the empire's access to valuable resources such as gold and salt. The death of Maghan, while potentially contributing to the empire's decline, was not the primary cause.

3. 3. One reason for the decline of the Ghana Empire is

A. overgrazing of grass

B. citizens rebelling within the Empire

C. attack of outside invaders

D. all of the above

The decline of the Ghana Empire can be attributed to a combination of factors. Overgrazing of grass led to the degradation of the land, making it less suitable for agriculture and contributing to a decline in food production. Citizens rebelling within the Empire weakened its political stability and disrupted its governance. Additionally, the Empire faced attacks from outside invaders, further destabilizing its power and control. Therefore, all of these factors - overgrazing, internal rebellion, and external attacks - played a role in the decline of the Ghana Empire.

Explanation

The decline of the Ghana Empire can be attributed to a combination of factors. Overgrazing of grass led to the degradation of the land, making it less suitable for agriculture and contributing to a decline in food production. Citizens rebelling within the Empire weakened its political stability and disrupted its governance. Additionally, the Empire faced attacks from outside invaders, further destabilizing its power and control. Therefore, all of these factors - overgrazing, internal rebellion, and external attacks - played a role in the decline of the Ghana Empire.

4. 4. One reason for the growth of the Mali Empire is

A. capturing important trading cities

B. strong leaders like Mansa Musa

C. none of the above

D. A and B

The growth of the Mali Empire can be attributed to both capturing important trading cities and having strong leaders like Mansa Musa. Capturing important trading cities allowed the empire to gain control over valuable resources and expand its influence. Additionally, strong leaders like Mansa Musa were able to maintain stability, promote economic growth, and establish diplomatic relations with other regions, further contributing to the empire's growth. Therefore, the correct answer is d. A and B.

Explanation

The growth of the Mali Empire can be attributed to both capturing important trading cities and having strong leaders like Mansa Musa. Capturing important trading cities allowed the empire to gain control over valuable resources and expand its influence. Additionally, strong leaders like Mansa Musa were able to maintain stability, promote economic growth, and establish diplomatic relations with other regions, further contributing to the empire's growth. Therefore, the correct answer is d. A and B.

5. A cause of the growth of the Ghana Empire is

A. strong leadership

B. developing longer trade routes

C. common religion of Islam

D. taxing merchants on trade routes

Taxing merchants on trade routes was a cause of the growth of the Ghana Empire. By imposing taxes on merchants, the Ghana Empire was able to generate revenue and accumulate wealth. This allowed them to expand their territory, build a strong military, and establish control over trade routes. The taxation system provided the empire with the necessary resources to invest in infrastructure, promote economic growth, and maintain political stability. This contributed to the overall growth and prosperity of the Ghana Empire.

Explanation

Taxing merchants on trade routes was a cause of the growth of the Ghana Empire. By imposing taxes on merchants, the Ghana Empire was able to generate revenue and accumulate wealth. This allowed them to expand their territory, build a strong military, and establish control over trade routes. The taxation system provided the empire with the necessary resources to invest in infrastructure, promote economic growth, and maintain political stability. This contributed to the overall growth and prosperity of the Ghana Empire.

6. 5. This city was captured by the Malians which helped strengthen and expand their empire

A. Mecca

B. Dejenne

C. Timbuktu

D. Tripoli

Timbuktu is the correct answer because it was indeed captured by the Malians, which in turn helped to strengthen and expand their empire. Timbuktu was a major trading and intellectual center in West Africa during the height of the Mali Empire, and its capture allowed the Malians to gain control over important trade routes and resources, further solidifying their power and influence in the region.

Explanation

Timbuktu is the correct answer because it was indeed captured by the Malians, which in turn helped to strengthen and expand their empire. Timbuktu was a major trading and intellectual center in West Africa during the height of the Mali Empire, and its capture allowed the Malians to gain control over important trade routes and resources, further solidifying their power and influence in the region.