Social Studies Unit 2, Topics 1 and 2: Ghana and Mali

What role did trade play in the rise of the Ghana Empire?

• It led to the takeover of Ghana by Mali.

• It caused a decline in the camel population due to long journeys and thereby overuse.

• It caused a decline in the relationship between Ghanaians and outsiders.

• It brought wealth and power to West Africa.

What physical features does Africa have? Select all answers that apply.

• Located in central Africa is the rainforest, home to dense vegetation.

• Mecca is the birthplace of Mohammad.

• Northwest Africa has a narrow strip between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains.

• The Atlas Mountains form a barrier between Northwest Africa and the Sahara Desert.

Due to change in weather patterns in Ghana, what began to dwindle or decline?

• natural resources

• the camel population

• the gold mines

• the human population

In days before and after the Trans-Saharan Caravan Trade, how did Ghanaians practice religion? Select two that apply.

• Many were Christians who practiced their Catholic faith in churches.

• Many were Muslims who prayed in mosques.

• Many were Muslims who spread their Islamic faith through trade.

• Many were Baptists would spread their beliefs through trade.

Mansa Musa was considered a legend.  Which statements support this belief?  Choose all that apply.

• He established a university in Timbuktu, attracting scholars and students from all over the Islamic world.

• He placed all of his close friends and family in safe places far away from any thieves or rebels.

• He took a pilgrimage to Mecca by leading a caravan of his people.

• Along his pilgrimage, he gave gold to the poor people and built mosques along the way.

What effect did camels have on transportation? Choose all that apply.

• People of West Africa were able to carry heavy loads for trading due to camels' incredible strength.

• People of West Africa were getting attacked by neighboring unfriendly camels they encountered on their journeys.

• People of West Africa couldn't travel as much due to the cost of tending to the camels.

• People of West Africa could travel greater distances due to camels' strong endurance.

Why was it dangerous for people of the Ghana Empire to travel when trading?

• The journeys were long and often times, people physically couldn't make the entire journey.

• They had no maps so many times they get lost and this resulted in death.

• The traders would get kidnapped and forced in convert religions.

• Often times, thieves would hide along the trading route in order to steal from the traveling traders. 

What was the importance of the Niger River? Select two that apply.

• The Niger River contributed to successful weather conditions in the area.

• The Niger River was used for trading.

• The Niger River was used as an escape route from thieves on the trade routes.

• The Niger River contributed to successful agriculture.

What natural resources contributed to Mali's wealth?

• copper and gold

• salt and iron

• gold and salt

• iron and copper

Which of the following are accurate depictions of Sundiata? Select all that apply.

• He killed the king of Ghana.

• He helped improve agriculture, clearing crops for beans, onions, and rice.

• After conquering Ghana, he took control of all the gold and salt mines in the area and therefore expanded Mali's territory.

• He was known as Simba from the Lion King.