Medieval Africa

What geographic features surrounded Ghana? How did this impact the empire?

• Deserts and rivers, facilitating trade and protection

• Mountains and forests, providing isolation

• Plains and lakes, encouraging agriculture

• Oceans and islands, promoting naval power

What were the major goods being traded in/out of Africa?

• Gold and salt

• Silk and spices

• Oil and gas

• Electronics and machinery

How did Ghana become so wealthy?

• Through its rich natural resources and trade

• By developing a strong manufacturing sector

• Due to its advanced technology industry

• Through foreign aid and investments

What factors led to the downfall of Ghana?

• Economic instability and over-reliance on trade

• Military invasions and internal conflicts

• Environmental changes and resource depletion

• All of the above

How did the Empire of Mali rise to power?

• Through military conquest and strategic alliances

• By establishing a strong trade network and controlling gold mines

• By forming a coalition with neighboring empires

• Through the spread of Islam and cultural influence

Mansa Musa is known as one of the most powerful rulers in history. What evidence supports this statement?

• His pilgrimage to Mecca displayed his immense wealth.

• He conquered the entire African continent.

• He invented new trade routes across the Sahara.

• He was the first ruler to establish a university.

Mansa Musa followed and supported which religion?

• Christianity

• Islam

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

What impacts did Mansa Musa have on the world?

• He established a vast trade network across Africa and the Middle East.

• He led military conquests across Europe.

• He isolated his empire from the rest of the world.

• He was known for his naval explorations.

How was Sunni Ali able to expand Songhai to become such a vast empire?

• Through military conquest and strategic alliances

• By establishing trade routes with Europe

• By focusing on agricultural development

• Through peaceful negotiations with neighboring states

What are two positive impacts that Askia the Great had on Songhai?

• He expanded the empire and improved trade routes.

• He introduced new religions and banned trade.

• He isolated the empire and reduced its size.

• He destroyed cultural heritage and weakened the economy.