West Africa and Trade Routes Quiz

What was the primary reason few large settlements developed in the Sahara Desert?

• It was too cold.

• It was too dry.

• It was too mountainous.

• It was too forested.

Which animal was crucial for traders to cross the Sahara Desert?

• Horses

• Elephants

• Camels

• Donkeys

Explain how the Niger River contributed to trade in West Africa.

• It provided a source of food for traders.

• It acted as a transportation route for moving goods.

• It was a barrier that prevented trade.

• It was used for religious ceremonies.

Identify the two main goods that were traded in the Trans-Saharan trade routes.

• Spices and silk

• Gold and salt

• Iron and copper

• Wool and timber

Describe how Islam influenced the political systems in West Africa.

• It introduced democracy.

• It led to the use of Sharia Laws and changed succession practices.

• It abolished all forms of government.

• It had no influence on politics.

Which city became famous for its community of scholars and large collection of books?

• Gao

• Djenne

• Timbuktu

• Kumbi

How did the wealth from trade impact West African society?

• It led to the decline of cities.

• It made merchants and traders important and supported art and education.

• It caused widespread poverty.

• It had no impact on society.

What role did oral traditions play in West African culture?

• They were used to write laws.

• They preserved history and stories through poet-musicians.

• They were only used in religious ceremonies.

• They were not important.

Explain the significance of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca.

• It showed the poverty of Mali.

• It demonstrated the wealth and power of his empire.

• It was a secret journey.

• It had no significance.

What was one of the achievements of the Ghana Empire related to trade?

• Building large ships

• Taxing goods that came through their empire

• Developing a new language

• Inventing new farming techniques