Question

As trade from Muslim kingdoms expanded to western Africa, how did the political framework of the region change?

A. Trading towns in the region grew to form self-governing city-states.
B. Coastal kingdoms formed to ensure access to the Atlantic Ocean.
C. Ancient kingdoms such as Ghana and Mali rose to power.
D. Ethiopia emerged as the most powerful empire in Africa.

Answer 1

The political framework of Western Africa changed with the rise of powerful empires like Ghana and Mali, which became affluent and influential due to control over trans-Saharan trade.

Step-by-step explanation:

As trade from Muslim kingdoms expanded to western Africa, the political framework of the region changed significantly. Ancient kingdoms such as Ghana and Mali rose to power due to their pivotal role in trans-Saharan trade networks.

The Ghana Empire was the earliest large-scale political entity in the region, benefiting from the taxation of trade passing through its territory, particularly the gold trade. Eventually, the Mali Empire, even wealthier than Ghana, extended its influence by controlling significant trade routes across West Africa, growing affluent due to the profitable trade industry, which included gold, salt, and other commodities.

This trade expansion fostered connections that led to the rise of new empires, but also influenced existing political structures and cultural exchanges throughout the region.