Final answer:
Western African kingdoms grew wealthy due to their strategic trade routes and access to valuable resources, such as gold and salt. The kingdoms were positioned along the Trans-Saharan trade routes, which facilitated the exchange of these precious commodities. The wealth of western African kingdoms was influenced by their proximity to the Niger River and their location as intermediaries in the trade between the Arab world and sub-Saharan Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
Western African kingdoms grew wealthy due to their strategic trade routes and access to valuable resources, such as gold and salt. The kingdoms were positioned along the Trans-Saharan trade routes, which facilitated the exchange of these precious commodities. Gold, in particular, was abundant in regions like the Wangara, making it a sought-after resource for trade. The control of these resources allowed these kingdoms to accumulate wealth through trade and taxation of merchants.
The wealth of western African kingdoms was also influenced by their proximity to the Niger River, which facilitated transportation and trade. The river allowed for easy movement of goods, and its fertile banks supported agriculture, further contributing to the economic prosperity of these kingdoms. Additionally, their location allowed them to act as intermediaries in the trade between the Arab world and sub-Saharan Africa. This advantageous location, combined with their resource-rich territories, made western African kingdoms economically prosperous.
Western African kingdoms accumulated wealth through extensive trading networks and the taxation of merchants. They controlled key trade routes that linked the Sahara Desert to sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, the gold-salt trade was a major source of wealth. Gold was abundant in regions like Wangara, and salt was a valuable commodity in the desert. By controlling these trade routes and resources, western African kingdoms could amass significant wealth through taxation and trade.
The wealth of western African kingdoms was closely tied to their geographic location. They were strategically positioned along the Niger River, which provided fertile land for agriculture and facilitated trade and transportation. This river allowed for the movement of goods, and the surrounding region was rich in resources. Moreover, these kingdoms were at the crossroads of trans-Saharan trade routes, enabling them to profit from the exchange of gold, salt, and other valuable commodities. The favorable geography and access to trade networks were key factors in their economic growth.