Ghana, Mali, and Songhai

Which agricultural advancement led to the growth of the Mali Empire?

• the introduction of the cotton crop

• the construction of aqueducts

Why was the city of Djenné an important center for Islam?

• It was where Mansa Musa established his capital.

• It was home to the Great Mosque.

What caused the fall of the Mali Empire?

• The gold mines failed, and the economy of the empire went into decline.

• The empire was large and difficult to protect from invaders.

Why did the Songhai Empire become economically successful?

• It had access to important trade routes on the Atlantic Ocean.

• Its large territory allowed the Songhai to control the trans-Saharan trade network.

Based on the map, which statement best explains how location and environment influenced the growth of the Songhai Empire?

• It was protected from invasion by the large Sahara desert to the north.

• It benefited from mines, rivers, grassland, and other natural resources.

Which statement explains the fall of the Songhai Empire?

• The government was weak and civil wars broke out.

• The gold and salt mines stopped producing enough to support the empire.

Who founded the Mali Empire?

• Mansa Musa

• Sundiata Keita

Which contribution did Sunni Ali make to the Songhai Empire?

• He united the Songhai Empire and brought about a period of peace.

• He made Islam the official religion of the Songhai Empire.

How did Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca affect the Mali Empire?

• It made the Mali Empire famous around the world.

• It forced the people of the Mali Empire to become Muslims.

Which term describes the religious and political leader of the Mali Empire?

• mosque

• mansa