Islamic Influence on African Trade

The video explores the influence of trade networks on African states, focusing on the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes. It discusses the historical context of inter-African trade, the introduction of camels in the Sahara, and the role of Islamic merchants. The video also covers the development of the Swahili city-states and the impact of trade on East African societies, including the Great Zimbabwe. The conclusion revisits the essential questions about the political and economic changes in Africa due to these trade networks.

What were the two essential questions discussed in the introduction regarding African trade networks?

• How did African states develop their military?

• What was the role of European traders in Africa?

• How were African states influenced by trade networks?

• How did African states develop agriculture?

Which animal significantly improved the trans-Saharan trade?

• Horses

• Donkeys

• Elephants

• Camels

What was a major commodity traded by West African states in the trans-Saharan trade?

• Silk

• Gold

• Tea

• Cotton

How did the rise of Islam affect the trans-Saharan trade?

• It led to the decline of West African states.

• It increased the use of camels.

• It introduced new trade routes.

• It decreased trade activities.

What was a significant outcome of the Islamic influence on the Songhai Empire?

• The empire became a major gold supplier.

• The empire was isolated from other African states.

• The empire adopted Christianity.

• The empire stopped trading with the Middle East.

What role did the Swahili city-states play in the Indian Ocean trade?

• They were the primary source of silk.

• They isolated themselves from trade.

• They served as major trading hubs.

• They were the main producers of spices.

Which group of merchants was instrumental in establishing trade networks in East Africa?

• Chinese merchants

• European merchants

• Arab and Persian merchants

• Indian merchants

What was the primary role of Great Zimbabwe in the Indian Ocean trade?

• It was a major producer of silk.

• It was the main trading hub for spices.

• It isolated itself from trade activities.

• It provided raw materials for trade.

How did the adoption of Islam affect the Swahili city-states?

• It caused the decline of trade activities.

• It isolated the city-states from other regions.

• It was adopted mainly by leaders and merchants.

• It led to the forced conversion of all citizens.

When did Great Zimbabwe become influenced by Islam?

• In the 1800s

• In the 1200s

• In the 1500s

• In the 1700s