How did Ghana, Mali, and Songhai get so advanced ?

You'll have to read about each nation, it's natural resources, how they are used, the kind of government they have, etc. Your text materials, no doubt, address this question. You can enter the name of each nation in your web browser and pull up information about each of them, too.

The main export was gold, which made each kingdom wealthy and strong, and provided them with the conditions necessary for cultural and intellectual achievement.

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http://regentsprep.org/regents/global/themes/movement/afr.cfm

The civilizations of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, located in West Africa, saw significant advancements and developed into powerful empires for several reasons. To understand this, we can break it down into several key factors:

1. Trade and Wealth Accumulation: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai all thrived because of their control over valuable trade routes. They were strategically located along the trans-Saharan trade routes, which facilitated the exchange of goods, such as gold, salt, ivory, and slaves. The empires accumulated substantial wealth from this trade, allowing them to invest in infrastructure, education, and technological advancements.

2. Natural Resources: The empires had access to abundant natural resources that further fueled their development. Ghana was known for its vast gold deposits, while Mali and Songhai were rich in gold and other minerals, contributing to their economic prosperity.

3. Political Stability and Centralized Authority: These empires established strong central governments, which provided stability and security essential for social and economic growth. Rulers, such as Sundiata Keita of Mali and Mansa Musa of Mali, exerted political control and created efficient administrative systems to govern their territories successfully.

4. Islam and Knowledge Exchange: Islam played a significant role in the growth of these empires. Islam, introduced through trade and contact with Arab merchants, became a unifying force and influenced governance, education, law, and culture. Islamic scholars and libraries were established, which promoted intellectual exchange and the preservation of knowledge. This contributed to advancements in education, architecture, literature, and the sciences.

5. Educational and Cultural Centers: Cities like Timbuktu and Djenne in Mali became renowned centers of learning and trade. These cities attracted scholars, traders, and artists from all over the Islamic world, fostering cultural exchange and intellectual growth.

By capitalizing on trade, harnessing natural resources, establishing stable governance, embracing Islamic culture, and investing in education, these West African empires flourished and achieved great advancements.