Explain baby three reasons why the Trans Sahara Trade was declined
1) Environmental factors - The Sahara Desert posed numerous challenges for traders, including extreme temperatures, sandstorms, and water scarcity. These conditions made travel difficult and dangerous, leading to a decline in trade.
2) Political instability - The political landscape of the region was constantly changing, with various groups vying for control of key trade routes. This led to conflict and instability, making it difficult for traders to operate safely.
3) The rise of alternative trade routes - With the advent of sea trade and the expansion of the Indian Ocean trade network, many traders began to shift their focus away from the Trans Sahara trade. These alternative routes offered greater safety and efficiency, leading to a decline in the importance of the Trans Sahara trade.
The decline of the Trans-Saharan Trade can be attributed to several factors. Here are three main reasons:
1. Maritime trade routes: With the advent of stronger and more advanced ships, maritime trade routes became more efficient and less challenging than the Trans-Saharan routes. The European exploration and colonization of the West African coast in the 15th century also contributed to the shift, as trade began to focus more on sea-based routes.
2. Political instability: The decline of large, centralized empires such as Songhai, Mali, and later, the rise of smaller, fragmented states in West Africa, led to political instability in the region. This instability made it difficult for traders to travel across the Sahara, as caravan routes were often disrupted by conflicts and wars. As a result, traders started seeking alternative routes or relying more on coastal trade.
3. Technological advancements: The use of camels as the primary means of transportation across the desert was an important factor in the Trans-Saharan trade. However, the development of steamships and later, railways, allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of goods. This undermined the importance of the caravan trade and made it less viable.
These factors combined to gradually diminish the significance of the Trans-Saharan Trade, leading to its decline by the 19th century.