Which statement best explains the challenges faced by West African trading states? (1 point)
1. West African trading states had access to large gold deposits, but struggled to mine and trade it effectively.
2. West African trading states remained weak as alliances shifted between Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
3. West African trading states were geographically isolated, making trade routes central to their power and influence.
4. West African trading states were in direct competition with European powers, such as the Portuguese.
3. West African trading states were geographically isolated, making trade routes central to their power and influence.
The statement that best explains the challenges faced by West African trading states is option 2: West African trading states remained weak as alliances shifted between Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
To determine which statement best explains the challenges faced by West African trading states, we can analyze each option:
1. West African trading states had access to large gold deposits, but struggled to mine and trade it effectively.
This statement focuses on the issue of effectively mining and trading gold. While the presence of large gold deposits in West Africa was indeed a challenge for these states, it does not acknowledge other significant challenges faced by them.
2. West African trading states remained weak as alliances shifted between Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.
This statement highlights the shifting alliances between West African trading states such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai as a challenge. These political shifts indeed posed challenges for the stability and power of the trading states, but it does not encompass all the challenges they faced.
3. West African trading states were geographically isolated, making trade routes central to their power and influence.
This statement acknowledges the geographical isolation of West African trading states and emphasizes the significance of trade routes for their power and influence. The limited access to waterways and the need to establish and maintain lucrative trade routes were indeed crucial challenges faced by these states.
4. West African trading states were in direct competition with European powers, such as the Portuguese.
This statement brings to light the competition between West African trading states and European powers, particularly the Portuguese. The arrival of Europeans, their attempts to establish dominance and control over trade, and the resulting power struggles were undoubtedly significant challenges faced by West African trading states.
Considering all the options, it becomes clear that statement 3, "West African trading states were geographically isolated, making trade routes central to their power and influence," best explains the challenges faced by these states. It encapsulates the geographic isolation, the importance of trade routes, and their essential role in maintaining their power and influence.