Which is a true statement about how West African economies were impacted by global trade?(1 point) Responses African governments, rather than individual traders, became the main actors in global trade as Europeans found ocean routes. African governments, rather than individual traders, became the main actors in global trade as Europeans found ocean routes. West African trading empires lost power as alternative sources of raw materials became available. West African trading empires lost power as alternative sources of raw materials became available. The increasing traffic on land routes like the Silk Road meant that West African trading communities gained an enormous amount of power. The increasing traffic on land routes like the Silk Road meant that West African trading communities gained an enormous amount of power. West African governments adopted silver as their main form of currency.

West African trading empires lost power as alternative sources of raw materials became available.

The correct answer is: West African trading empires lost power as alternative sources of raw materials became available.

The true statement is: West African trading empires lost power as alternative sources of raw materials became available.

To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the historical context of West African economies and global trade.

During the era of global trade, which started in the 15th century with the European exploration and colonization, West African economies were heavily involved in trans-Saharan trade routes. Trading empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai thrived on the trade of gold, salt, and other valuable commodities.

However, as Europeans explored new ocean routes to reach Asia, they discovered alternative sources of raw materials like gold, spices, and other goods. This shift in global trade bypassed the trans-Saharan routes, which greatly impacted the West African economies.

The availability of alternative sources of raw materials led to a decline in the importance of West African trading empires. European powers established direct trade routes with these new regions, which led to a decreased demand for West African goods. Consequently, the trading empires in West Africa lost power and influence in the global trade network.

Therefore, the statement "West African trading empires lost power as alternative sources of raw materials became available" accurately summarizes the impact of global trade on West African economies during that time.