Which factor contributed to Songhai's downfall as a powerful empire?

a decades-long drought
its refusal to participate in trade
internal struggles between rulers
its geographic isolation from other regions

internal struggles between rulers

#1- internal struggles between rulers.

#2- their creation and involvement in trade networks.
#3- his pilgrimage to mecca attracted Muslim scholars, artists, and teachers to mali.
#4- bantu

thank you so much

The factor that contributed to Songhai's downfall as a powerful empire is internal struggles between rulers. To understand this, it is essential to analyze the history and context of the Songhai Empire.

To find the answer, you can start by conducting research on the history of the Songhai Empire and the events leading up to its decline. Consult reliable sources such as history books, scholarly articles, or reputable websites.

During its peak, the Songhai Empire was a dominant force in West Africa, known for its strong military and control over lucrative trade routes. However, internal struggles between rulers played a significant role in its downfall. These conflicts weakened the empire and led to its eventual collapse.

One prominent internal struggle was the succession disputes among the rulers. After the death of Emperor Askia Muhammad in 1528, a power struggle ensued among his sons and other noble officials. This infighting weakened the central authority of the empire and created divisions within the ruling class.

Another factor was the rebellion of the Arma people in 1591. This internal uprising further exacerbated the existing divisions and weakened the empire's ability to defend itself against external threats.

Moreover, the Songhai Empire's decline coincided with the rise of external powers, such as the Moroccan invasion of the Empire in 1591. This invasion, led by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, took advantage of the internal turmoil and ultimately led to the downfall of the Songhai Empire.

In conclusion, while factors such as a drought, refusal to participate in trade, and geographic isolation may have had some impact, the internal struggles between rulers played a more significant role in the downfall of the Songhai Empire.