Which of the following explains an internal factor that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire? (1 point)
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After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore.
After new sources of gold and salt were discovered, Mali traders now faced competition.
Portuguese trading ships threatened Mali traders as they established European ports in Africa.
• The Songhai and Jata worked together to overthrow Suleiman.
After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore.
The correct answer is: After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore.
To determine which of the given options explains an internal factor that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire, we need to analyze each option and understand the impact it had on the empire's internal stability.
1. After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore.
This option suggests that the reduction in government expenditures led to a loss of confidence among citizens. However, there is no indication that this specific factor alone caused the collapse of the empire.
2. After new sources of gold and salt were discovered, Mali traders now faced competition.
This option implies that the discovery of new sources of gold and salt created competition for Mali traders. This competition could have had a negative impact on the economy and trade power of the Mali Empire, potentially contributing to its collapse.
3. Portuguese trading ships threatened Mali traders as they established European ports in Africa.
This option highlights the threat posed by Portuguese trading ships to Mali traders. If these European ports disrupted or displaced the existing trade networks of the Mali Empire, it could have weakened their economy and ultimately contributed to their downfall.
4. The Songhai and Jata worked together to overthrow Suleiman.
This option mentions a collaboration between the Songhai and Jata to overthrow Suleiman, but it does not provide any direct evidence of how this internal conflict led to the collapse of the Mali Empire.
Based on the above analysis, option 2 "After new sources of gold and salt were discovered, Mali traders now faced competition" seems to be the best explanation for an internal factor that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire.