Which of the following explains an internal factor that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire? (1 point)
1. The Songhai and Jata worked together to overthrow Suleiman.
2. Portuguese trading ships threatened Mali Which of the following explains an internal factor that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire? (1 point)
3. After new sources of gold and salt were discovered, Mali traders now faced competition.
4. After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore.
4. After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore.
Based on the given options, the explanation that best fits an internal factor that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire is option 4: "After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore."
To determine the internal factor that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire, we need to analyze each option and identify the factor that relates to an internal issue within the empire.
1. The Songhai and Jata worked together to overthrow Suleiman.
This option suggests an external factor, as it involves outside forces overthrowing the ruler of Mali, rather than an internal factor within the empire itself.
2. Portuguese trading ships threatened Mali.
Similar to option 1, this option indicates an external factor, as it involves the actions of Portuguese trading ships, which were not part of the Mali Empire.
3. After new sources of gold and salt were discovered, Mali traders now faced competition.
This option describes an internal factor that might have contributed to the collapse of the Mali Empire. The discovery of new sources of gold and salt would have led to increased competition among traders within the empire, potentially weakening the economy and stability of Mali.
4. After leaders stopped spending large amounts of money, citizens believed their government was not powerful anymore.
This option suggests an internal factor that could have contributed to the collapse of the Mali Empire. If the leaders of Mali stopped investing heavily in the empire's infrastructure, military, or public services, citizens might have perceived a decline in the government's power or effectiveness. This could have eroded their support and led to the empire's collapse.
Based on the analysis, options 3 and 4 describe internal factors that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire. However, option 3, the discovery of new sources of gold and salt leading to increased competition, is a more direct and specific internal factor that could have significantly impacted the empire's stability.