Which factors led to the downfall of Ghana? Select the two correct answers.
(1 point)
Responses
Ghana was engaged in conflict with people to the north.
Ghana was engaged in conflict with people to the north.
Ghana lacked nearby water resources.
Ghana lacked nearby water resources.
Ghana was unwilling to participate in trade.
Ghana was unwilling to participate in trade.
Ghana's large population began straining resources.
Ghana's large population began straining resources.
Ghana did not have iron weapons and rival nations did.
Ghana did not have iron weapons and rival nations did.
Ghana's large population began straining resources.
The two factors that led to the downfall of Ghana were:
1. Ghana lacked nearby water resources.
2. Ghana did not have iron weapons and rival nations did.
To identify the factors that led to the downfall of Ghana, the two correct answers are:
1. Ghana was engaged in conflict with people to the north.
2. Ghana did not have iron weapons, while rival nations did.
To arrive at these answers, we can evaluate each option.
Option 1: Ghana was engaged in conflict with people to the north.
This factor is historically accurate. Ghana faced invasions and conflicts from various groups, including the Almoravids and other Sahelian states to the north. These conflicts weakened Ghana and contributed to its downfall.
Option 2: Ghana lacked nearby water resources.
While it is true that Ghana was located in a region with limited water resources, this factor alone did not solely cause its downfall. Ghana's position as a gold and salt trade center allowed it to compensate for its lack of water resources.
Option 3: Ghana was unwilling to participate in trade.
This statement is incorrect. Ghana was in fact a major participant in trans-Saharan trade, particularly in gold and salt. Its control over trade routes and the taxation of goods passing through its territory was one of the reasons for its prosperity.
Option 4: Ghana's large population began straining resources.
While a large population may potentially strain resources, this was not a significant factor in Ghana's downfall. Ghana managed to sustain its population through agricultural practices, such as adapting to farming along the Niger River.
Option 5: Ghana did not have iron weapons, while rival nations did.
This factor is historically accurate. During the decline of Ghana, neighboring societies with access to iron weapons, such as the Almoravids, had a military advantage over Ghana. The lack of iron weapons weakened Ghana's military power and made it more vulnerable to attacks.
Therefore, the correct answers are:
1. Ghana was engaged in conflict with people to the north.
2. Ghana did not have iron weapons, while rival nations did.