Which of the following describes political characteristics of the Songhai?(1 point) Responses Timbuktu and Gao became Islamic learning centers used to spread Songhai political power. Timbuktu and Gao became Islamic learning centers used to spread Songhai political power. Starting with Askia the Great, the main political tool was the navy and army. Starting with Askia the Great, the main political tool was the navy and army. Songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools. Songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools. All Songhai rulers used the ambassador system as a political tool.

Songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools.

To determine which of the given options describes the political characteristics of the Songhai, we will analyze each option and explain how to find the answer:

1. Timbuktu and Gao became Islamic learning centers used to spread Songhai political power.
2. Starting with Askia the Great, the main political tool was the navy and army.
3. Songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools.
4. All Songhai rulers used the ambassador system as a political tool.

To find the correct answer, we can refer to historical sources or textbooks that cover the political characteristics of the Songhai Empire. These sources often provide information about the strategies and methods employed by the empire's rulers.

Option 1: Timbuktu and Gao became Islamic learning centers used to spread Songhai political power.
This statement highlights the role of Islamic learning centers in expanding Songhai's political influence. The spread of Islam did contribute to the empire's cultural and religious sphere, but it does not directly address the political characteristics of the Songhai rulers.

Option 2: Starting with Askia the Great, the main political tool was the navy and army.
This option suggests that the navy and army played a significant role in the political landscape during the time of Askia the Great. To verify if this statement is accurate, we could cross-reference historical records or primary sources mentioning Askia the Great's reliance on the navy and army for political control.

Option 3: Songhai rulers used both diplomacy and the military as political tools.
This statement suggests that the rulers of the Songhai Empire employed both diplomacy and military power as part of their political strategy. To verify this claim, we could look for historical accounts discussing how Songhai rulers utilized both diplomatic negotiations and military actions to maintain their power.

Option 4: All Songhai rulers used the ambassador system as a political tool.
This option suggests that the ambassador system was a political tool universally employed by all Songhai rulers. To determine the accuracy of this statement, we could refer to historical sources or records that discuss the role and significance of the ambassador system in the political structure of the Songhai Empire.

By cross-referencing reliable historical sources or consulting specialized textbooks on African history, we can verify which of the given options accurately describes the political characteristics of the Songhai Empire.