Question 1: During the medieval period, West Africans traded gold for salt, using camels to create a
network that connected with North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Trade led to
great diversity and helped local rulers build strong states, like the kingdom of Ghana.
Based on the text, what was the role of trade in West Africa during the medieval period?
Standard: NCES. WH. H.2.7
O Trade led to the building of great empires and also increased cultural diffusion, leading to a
diverse population
O Trade led to the building of great empires that were democratically governed by leaders of the
new middle class.
O Trade was essential to the West African economy because the region had no local natural
resources.
Trade was economically essential for West Africa, but it resulted in Middle Eastern domination
of West African states.