Which statement best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires?(1 point)
Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work.
Hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central Africa, which reduced the size of the armies.
Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food.
Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
The statement that best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires is: Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
To determine which statement best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires, we need to analyze the options and see which one aligns with historical facts.
1. Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work.
While salt was indeed a valuable resource in West Africa, it is not a major factor in the decline of the empires. Therefore, this statement is not the best description of how physical geography contributed to their decline.
2. Hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central Africa, which reduced the size of the armies.
Hurricanes are not typically associated with West Africa, and there is no historical evidence to suggest that they caused significant migration or reduction in the size of armies. Therefore, this statement is also not the best description of how physical geography contributed to the decline.
3. Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions.
This statement aligns with historical facts. West Africa experienced periods of drought, which resulted in decreased food production. This led to increased migration as people sought better conditions and resources elsewhere. The decline in food production and population movement would have had profound effects on the stability and strength of the empires. Therefore, this statement best describes how physical geography contributed to their decline.
4. Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food.
While landslides and flooding can be natural disasters that impact communities, there is no strong evidence to suggest that they specifically caused violence or directly contributed to the decline of West African empires. Therefore, this statement is not the best description of how physical geography contributed to their decline.
In conclusion, statement number 3 – "Periods of drought led to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions" – best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires.