Which statement best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires?(1 point) Responses Hurricanes forced many to migrate east toward central Africa, which reduced the size of the armies. 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. 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. Landslides and flooding destroyed villages, causing the population to use violence to gain food. Salt was overmined, leading to shortages and protests by miners who demanded more gold for their work.
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.
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 understand this answer, let's break it down. One of the key factors in the decline of West African empires was the impact of environmental conditions, specifically drought. Drought refers to the prolonged period of significantly lower than average rainfall, which leads to water scarcity and subsequently affects agriculture and food production.
During periods of drought in West Africa, there would have been a decrease in the availability of water for irrigation, making it difficult to sustain agriculture. This decline in food production would have had severe consequences for the empires, as it led to food shortages and famine. In turn, this would have forced people living in these areas to migrate in search of better conditions, such as areas with more reliable water sources or fertile lands.
The migration of people from the affected regions would have impacted the West African empires in multiple ways. Firstly, it would have resulted in a decrease in their population, which in turn reduced the size of their armies. A smaller population means fewer available soldiers and a weakening of the empire's military strength, making it more vulnerable to external threats.
Additionally, the increased migration would have disrupted the social and economic stability within these empires. As people moved away from the affected areas, there would have been a significant impact on trade, agriculture, and overall productivity.
Therefore, periods of drought leading to declines in food production and increased migration of people seeking better conditions is the statement that best describes how physical geography contributed to the decline of West African empires.