Which of the following was a similarity between Ghana and Mali?
(1 point)
Responses
They both had democratic governments.
They both had democratic governments.
They both grew powerful through trade.
They both grew powerful through trade.
They both isolated themselves from the world.
They both isolated themselves from the world.
They both developed far from sources of water.
The correct answer is: They both grew powerful through trade.
The similarity between Ghana and Mali is that they both grew powerful through trade.
To determine the similarity between Ghana and Mali, we will evaluate each option one by one:
1) They both had democratic governments: To determine if this was a similarity between Ghana and Mali, we need to examine the historical context of both civilizations. Ghana and Mali were both powerful West African empires that thrived during the Middle Ages. However, they did not have democratic governments. Both empires were ruled by monarchs who held absolute power and were not elected by the people. Therefore, this option is not a similarity between Ghana and Mali.
2) They both grew powerful through trade: Both Ghana and Mali did indeed grow powerful through trade. Ghana became wealthy and powerful by controlling the trans-Saharan trade routes and taxing the goods that passed through its territory. Mali also developed its wealth and influence through trade, as it controlled the gold mines and was a major hub for the salt trade. Therefore, this option is a similarity between Ghana and Mali.
3) They both isolated themselves from the world: This option is not accurate as neither Ghana nor Mali isolated themselves from the world. In fact, both empires actively engaged in trade and had significant contacts with other civilizations, such as the Arab and North African traders.
4) They both developed far from sources of water: This option is also not accurate. Ghana, located in the Sahel region, was situated between the Niger and Senegal rivers, which provided it with access to water. Mali, on the other hand, benefited from the Niger River, which played a crucial role in its development.
In conclusion, the similarity between Ghana and Mali is that they both grew powerful through trade.