1. Who were the primary people responsible for introducing the religion of Islam to West Africa?
- A. European explorers seeking new lands
- B. Christian missionaries from Egypt
- C. North African merchants and traders
- D. Kings and queens from East Africa
2. What was a major reason some West African rulers chose to adopt Islam?
- A. They were forced to convert by invading armies from the north.
- B. They wanted to build stronger trade connections with Muslim partners.
- C. Their people demanded a complete change from traditional beliefs.
- D. They were offered large amounts of land by neighboring Islamic states.
3. The influence of Islam on West African culture can be seen in the construction of which new type of building?
- A. Pyramids
- B. Mosques
- C. Amphitheaters
- D. Fortresses
4. Which of the following best describes a significant change in West African society after the arrival of Islam?
- A. The complete disappearance of the gold and salt trade.
- B. The development of new educational and religious centers.
- C. A shift from monarchies to democratic governments.
- D. The isolation of West Africa from other parts of the world.
5. Why did cities like Timbuktu become famous centers of learning?
- A. They were located near newly discovered gold mines.
- B. Rulers who adopted Islam invested in schools and libraries.
- C. They were conquered by scholars who forced the people to study.
- D. Traditional African diviners decided to build universities there.
6. In the Ghana Empire, what was the established practice for determining who would become the next king?
- A. The king's eldest son inherited the throne.
- B. The throne passed to the son of the king's sister.
- C. A council of elders elected the new ruler.
- D. The most powerful general in the army seized control.
7. Which statement best describes the authority of the king in the Ghana Empire's government?
- A. The king shared power equally with a council of merchants.
- B. The king's decisions could be overturned by village chiefs.
- C. The king held absolute power over the government and justice system.
- D. The king was mainly a religious figure with little political control.
8. A key function of the Ghana Empire's military was to enforce the king's laws and to...
- A. ...elect the next ruler for the kingdom.
- B. ...secure vital trade routes.
- C. ...serve as judges in local courts.
- D. ...lead religious ceremonies.
9. According to the matrilineal system of the Ghana Empire, who was the designated heir to the throne?
- A. The king's oldest son.
- B. The king's nephew.
- C. The head of the military.
- D. The wealthiest merchant in the capital.
10. How did the military of the Ghana Empire contribute directly to its economic strength?
- A. By mining for gold and salt.
- B. By making trade routes safe for merchants.
- C. By managing the empire's food supply.
- D. By building new markets in the capital city.