Year 7 - History
Gold and the West African economy
Medieval West Africa: why was medieval Mali so successful?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the success of medieval Mali, with a focus on the second-order concept of causation. They build knowledge of the West African landscape and the role it played in Mali's rise. They will also learn about the rise of Islam in the region and Mansa Musa's pilgrimage.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why gold was so important to the West African economy.
Key Notes
- Gold was the main resource traded in the Sahel.
- Empires in the Sahel could make a large profit from this trade.
- The Ghana and Mali empires indirectly controlled the goldfields through trade.
- The trade enriched the Islamic ruling elite of the Mali Empire.
- The Mali Empire used its wealth from the gold trade to improve its levels of knowledge and understanding.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Islam: Islam is the religion of Muslim people
- elite: the elite are the group of people who hold power
- mine: a mine is an excavation in the earth to extract minerals
- trade: trade means the exchange of goods
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Empires have to own land in order to control it.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Gold was the main resource traded in the Sahel. Empires in the Sahel could make a large profit from this trade.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Islam'
Islam is the religion of Muslim people.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Empires have to own land in order to control it. Correction: Control can be gained through a variety of indirect means, such as through trade or tribute.
More Lessons In This Unit
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