Mali gained wealth and influence from gold and trans-Saharan trade. Mansa Musa used Islam to connect with a wider world.
← Unit 1: The Global Tapestry
Topic 1.5 · c. 1200–1450
State Building in Africa
Between 1200 and 1450, African societies built different kinds of states. Leaders used trade, religion, local traditions, and control of resources to strengthen their rule. Africa was connected to wider exchange networks, but its states did not all develop in the same way.
The big picture
What to know
Between 1200 and 1450, African societies built different kinds of states. Leaders used trade, religion, local traditions, and control of resources to strengthen their rule. Africa was connected to wider exchange networks, but its states did not all develop in the same way.
Independent Hausa cities governed themselves and grew through regional trade across the Sahel.
Ethiopia maintained a Christian monarchy with older Aksumite traditions.
Great Zimbabwe grew wealthy through cattle and gold trade linked to the Indian Ocean.
Check your understanding
01 / Multiple choice · 5 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears below it.
Question 01
Which example fits this clue? This example gained wealth and influence from gold and trans-Saharan trade. Mansa Musa used Islam to connect with a wider world.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 02
Which example fits this clue? Independent Hausa cities governed themselves and grew through regional trade across the Sahel.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 03
Which example fits this clue? This example maintained a Christian monarchy with older Aksumite traditions.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 04
Which example fits this clue? This example grew wealthy through cattle and gold trade linked to the Indian Ocean.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 05
Which statement best explains a similarity between Mali and Great Zimbabwe?
Select an answer to check your thinking.
02 / Write with evidence
Write a short response
How did different African states gain and maintain power?
- Make a claim that answers the question.
- Use two examples from the review.
- Explain how the examples support your claim.
See a model response
Mali and Great Zimbabwe both grew powerful partly through trade, although they connected to different routes. Mali benefited from gold trade across the Sahara, while Great Zimbabwe was linked through regional exchange to the Indian Ocean trade network. Control of valuable goods helped leaders in both states build wealth and influence.
Worksheets, notes & slides
No class materials have been shared for this topic yet.
Resources & review
Quick study check
Before opening another resource, explain these examples from memory. Reveal each explanation to check yourself.
Mali
Mali gained wealth and influence from gold and trans-Saharan trade. Mansa Musa used Islam to connect with a wider world.
Hausa city-states
Independent Hausa cities governed themselves and grew through regional trade across the Sahel.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia maintained a Christian monarchy with older Aksumite traditions.
Great Zimbabwe
Great Zimbabwe grew wealthy through cattle and gold trade linked to the Indian Ocean.
Read / watchOER Project · Topic 1.5 ↗
Articles, videos, and lesson activities for this topic.
Video / reviewKhan Academy · World History AP ↗A second explanation when you need to see a topic another way.
Official practiceAP Classroom ↗AP Daily videos and teacher-assigned topic questions. Sign in with your school AP account.
OER Project and Khan Academy may organize some lessons differently. Use the topic number on this page to match the material you need.