This inquiry focuses on understanding how the Kingdom of Mali became a center of wealth in West Africa. The questions, tasks, and sources in this inquiry asks students to analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources to determine the most important factor for generating wealth in Mali: geography, trade, or religion.
The first supporting question asks, “How did Mali use geography to become wealthy?” This question requires students to understand how geographic features such as gold mines, salt mines, and rivers supported the economic development of Mali. Students should make connections about the importance of natural resources and how a civilization can generate wealth. Students may also consider the role of rivers in providing not only water necessary for growing crops, but also for transportation of other goods.
