Question

In the period from 1200 to 1450 CE, trans-Saharan trade networks influenced state formation in West Africa,
Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which the process of West African state formation was influenced by trans-Saharan
trade.
In your response you should do the following:
• Respond to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis or claim that establishes a line of reasoning.
• Describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.
• Support an argument in response to the prompt using specific and relevant examples of evidence.
• Use historical reasoning (e.g., comparison, causation, continuity or change) to frame or structure an argument that addresses the
prompt.
• Use evidence to corroborate, quality, or modify an argument that addresses the prompt.

Answer 1

Answer:

The prompt requires causation processing because it is asking how trade networks affect state formation. Causation describes causes and effects of historical development and the question is asking for the effect trade networks have on state formation in West Africa. The question limits what the writer can include about trans-Saharan trade networks to only state formations and limits the networks to only trade networks. It also limits the location of networks to trans-Saharan and limits state formation to West Africa. The writer can choose different trade networks and can pick one or many West African states.

Explanation: