The Trans-Saharan Trade

The Trans-Saharan Trade

12th Grade · Social Studies · 45 min

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Learning Objective

I can analyze the economic, social, and political impacts of the Trans-Saharan Trade on West Africa.

  • 1

    The Trans-Saharan Trade Network connected North Africa and the Mediterranean with interior West Africa and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa.

  • 2

    Innovations like the Arabian camel and camel saddles helped expand the Trans-Saharan Trade Network by 1200.

  • 3

    The Empire of Mali grew wealthy by participating in the Trans-Saharan Trade Network, especially by exporting gold and taxing other merchants.