Question

1. cause and effect: how did mansa musas pilgrimage affect peoples perception of his empire? cite evidence to support your position
2. drawing conclusions: what made musa a strong leader? cite evidence to support your position!

Explanation:

1. For the first question: Mansa Musa's 1324 pilgrimage to Mecca showcased the immense wealth of the Mali Empire (he distributed so much gold in Cairo that it devalued the local currency for over a decade). This display of wealth led other regions, including European and Middle Eastern powers, to perceive Mali as a rich, powerful, and influential empire, boosting its international reputation and encouraging trade ties with North Africa and the Mediterranean.
2. For the second question: Musa was a strong leader because he expanded Mali's territory to include key trade cities like Timbuktu, which he developed into a center of Islamic learning and commerce. He also centralized power, standardized laws, and established a stable tax system to fund the empire. His pilgrimage amplified Mali's global standing, and he invested in infrastructure and education, strengthening the empire's cultural and economic foundations.

Answer:

1. Mansa Musa's pilgrimage displayed Mali's extreme wealth (such as devaluing Cairo's gold market via massive gold distribution), which led global powers to view Mali as a wealthy, influential empire, growing its trade and international prestige.
2. Mansa Musa was a strong leader because he expanded Mali's territory to control key trade hubs like Timbuktu, developed it into a scholarly and commercial center, centralized governance, standardized laws, and used his pilgrimage to elevate Mali's global status while investing in the empire's cultural and economic infrastructure.