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AP World History / The Global Tapestry

Lesson

Africa

West African states and trans-Saharan commerce.

Explanation

States in West Africa benefited from trans-Saharan trade. Gold and salt were especially important commodities. Powerful states could strengthen their political institutions by controlling trade routes and taxing commerce.

Practice

Original Marlow Works items. Check the answer explanation after you try.

1 of 1The Global Tapestry · medium · multiple choice

In Song China, a large civil-service examination system most directly supported which political development?

Original Marlow Works item — not a College Board question.

Take your time—this is practice, not a test.

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Related resources

External links with reuse status. Marlow Works is independent and does not copy restricted exam or textbook material.

  • Official / link only

    AP World History: Modern course page

    Official College Board course scope, units, and exam updates.

    College Board · All rights reserved · accessed 2026-10-01

    Do not copy CED prose, graphics, or sample questions.

    Open source

  • CC BY — attribution required

    World History Volume 1: to 1500

    Open textbook useful for AP World background through 1500.

    Open Textbook Library listing · CC BY · accessed 2026-10-01

    Verify the exact item license on the source page before republishing text.

    Open source