Question

select the correct answer.
why was there continuous political instability in west africa between 1500 and 1700?
a. traders provided a regular supply of guns to tribal leaders.
b. there was a loss of able - bodied men to the slave trade.
c. the income of the common african was limited.
d. traders introduced manufactured goods from europe.
e. there was a lack of economic development.

Explanation:

To determine the cause of continuous political instability in West Africa (1500–1700), we analyze each option:

• Option A: Supplying guns to tribal leaders (e.g., from European traders) enabled conflicts between tribes, as leaders used guns to compete for power/territory, directly fueling political instability.
• Option B: Loss of able - bodied men to the slave trade primarily impacted labor/economy, not direct political instability.
• Option C: Limited income of common Africans relates to economic hardship, not political instability.
• Option D: Introduction of European manufactured goods affects trade/economy, not political instability.
• Option E: Lack of economic development is an economic issue, not the primary cause of political instability.

Guns supplied by traders to tribal leaders created conditions for frequent conflicts, driving political instability.

Answer:

A. Traders provided a regular supply of guns to tribal leaders.