Ap World History Dbq Research Paper

Paragraph 3: trade routes

Timbuktu fell due the modernization of European trade and the invasion by Morocco during the 1500s. To support, document I summarized the monopolization of Portugal through the creation of caravels, which allowed explorers to export spices and goods along the coast of Africa instead of traveling through the desert. Furthermore, the decline of Timbuktu began with the inflow of portuguese traders, who used the mouth of the Niger river as a trading location which undercut the importance of Timbuktu on the Niger River. Furthermore, documents J illustrate the European voyages of discovery and routes of goods exchanged between European countries and India. Thus, proving that Timbuktu's decline was due to the lack of trade between Africa and the European countries, because India became the main source of goods and spices due to its accessible trade routes across the

Another contributing factor to the destruction of Timbuktu was the invasion by Morocco in 1591, which is illustrated through document F by comparing the map of Morocco from 1500 to 1600. Furthermore, the 1500 map shows moroccan rule without Timbuktu, while the 1600 map illustrates Timbuktu being part of Morocco. Shortly after, the invasion by Morocco, Timbuktu's scholars were arrested in 1593 on suspicion of disaffection, subsequently some were killed during a resulting struggle, while others were exiled to Morocco. To make matters worse, the small Moroccan army placed in command of the city offered extremely inadequate protection, and as a result Timbuktu was repeatedly attacked and conquered by the Bambara, Fulani, and Tuareg. Therefore, the lack of liberty, trade, and military protection,