Explain how East African culture was impacted by trade in the Indian Ocean trade network.(1 point)

Question

Responses

Portuguese traders settled on the African coast and spread Christian ideas.
Portuguese traders settled on the African coast and spread Christian ideas.

Indian merchants shared Hinduism with the Swahili, leading to a growth in the African Hindu population.
Indian merchants shared Hinduism with the Swahili, leading to a growth in the African Hindu population.

Traders from Asia and the Middle East settled in East Africa and shared their cultural ideas, especially their religions.
Traders from Asia and the Middle East settled in East Africa and shared their cultural ideas, especially their religions.

Muslims settled in southern Africa, sharing their ideas on political philosophy.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Traders from Asia and the Middle East settled in East Africa and shared their cultural ideas, especially their religions.

This option accurately highlights the significant cultural exchange that occurred as a result of the Indian Ocean trade network. Through their interactions, traders introduced various elements of their cultures, including religion, language, art, and social practices, which profoundly influenced East African coastal communities, particularly the Swahili city-states. The introduction of Islam played a particularly important role in shaping the region's identity and cultural landscape.