(Originais Teachy 2023) - Question Easy of History

The ancient kingdoms of Kush, Axum, and Ghana were pivotal in shaping the history of Africa during ancient and medieval times, each bringing its own unique attributes and impact on trade routes and political affairs in the region. The Kingdom of Kush is especially notable for its relationship with Egypt and its expertise in metallurgy. Meanwhile, Axum functioned as a key trade hub that linked the Roman Empire with the East. Ghana, on the other hand, was renowned for its immense wealth in gold and its advanced political organisation. With this background in mind, which of the following options best illustrates how these kingdoms shaped international trade relations in ancient times and the Middle Ages?

During the period known as the 'Revolution of the Modern States', the political fragmentation characteristic of the Middle Ages gave way to centralized structures of power, with monarchs emerging as unifying figures of increasingly defined nations. This process not only reconfigured the political map of Europe but also deeply impacted social and economic organization, transforming the relationship between rulers and the ruled. In 'The Foundations of Power and Wealth', historian Norman Davies states that 'The emergence of modern states was not only the result of political and military forces, but also reflected a change in mentalities and methods of governance.' Considering the context presented and Davies' quote, develop a discursive essay addressing the following points: 1) Explain how the formation of European nation-states altered power dynamics and the political organization of the continent. 2) Discuss the social implications and the new governance paradigm that emerged with the centralization of power in the hands of monarchs and the transition to a more 'national' government.