AP World History: Modern – UNIT 2 DETAILED STUDY SHEET

These flashcards cover the major themes and details from the AP World History: Modern lecture notes on networks of exchange, including the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean, and Trans-Saharan trade.

What led to the expansion of trade between 1200–1450?

The revival and rise of empires, demand for luxury goods, and innovations in transportation and commerce.

What did the Abbasid Caliphate do for trade?

Revived Silk Road and Indian Ocean commerce by promoting urban trade centers.

What high-demand goods did Tang and Song China contribute?

Silk, porcelain, and tea.

What did the Pax Mongolica provide for trade?

Safer travel, lower banditry, and stable taxation across Eurasia.

What was a key factor for the global commercial boom?

The demand for luxury goods driven by an elite consumer culture.

What did China desire from Europe?

Gold and silver to support its money economy.

What items did Europe demand from China?

Silk, porcelain, rhubarb, and tea.

What innovations in transportation revolutionized Saharan trade?

Camel saddles which allowed riders to carry heavier cargo.

What role did caravans play in trade?

Grouped merchants together for protection during travel.

What were caravanserai used for?

Lodging, water, trade opportunities, and fresh animals every 100 miles.

What were significant maritime innovations?

Lateen sails, rudder, junk ships, dhows, magnetic compass, and astrolabe.

What was the 'flying cash'?

A credit system for merchants that provided a way to withdraw money.

What effect did the Silk Road expansion have on specialized production?

Encouraged production of Chinese silk, Persian textiles, and spread religions and ideas.

What characterized the Indian Ocean trade network?

It was the largest maritime trade network, connecting multiple regions and trading bulk goods.

What city was a spice-trade hub in India?

Calicut.

What culture did the Swahili cities blend?

African and Arab cultures.

How did monsoon wind patterns affect trade?

They determined sailing times and made trade safer due to predictability.

What did Zheng He's voyages achieve?

They spread Chinese prestige and established diplomatic ties.

What was traded in the Trans-Saharan trade?

Gold, ivory, enslaved people from West Africa and salt, textiles from North Africa.

What innovation maximized the efficiency of camel transport?

Camel saddles which improved speed, control, and load capacity.

What significant centers were controlled by the Mali Empire?

Timbuktu and Gao.

How did Islam spread through Africa?

Through merchants, rather than conquest.

What were the four khanates of the Mongol Empire?

Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, Chagatai, Yuan Dynasty.

How did the Mongol Empire impact trade?

Secured the Silk Roads, making long-distance trade cheaper and safer.

What major traveler documented Islamic societies across Africa and Asia?

Ibn Battuta.

What were key empires involved in the Silk Roads?

Mongols, Abbasids, and Song.

What was the focus of the Trans-Saharan trade?

The exchange of gold, salt, and enslaved people.