Unit 2

What improved commercial practices contributed to the rise of the Silk Roads?

The inventions of credit, banks, and paper money.

What types of goods were primarily traded on the Silk Roads?

Luxury goods including textiles, porcelain, jewelry, iron, and steel.

What was a significant effect of the expansion of the Mongol Empire on trade?

The unification of trade networks.

Which navigation technologies were crucial for Indian Ocean trade?

Lateen sails, compass, and the astrolabe.

What major cultural exchange occurred during the 15th century in the Indian Ocean?

Interactions between Chinese explorer Zheng He and communities in India and Arabia.

What were the main commodities traded across the Trans-Saharan trade routes?

Gold, salt, and slaves.

How did urbanization change during the period of connectivity?

Urbanization increased in areas of high economic activity such as China, Persia, Arabia, India, and Africa.

Which religion spread significantly into Southeast Asia during this period?

Hinduism.

What crop was introduced to Africa from Indonesia during this time?

Bananas.

What were the environmental consequences of connectivity during the trade expansion?

New crops were introduced and epidemic diseases like the bubonic plague spread.