AP World History Unit 2: Networks of Exchange - Silk Roads, Mongol Empire, Indian Ocean, Trans-Saharan Trade

What time period does Unit 2 of AP Modern World History cover?

1200-1450

What were the major trade routes connecting the Afro-Eurasian world?

Silk Roads, Trans-Saharan Trade Routes, and Indian Ocean Trade Routes

Who named the Silk Road and in what year?

German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1877

What was the primary function of the Silk Road?

To facilitate the exchange of goods, ideas, technologies, religions, and diseases across Eurasia

During which dynasty did the Silk Road peak in operation?

Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)

What were the endpoints of the Silk Road?

Chang'an (Xi'an) in China to Constantinople and Mediterranean ports

What luxury goods were traded from China on the Silk Road?

Silk, porcelain, tea, lacquerware, paper, and gunpowder

What types of goods did India contribute to Silk Road trade?

Spices (pepper, cinnamon), cotton textiles, precious stones, and ivory

What was the purpose of caravanserais along the Silk Road?

To provide lodging, meals, animal care, and protection for traveling merchants

What economic transformation occurred due to the Silk Road?

Urbanization of trade cities and the rise of a new merchant class

What system was developed for transferring funds without physical transport?

The Islamic hawala system

How did the Silk Road contribute to cultural exchange?

By facilitating the spread of religions like Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity

What technological innovations were transferred from China to the West?

Paper-making, printing, gunpowder, compass, and stirrup

What were some contributing factors to the decline of the Silk Road?

Rise of maritime trade routes, Mongol Empire fragmentation, and the Black Death

Who was Marco Polo and what was his significance?

An Italian explorer who provided detailed accounts of his travels to eastern China

What is the significance of Ibn Battuta's travels?

He documented extensive travels covering 75,000 miles across Muslim countries and beyond

What is meant by 'diasporic communities' in the context of the Silk Road?

Communities formed when merchants introduced their cultural traditions into indigenous cultures

What role did luxury goods play in consumerism during the Silk Road period?

Wealthy classes sought exotic foreign goods as status symbols

What was the impact of the Black Death on Silk Road trade?

It disrupted commerce and spread along trade routes

What types of animals were transported as luxury gifts along the Silk Road?

Peacocks, parrots, and hunting cats

What was the significance of the term 'Pax Mongolica'?

It refers to the peace and stability created by the Mongol Empire that facilitated trade

What cultural influences were exchanged along the Silk Road?

Greco-Buddhist art, Islamic calligraphy, and Chinese landscape painting

What was the role of specialized money changers in Silk Road trade?

They emerged at major trading centers to facilitate currency exchange

How did the Silk Road influence local cultures?

Foreign styles and goods influenced local customs and practices

What was the significance of the development of commercial law during this period?

It helped handle international disputes arising from trade

What was the impact of the Silk Road on agricultural exchange?

New crops like grapes, alfalfa, and cotton spread along the routes

What was the largest contiguous land empire in history?

The Mongol Empire

Who founded the Mongol Empire?

Genghis Khan in 1206

What significant impact did the Mongol Empire have on trade?

Transformed global trade, communication, and cultural exchange.

What military tactic was notable for the Mongols?

Superior horsemanship and archery skills.

What was the Pax Mongolica?

A period of relative stability across Eurasian trade routes from the mid-1200s to mid-1300s.

What was one negative consequence of Mongol rule?

Massive destruction and death toll during conquests.

How did the Mongol Empire influence cultural exchange?

Facilitated the transfer of gunpowder technology, medical knowledge, and agricultural techniques.

What was the significance of the Mongol siege of Baghdad in 1258?

It ended the Abbasid Caliphate and devastated the city.

What was the impact of the Mongol Empire on the Silk Road?

Revitalized and secured trade routes, increasing the volume and variety of goods traded.

What was the role of the Yam system in the Mongol Empire?

Postal relay stations every 25-30 miles that facilitated communication.

What was the relationship between the Mongols and religious tolerance?

Initially practiced religious tolerance and employed administrators from conquered peoples.

What led to the decline of the Mongol Empire?

Internal succession conflicts, overextension of resources, and rise of regional powers.

What were the four Khanates of the Mongol Empire?

Yuan Dynasty, Ilkhanate, Chagatai Khanate, and Golden Horde.

What was the significance of Genghis Khan's meritocracy?

It prioritized skill and ability over aristocratic privilege.

What was a key feature of Mongol military organization?

Decimal military organization (units of 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000).

What was one of the main reasons for the Mongol invasions of Japan?

To expand their empire, but they failed in 1274 and 1281.

What was the impact of the Black Death in relation to the Mongol Empire?

The plague spread along Mongol trade routes, contributing to a massive death toll.

How did the Mongol Empire influence the Renaissance?

Through cultural exchange and the spread of ideas.

What was the significance of the Mongol control in Korea?

Stimulated cultural exchange after centuries of isolation.

What was one positive impact of the Mongol Empire on Eurasia?

Secured routes of transport and communication.

What was a key factor in the rise of Genghis Khan?

His ability to unite fractured Mongol tribes through alliances and conquest.

What was the role of psychological warfare in Mongol conquests?

Used to instill fear and terror among enemies.

What was the significance of the Mongol conquests from 1206 to 1279?

They expanded the empire across Central Asia, China, Russia, and the Middle East.

What were the consequences of heavy taxation in conquered territories?

Led to resentment and unrest among the local populations.

What was the impact of the Mongols on the geopolitical landscape of Asia and Europe?

Changed political dynamics and established patterns of trade and diplomacy.

What was the legacy of the Mongol Empire?

Demonstrated the possibility of a transcontinental empire and influenced future empires.

What is a diaspora community?

A diaspora is a scattered population with a common origin in a smaller geographic area, often due to historical mass dispersions.

What were the causes of the growth of exchange networks after 1200?

Factors included improved transportation technologies, commercial practices, and the influence of environmental factors like monsoon winds.

What were the effects of the growth of exchange networks after 1200?

Increased volume of trade, expansion of geographical range, and the emergence of powerful new trading cities.

What role did environmental factors play in the development of exchange networks from 1200 to 1450?

Environmental factors like the monsoon winds facilitated reliable trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

What is the Indian Ocean gyre?

One of five major oceanic gyres, it consists of rotating ocean currents that form part of the global conveyor belt.

What are the two major currents of the Indian Ocean gyre?

The South Equatorial Current and the West Australian Current.

How did the monsoon winds affect Indian Ocean trade?

Winds blew eastward in summer and westward in winter, allowing for predictable sailing conditions.

What were the main products traded from the Mediterranean Basin?

Ceramics, glassware, wine, gold, and olive oil.

What goods were contributed to Indian Ocean trade from East Africa?

Ivory, gold, iron goods, slaves, tortoiseshells, quartz, and leopard skins.

What innovations facilitated trade in the Indian Ocean?

Better shipbuilding technologies, such as the lateen sail, and navigational tools like the compass and astrolabe.

What was the significance of the Tang and Song dynasties for trade?

They revived sea trade after the collapse of the Han dynasty and supported trade through unity and structure.

Who was Zheng He?

A Ming Admiral who led the largest maritime expeditions in history, aiming to enroll distant peoples in the Chinese tribute system.

What was the purpose of Zheng He's expeditions?

To enroll distant peoples and states in the Chinese tribute system and establish Chinese dominance in trade.

What were the Swahili city-states?

Emerging in the 8th century, they were urban centers along the East African coast that thrived on Indian Ocean trade.

What characterized the trade in the Indian Ocean compared to the Silk Roads?

It was a sea-based system of communication and exchange that transported goods for a mass market rather than just luxury items.

What was the impact of Islam on Indian Ocean trade?

Islam promoted commercial life and facilitated the establishment of diasporic communities of traders across the region.

What was Great Zimbabwe's role in trade?

It served as a middleman between the interior of Africa and the Swahili city-states, trading gold and ivory.

What technological advancement became popular during the Age of Discovery?

The lateen sail, which allowed ships to sail against the wind.

What was the significance of the Indian Ocean trade routes?

They were the largest sea-based system of trade before the discovery of the New World and facilitated peaceful exchange of goods.

What types of goods were traded from Southeast Asia?

Tin, sandalwood, cloves, nutmeg, and mace.

What products did China contribute to Indian Ocean trade?

Silks, porcelain, and tea.

How did the geography of the Indian Ocean influence trade?

The presence of urban centers along the coast facilitated trade and cultural exchange across the region.

What was the role of the monsoon winds in maritime navigation?

They provided predictable seasonal winds that enhanced the reliability of trade routes.

What was the significance of the tribute system in Zheng He's voyages?

It established China's dominance and influence over other states through the exchange of gifts and tribute.

How did the Indian Ocean trade network compare to European trade networks post-1450?

The Indian Ocean trade network was well-established and primarily peaceful, while European networks were still developing.

What was the impact of improved transportation technologies on trade volume?

It led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes.

What regions did the Trans-Saharan trade networks connect?

North Africa with Sub-Saharan West Africa

During which centuries did the Trans-Saharan trade networks flourish?

8th to 16th centuries, peaking between 1200 and 1450

What was a significant cultural impact of the Trans-Saharan trade?

Facilitated the spread of Islam into West Africa

What were the major geographic challenges of the Sahara Desert?

Extreme heat, water scarcity, and difficult navigation conditions

What were the three major routes of the Trans-Saharan trade?

Western Route (Morocco to Ghana/Mali), Central Route (Tunisia/Libya to Kanem-Bornu), Eastern Route (Egypt to Nubia/Ethiopia)

What innovation revolutionized Saharan trade around 300 CE?

The introduction of the Arabian camel (dromedary)

Why were camels essential for Trans-Saharan trade?

They are climate adaptable, can travel long distances without water, and carry heavy loads.

What was the primary commodity exported from West Africa?

Gold

What regions in West Africa were known for rich gold deposits?

Bambuk and Bure (modern Mali/Senegal)

What was the significance of gold in the Trans-Saharan trade?

It was the most valuable export and created enormous wealth for West African kingdoms.

What was the value of salt in the Trans-Saharan trade?

Essential for human survival, food preservation, and dietary necessity in West Africa.

What was the complementary exchange in the Trans-Saharan trade?

Gold going north and salt going south.

What critical military resource was traded from North Africa to West Africa?

Horses

Which empire controlled trade between gold-producing regions and salt sources?

The Ghana Empire (700-1200)

Who founded the Mali Empire and when?

Sundiata Keita in 1235

What was Mansa Musa known for?

His legendary hajj to Mecca and immense wealth.

What was Timbuktu's role in the Islamic world?

A major center of Islamic learning with universities and libraries.

What was the last great West African trading empire?

Songhai (1464-1691)

What caused the decline of the Songhai Empire?

Defeated by Moroccan forces using gunpowder weapons.

How did Islam spread in West Africa?

Through merchants, rulers, scholars, and pilgrimage.

What cultural practices emerged from the blending of Islam and traditional African religions?

Syncretic practices unique to Afro-Islamic civilizations.

What was the significance of Sankore University in Timbuktu?

Attracted scholars and contained thousands of manuscripts on various subjects.