Explain the various factors that led to the growth of the Silk Road trade networks in the 1200 - 1450 time period:
Innovations in transportation, state policies, and mercantile practices all led to the growth of the Silk Roads. As well, pastoral or nomadic groups helped maintain these networks and thread kept them strong.
What luxury goods were often traded along the Silk Roads?
Silk, paper, porcelain, cotton textiles, slaves, spices, animals, and other luxury goods were often transported along the Silk Roads.
What transportation technologies facilitated trade along the Silk Roads?
Transportation technologies included new types of yokes, saddles, and stirrups that made travel easier and allowed animals to carry heavier loads. The "frame and mattress" saddle allowed camels to bear heavier loads with increased stability.
What commercial technology facilitated trade along the Silk Roads?
New types of credit and monetization such as paper bills, banks, credit , and checks facilitated trade along the silk roads.
Explain how the Mongol Khanates developed:
After Möngke Khan's death, the Mongol Empire fractured into four khanates due to competing claims for leadership and the absence of a recognized successor. This division weakened the Mongols, diminishing their power and unity compared to the era of Genghis Khan. As a result, their influence over trade networks across Eurasia declined significantly.
Explain how the Mongol Khanates facilitated trade in Afro-Eurasia:
The Mongol Khanates facilitated trade in Afro-Eurasia by encouraging it. As well, they protected travelers and traders using the trade routes and developed travel documents which made it so that one had to get permission to travel from place to place.
Describe some of the cultural transfers that resulted from the Mongol khanates:
Some cultural transfers during the Mongol Khanates were the transfer of religions such as Buddhism and Christianity, the transfer of medical knowledge to western Europe, and the adoption of the Uyghur script. They also adopted many aspects of Indian culture both in the way that they ruled and religiously.
Explain the various factors that led to the growth of the Indian Ocean trade networks in the 1200 - 1450 time period:
Factors that led to the growth of the Indian Ocean trade networks include developments in luxury goods, innovations in technology for travel/transport, and new forms of credit/monetization. As well, the reliability of the monsoon winds was another factor that led to the growth of this market.
What technologies facilitated trade in the Indian Ocean during the 1200-1450 time period?
Technologies that facilitated Indian Ocean trade include the use of new types of ships such as Chinese junk ships and Arab dhow, an increased understanding of monsoon winds, improvements in the magnetic compass, and new ways to determine latitude and longitude such as the astrolabe.
Explain the impact that Indian Ocean trade had on the Swahili city-states:
Indian Ocean trade transformed the Swahili city-states by introducing writing, moving them from an oral history to literacy. Many adopted Arabic for writing or incorporated it into their languages. Additionally, the trade routes facilitated the spread of Islam, leading to a predominantly Muslim region.
Describe a diasporic community that resulted from the Indian Ocean trade:
Chinese merchant communities in Southeast Asia illustrate a diasporic community from Indian Ocean trade. They maintained their culture while integrating with local traditions, facilitating mutual cultural exchange. This interaction allowed both cultures to influence each other and share elements with their communities.
What role did (specific) environmental factors play in the development of the Indian Ocean trade network?
Monsoon winds were crucial to the development of the Indian Ocean trade network, as traders learned to navigate based on their seasonal patterns. By sailing with the winds, traders could travel more efficiently. These winds significantly facilitated maritime movement across the region.
Explain the various factors that led to the growth of the Trans-Saharan trade networks in the 1200 - 1450 time period:
Pastoral groups played a vital role in the expansion of the Trans-Saharan trade networks. The combination of pre-existing and newly developed routes strengthened these trade connections. Additionally, advancements in transportation technology and commercial practices further boosted trade activity.
What effects did this trade route have on the African continent (and beyond)?
The trade routes bolstered the economies of African city-states, facilitated cultural exchange, and promoted the diffusion of religions like Islam. They also contributed to the spread of written language across the region. Overall, these routes enabled the movement of goods and culture, enhancing interconnectivity.
What technologies facilitated trade along the trans-Saharan trade networks?
Improved camel saddles and caravans were some of the technologies that facilitated trade along the Trans-Saharan trade networks. They made it easier to transport larger amounts of goods further distances to be traded.
Explain the connection between Mali in West Africa and trade and communication.
Mali was a major city-state at the time. As people were drawn to the economies and trade in Mali, they became a major facilitator of Afro-Eurasian trade and communication.
Give a few examples of cultural transfers that occurred as a result of trade networks in the 1200-1450 time period:
Some examples of cultural transfers that occurred as a result of trade networks in the 1200-1450 time period were the spread of religions. Buddhism, and more specifically Mahayana Buddhism, spread through the Silk Roads and the Indian Ocean trade networks. As well, Hinduism made its way all the way from India to Cambodia, as seen by the massive Angkor Wat.
Give examples of the diffusion of scientific/technological innovations that occurred as a result of trade networks in the 1200-1450 time period.
During this period, scientific and technological innovations included the spread of medical knowledge, gunpowder from China, and advancements in the magnetic compass. Additionally, new ship designs, sails, and saddles improved transportation along trade routes. Innovations such as paper and silk also played significant roles in facilitating trade and communication.
Describe some positive environmental effects of the various networks of exchange from c. 1200 to 1450.
The trade networks facilitated the diffusion of crops, notably drought-resistant champa rice, which ensured reliable yields and promoted terrace farming. Additionally, techniques like chinampas, or floating gardens, improved irrigation in the Americas. These agricultural innovations significantly enhanced food production and sustainability.
Describe some negative environmental effects of the various networks of exchange from c. 1200 to 1450.
Some negative environmental effects included the spread of the plague, and various depletion of resources. The Black Death made its way from China to Europe and devastated the population. New farming techniques led to deforestation, overgrazing, and soil erosion.
Evaluate the extent to which new transportation technologies changed economic activity in the period circa 1200 to 1450.
New transportation technologies transformed economic activity by enabling faster and more efficient transport of luxury goods. Chinese junk and Arab dhow ships increased Indian Ocean trade, while improved camel saddles allowed for greater stability and capacity in caravans. Navigational tools like the magnetic compass and astrolabes further enhanced trade efficiency from 1200 to 1450.
Evaluate the extent to which networks of exchange impacted religious activities in the period 1200 to 1450 CE.
From 1200 to 1450, trade networks enabled the spread of religions by land and sea, with missionaries accompanying traders to introduce Islam to Africa and Buddhism to Central and East Asia. Mongol control during Pax Mongolica fostered religious exchange, though they restricted Confucianism due to its Chinese ties. Overall, these networks significantly impacted religious activities.
Evaluate the extent to which trade networks influenced the expansion of empires in the 1200 to 1450 time period.
Trade networks significantly influenced empire expansion by boosting communication and attracting members through thriving economies. Cities like Mali relied on trade for prosperity and increased strength. Moreover, these routes connected empires, enabling collaboration against common rivals.
Evaluate the extent to which trade networks facilitated cultural and technological transfers in the 1200 to 1450 time period.
Trade networks facilitated the transfer of culture and technology, enabling traders to share ideas and practices across regions. Diaspora communities introduced their cultural and religious traditions while adopting local customs. Key navigational tools, like the magnetic compass and astrolabe, were also exchanged, enhancing trade efficiency.