UNIT 2 AP World History Modern

What is the main focus of Unit 2 in AP World History: Modern?

The development and effects of trade networks across Afro-Eurasia from c. 1200–1450.

What major trade networks are studied in Unit 2?

The Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade network, and Trans-Saharan trade routes.

Why did trade networks expand during this period?

Improvements in transportation technology, increased commercial demand, and state support.

What was the Silk Roads network?

A series of overland trade routes connecting East Asia to Europe.

What goods were traded on the Silk Roads?

Silk, spices, porcelain, textiles, precious metals, and luxury goods.

Why were luxury goods common on the Silk Roads?

Long distances and high transportation costs made bulk goods impractical.

What states facilitated Silk Roads trade?

The Mongol Empire, Chinese dynasties, and various Islamic states.

How did the Mongols impact Silk Roads trade?

They provided stability, protection, and infrastructure across Eurasia.

What was the Indian Ocean trade network?

A maritime trade system connecting East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.

What goods were traded in the Indian Ocean?

Spices, textiles, porcelain, ivory, gold, and enslaved people.

Why was the Indian Ocean trade network efficient?

It relied on predictable monsoon wind patterns.

What are monsoon winds?

Seasonal winds that reverse direction and allowed predictable sea travel.

What new technologies improved Indian Ocean trade?

Lateen sails, astrolabes, and magnetic compasses.

What role did Swahili city-states play in Indian Ocean trade?

They acted as commercial hubs linking Africa to Afro-Eurasian trade.

What culture developed along the Swahili Coast?

A blend of African and Islamic influences.

What was the Trans-Saharan trade network?

Trade routes connecting North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa across the Sahara Desert.

What goods were traded across the Sahara?

Gold, salt, ivory, and enslaved people.

What animal made Trans-Saharan trade possible?

The camel.

Why were camels important to desert trade?

They could travel long distances without water and carry heavy loads.

What states grew wealthy from Trans-Saharan trade?

Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

How did trade networks affect urbanization?

Trade led to the growth of cities along major routes.

What role did caravanserais play in trade?

Roadside inns that provided shelter and security for merchants.

How did states support trade networks?

By building infrastructure, protecting routes, and standardizing currency.

How did trade networks spread religion?

Merchants carried religious beliefs such as Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.

How did Islam spread through trade?

Through Muslim merchants and traders along land and sea routes.

How did Buddhism spread through trade?

Through missionaries and merchants along the Silk Roads.

What diseases spread along trade routes?

The bubonic plague and other infectious diseases.

What was the Black Death?

A deadly plague that spread across Afro-Eurasia in the 14th century.

How did the Black Death spread?

Through trade routes, especially the Silk Roads.

What were the effects of the Black Death?

Population decline, labor shortages, and social disruption.

How did trade networks affect cultural exchange?

They spread technologies, ideas, languages, and artistic styles.

What technologies spread through trade networks?

Paper-making, gunpowder, navigation tools, and printing.

How did trade networks affect economies?

They increased commercial activity and wealth in trading regions.

What was a diasporic community?

A community of merchants living outside their homeland.

Where did diasporic communities form?

Along major trade routes and port cities.

How did diasporic communities support trade?

They provided trust, credit, and commercial connections.

How did trade networks create syncretism?

By blending religious and cultural traditions.

What is syncretism?

The blending of different religious or cultural beliefs.

What role did states play in maintaining trade routes?

They taxed trade, protected merchants, and benefited economically.

How did trade networks contribute to state power?

Trade generated wealth that strengthened governments.

What was a major continuity in trade networks from earlier periods?

Long-distance trade continued to link Afro-Eurasia.

What was a major change in trade networks during this period?

Increased volume, scale, and connectivity of trade.