WHAP Unit 2 Flashcards - bcuz you can never have too many, right?

What was the context of the Silk Road?

What was the context of the Silk Road?

The Silk Road was a vast network of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean from 130 BCE to 1453 CE. It began under the Han Dynasty, and major empires like the Roman, Byzantine, and Abbasid caliphates were involved. The trade flourished again under the Mongols in the 13th and 14th centuries, when the Pax Mongolica ensured safe passage for merchants.

What were the key goods traded on the Silk Road?

Silk from China, spices from India, precious metals from Central Asia, textiles from Persia, horses from Central Asia, paper from China, and glassware from the Mediterranean. Luxury goods dominated due to the cost of long-distance trade.

How did silk impact societies along the Silk Road?

Silk symbolized wealth and status, especially in the Roman Empire, where it was highly sought after. The Chinese government held a monopoly on silk production for centuries, contributing to China's wealth. In Byzantium, silk became a symbol of imperial authority. Silk’s cultural value extended beyond economic trade—its exchange facilitated diplomatic relations and cultural exchange.

How did religion spread along the Silk Road?

Buddhism spread from India through Central Asia to China, Korea, and Japan, altering as it encountered new cultures (Mahayana Buddhism took root in East Asia). Islam also spread via the Silk Road, particularly through the efforts of Muslim traders, influencing Central Asia and parts of China.

What was the environmental impact of the Silk Road?

The movement of people and goods also facilitated the spread of diseases, most notably the Bubonic Plague, or Black Death, which traveled from Asia to Europe in the 14th century, devastating populations.

How did the Mongol Empire contribute to the development of the Silk Road?

The Mongols united much of Eurasia under a single empire, creating the Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace), which ensured safety and stability along trade routes. The Mongols established postal stations, secured caravan routes, and provided protection for traders. This made long-distance trade between Europe and Asia safer and more lucrative than ever before.

What were the political impacts of the Mongol Empire?

The Mongols shattered many of the traditional political boundaries in Eurasia, leading to the destruction of kingdoms like the Abbasid Caliphate and the weakening of Song China. However, they allowed for relative autonomy in many regions as long as tributes were paid. The empire encouraged the development of new trade cities like Samarkand and Karakorum.

What cultural exchanges occurred under the Mongols?

The Mongol Empire facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technology across its vast territories. This included the spread of gunpowder technology from China to the Islamic world and Europe, the introduction of paper currency (used by the Yuan Dynasty), and new agricultural practices.

What was the Indian Ocean trade network, and why was it important?

The Indian Ocean trade network was the largest maritime trading system from 800 to 1500 CE, connecting East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. It allowed for the exchange of goods, people, and ideas over vast distances, facilitated by monsoon winds.

What technological innovations enabled Indian Ocean trade?

The use of the astrolabe allowed sailors to determine latitude. The lateen sail allowed ships to tack against the wind, and dhows and junks were large ships capable of carrying more goods. The magnetic compass from China further improved navigation.

What products were exchanged in the Indian Ocean network?

Spices from Southeast Asia (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon), textiles and pepper from India, gold and ivory from East Africa, and porcelain and silk from China. Slaves were also traded along the East African coast.

How did Islam influence the Indian Ocean trade?

Muslim merchants dominated trade in the Indian Ocean due to the spread of Islam and the support of Islamic governments like the Abbasid Caliphate. Islamic law facilitated long-distance contracts and partnerships, and shared religious practices and language (Arabic) helped unify diverse traders.

What were the Swahili city-states, and how did they benefit from Indian Ocean trade?

Swahili city-states like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar were key trade centers on the East African coast, acting as middlemen in trade between African interior states and Indian Ocean merchants. They exported gold, ivory, and slaves while importing luxury goods like porcelain from China and textiles from India.

What were the key features of Trans-Saharan trade?

The Trans-Saharan trade linked North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa, primarily involving the exchange of salt from the Sahara for gold from West Africa. It was facilitated by camel caravans, which could carry heavy loads across vast desert distances.

What goods were traded along Trans-Saharan routes?

Gold, salt, ivory, kola nuts, and slaves were the primary goods. Horses were also significant imports into West Africa, enhancing the power of local armies.

What were the political impacts of Trans-Saharan trade on West Africa?

The wealth generated by Trans-Saharan trade contributed to the rise of powerful West African empires such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. These empires controlled the gold-salt trade and became centers of Islamic learning and culture, as seen in cities like Timbuktu.

How did Islam spread through the Trans-Saharan trade?

Islam spread through North African traders to West Africa, where it was adopted by rulers and elites. It became an important aspect of West African culture, particularly in the empires of Mali and Songhai, which incorporated Islamic law and built Islamic learning centers.

How did Buddhism spread through trade networks?

Buddhism spread from India along the Silk Roads to Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan, primarily through the efforts of missionaries and traders. Mahayana Buddhism, which was more adaptable to new cultural contexts, became dominant in East Asia.

What role did Islam play in cultural diffusion?

Islam spread through trade routes in the Indian Ocean, Trans-Saharan, and Silk Roads. Muslim merchants, travelers, and Sufi missionaries helped spread the religion to regions like West Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and India, leading to the formation of new Muslim communities.

How did Christianity spread during this period?

Christianity spread to parts of Central Asia and Africa through missionaries, trade, and conquests. The expansion of Christian empires, such as Byzantium and Ethiopia, facilitated its spread, as well as interactions with Muslim traders and Mongols.

How did the spread of disease affect societies?

The most significant disease spread along trade routes was the Bubonic Plague (Black Death), which traveled from Asia to Europe via the Silk Roads and maritime trade. It killed up to 60% of the European population and caused social, economic, and political upheavals, including the decline of feudalism.

How did agriculture spread through trade?

Crops like sugar, bananas, cotton, and citrus fruits spread from Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent to new regions, reshaping local economies. Sugarcane plantations in the Islamic world were a precursor to the later sugar plantations in the Caribbean.

How did the Ming Dynasty influence trade and exploration?

The Ming Dynasty, under the leadership of Emperor Yongle, sponsored maritime expeditions led by Zheng He to display Chinese power and open new trade routes across the Indian Ocean. These expeditions expanded China's influence but were eventually stopped due to internal concerns about overexpansion.

What was the Abbasid Caliphate's role in global trade?

The Abbasid Caliphate, based in Baghdad, became a hub of global trade in the 8th and 9th centuries. They controlled trade routes connecting the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Silk Road, facilitating cultural and intellectual exchanges.

What were the key empires in the Classical Era?

The key empires included the Roman Empire, Han Dynasty, Mauryan and Gupta Empires in India, and the Persian Empire. Each empire contributed to political, economic, and cultural developments across regions.

What is the significance of the Persian Empire?

The Persian Empire, known for its vast territory and administrative efficiency, was notable for its road systems (like the Royal Road) and the establishment of a postal service. It facilitated trade and communication across regions.

How did the Roman Empire manage its vast territory?

The Roman Empire employed a complex system of governance, including provincial governors, a strong military presence, and infrastructure like roads and aqueducts, which helped maintain control over distant territories.

What were the key features of the Han Dynasty?

The Han Dynasty is recognized for its centralization, bureaucracy, Confucian philosophy, and advancements in technology (like papermaking). It played a critical role in the development of the Silk Road.

What role did trade play in Classical civilizations?

Trade fostered economic growth, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas and technologies. Routes like the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean trade network were essential for connecting different regions.

How did Buddhism spread during this era?

Buddhism spread from India through trade routes and the efforts of missionaries, adapting to local cultures along the way, leading to different forms like Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

What were the impacts of the Silk Road on society?

The Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas, leading to increased wealth and cultural diffusion, as well as the spread of diseases such as the Bubonic Plague.

What is the significance of the Mauryan Empire?

The Mauryan Empire, under Ashoka, was notable for its promotion of Buddhism and non-violence, as well as its extensive administrative system and road networks that facilitated trade and communication.

How did the Gupta Empire contribute to cultural and scientific advancements?

The Gupta Empire is known for its achievements in mathematics (like the concept of zero), astronomy, and literature, contributing significantly to what is often called the Golden Age of India.

What were the social structures like in Classical civilizations?

Social structures varied, with hierarchies based on class, caste, and occupation. For example, in India, the caste system defined social stratification, while in Rome, patricians and plebeians had distinct roles and rights.

What were the main religious beliefs during the Classical Era?

Religions included polytheism in Rome and Greece, Hinduism and Buddhism in India, Zoroastrianism in Persia, and Confucianism and Daoism in China, each influencing cultural practices and social norms.

How did technological innovations impact Classical civilizations?

Innovations such as the wheel, plow, and advancements in metallurgy and navigation improved agricultural productivity and trade, contributing to the stability and expansion of empires.

What role did women play in Classical societies?

Women's roles varied significantly across cultures. In some societies, they had limited rights and responsibilities, while in others, like in certain parts of the Roman Empire and during the Gupta period, women had more influence in domestic and religious spheres.

What factors contributed to the decline of Classical empires?

Factors included economic troubles, military overextension, invasions by external groups (like the Huns and Germanic tribes), and internal strife, leading to fragmentation and the eventual fall of these empires.