Unit 2: Networks of Exchange

Heimler’s History Video

Introduction

  • Basically the same empires and states as unit 1

  • Networks of exchange are the same thing as trade routes
    It is called networks of exchange because not only goods were exchanged, but religion and technology were too.

  • Time period is 1200-1450

  • Facilitated economic change and cultural diffusion

Cultural Difussion

Silk Road

  • Luxury goods were traded

  • Stretched across Eurasia (Chinese silk and porcelain)

  • It was mainly luxury goods because it was hard and expensive to carry other things across continents

  • Since the increase in these luxuries, there was an increase in production by Chinese, Indian and Persian artisans.

  • Caravansari- a series of guest houses and inns that provided a place for merchants to stay and safety

  • Brought merchants from different backgrounds together

  • Innovations like money economies and credit systems facilitated the expansion of this trade route

Indian Ocean

  • Maritime trade network

  • Monsoon winds blew in one direction based on the season

  • Textiles and spices were traded on boats

  • Boats could carry large quantities of goods, allowing merchants to maximize their profits during favorable sailing conditions

  • Magnetic compass

  • astrolabe

  • new ship designs

  • Various forms of credit

  • Swahili city states and places like this became Islamic and had economic prosperity

Trans Saharan Trade Routes

  • In Africa

  • Inovation in transportation

  • Camels and camel saddles could transport cargo across the desert

  • Mali was the most significant empire

  • Grew rich from gold and merchant taxes

  • Mansa Musa converted to Islam and directly made the entire continent richer

Similarites

  • All of these networks expanded between 1200-1450

  • They increased in geographical scale and led to further connections among states

  • The range of these networks expanded due to innovations in technology and commercial practices.

  • Increased connections caused some states to grow very wealthy and powerful

  • Increased connections caused the rise and fall of states

Pax Mongolica

  • Established the largest land-based empire ever

  • Networks of exchange increased to a large extent under their rule

  • Facilitated technological and cultural transfers