AP World UNIT 2 REVIEW (Everything you NEED to KNOW!)

Introduction

  • Time Period: 1200 to 1450

  • Focus on the connections among various states through networks of exchange (trading routes).

  • Merchants not only traded goods but also facilitated cultural diffusion (religions, languages, technologies).

General Developments in Networks of Exchange

  • Geographical Expansion: Range of networks increased, leading to more connections among states.

  • Commercial and Technological Innovations: New practices and technologies enabled further trade.

  • Wealth and Power: Increased connectivity made states wealthier and more powerful.

  • Rise and Fall of States: Interaction led to the emergence of powerful states and the decline of others.

Major Networks of Exchange

1. Silk Roads

  • Overview: Stretched across Eurasia, primarily traded luxury goods (e.g., silk, porcelain).

    • Merchants focused on high-value items due to the arduous nature of travel.

  • Production Increase: Growing demand led to a rise in production among artisans in China, India, and Persia.

    • Example: Yi River delta peasants shifted from food production to luxury goods.

  • Innovations:

    • Transportation Technology: Caravanserai (inns for merchants, enhancing safety and cultural exchanges).

    • Commercial Practices:

      • Development of money economies (e.g., flying money system in China).

      • Introduction of credit forms (bill of exchange facilitating easier trade).

  • Rise of Trading Cities: e.g., Kashgar grew in power due to its location along trade routes.

2. Indian Ocean Network

  • Overview: Expanded significantly during 1200-1450; traded bulk goods (e.g., textiles, spices) alongside luxury items.

  • Technological Innovations:

    • Improved magnetic compass.

    • Enhanced astrolabe (for navigation and astronomy).

    • New ship designs (e.g., Chinese junk) allowed for larger cargo capacity.

  • Growth of States:

    • Swahili city-states: Acted as brokers for goods; became wealthy and connected through Islam.

    • Emergence of diaspora communities as merchants settled and intermarried in East Africa.

    • Cultural intermingling led to the creation of Swahili language (Bantu + Arabic).

  • Cultural Transfers: Zheng He’s voyages facilitated maritime technology spread and diplomatic connections.

3. Trans-Saharan Trade Network

  • Overview: Expanded partly due to transportation innovations (e.g., new camel saddle).

  • Empire of Mali:

    • Conversion to Islam in the 9th century integrated Mali into prosperous networks.

    • Under Mansa Musa (14th century), wealth grew from gold trade and taxation of merchants.

Consequences of Increasing Connection

A. Cultural Consequences

  • Religious Transfers: Buddhism spread from South Asia to China via Silk Roads.

  • Literary and Artistic Transfers: Islamic scholars translated Greek/Roman works, influencing the European Renaissance.

  • Scientific and Technological Innovations: Gunpowder spread from China, impacting military power dynamics across empires.

B. Environmental Consequences

  • Crop Transfers: Introduction of Champa rice to China boosted food production and population growth.

  • Disease Transmission: The Bubonic plague spread along trade routes, devastating populations especially in the Middle East and Europe.

The Mongol Empire

  • Overview: Established the largest land-based empire; crucial for connectivity.

  • Facilitation of Exchange: Increased trade safety and encouraged international commerce (Pax Mongolica).

    • Provided high prices for trade goods; enhanced integration of Persian and Chinese markets.

  • Transfer of Knowledge:

    • Technological: Spread of medical knowledge to Western Europe.

    • Cultural: Adoption of Uighur script for administration across the empire.

Conclusion

  • The interconnectedness of the world from 1200 to 1450 had extensive cultural and environmental implications, shaping the future trajectory of global interactions.