Unit 2: Networks of Exchange - Study Reading Guide

Directions:
Read the required materials linked under each topic, and answer all the questions in the boxes provided.

Topic 2.1 Silk Roads

● Unit 2.1 Reading
# Question Answer

1 Explain the various factors that led to the growth of The rise of
states
the Silk Road trade networks in the 1200 - 1450 helped
time period: increase
trade
routes,
specifically,
the Mongal
Empire
helped
promote
trade along
the Silk
Road. In
addition,
credit,
larger
networks,
commericial
practices
led to
further
growth. The
Crusades
paved the
way for
networks as
well,
leading to
more
fabrics and
spices
traded.

2 What luxury goods were often traded along the Silk In China, porcelain, tea, silk, paper, compass, and gunpowder
was prominent. In Europe, they traded gold and silver.
Roads?

3 What transportation technologies facilitated trade Chinese scientists devloped the compass and led to
improvements of rudder. Additionally, junk was a useful type
along the Silk Roads? of boat that improved travel. The caravanserai was also
created to help create stops in travel that also could offer
trade hotspots.

4 What commercial technology facilitated trade along In China, flying cash was developed. It helped deposit paper
money easy and quick. In Europe, banking houses were
the Silk Roads? developed, helping develop bill of exchange.
Topic 2.2 The Mongol Empire and the Making of the Modern World
● Unit 2.2 Reading
# Question Answer

1 Explain how the Mongol Khanates developed: In 1210, Genghis Khan's tropps attacked the Jin Empire, it
helped create a reputation of a warrior. They used brutality to
help gain states and towns, developing territory. By 1227, the
khanate went from the North China Sea to east Persia.

2 Explain how the Mongol Khanates facilitated trade The demand for labor and demand for products created forms
of labor. The demand was shown throug military, irrigation,
in Afro-Eurasia: building, etc. It also developed social and gender structures,
leading to social class and society.
To add, it allowed cultural diffusion and educational
development.

3 Describe some of the cultural transfers that resulted comparitively to other time periods. In addition, the nomadic
culture allowed women to tend to animals and raise a family.
from the Mongol khanates: In certain areas Islam was highly spread through the cultural
exchanges, as well as many other religions.
Topic 2.3 Exchange in the Indian Ocean
● Unit 2.3 Reading
# Question Answer

1 Explain the various factors that led to the growth of The spread of Islam helped connect regions, allowing trading
partners to exist throughout Africa and Asia. Prominent cities
the Indian Ocean trade networks in the 1200 - 1450 (e.g. Calicut and Cambay) created thriving trading centers
time period: from merchant interaction. With the growing Indian Ocean
trade network an increase in specialized products allowed
uniqueness to certain states.

2 What technologies facilitated trade in the Indian Monsoon winds helped merchants plan voyages for trade.
Additionally, lateen sails, stern rudder and the astrolabe
Ocean during the 1200-1450 time period? helped improve maritime travel.

3 Explain the impact that Indian Ocean trade had on It helped develop the notable goods the states sold. For
example, ivory, gold, slaves, and exotic goods, offered the
the Swahili city-states: Swahili city-states to gain wealth.

4 How did the Indian Ocean trade networks spread It offered insight on other regions, especially through travel.
Notably, Zheng He's travels throughout Asia and Africa
culture throughout the region? allowed the Ming Dynasty to get a knowledge on other
cultures, gain new technology, and insight on religions.

5 Describe a diasporic community that resulted from The Muslim merchant communities used the Indian Ocean
trade to gain more maritime technology and trade. It offered
the Indian Ocean trade: facilitated trade and predictable travel from monsoon

6 What role did (specific) environmental factors play The demand for labor and demand for products created forms
of labor. The demand was shown throug military, irrigation,
in the development of the Indian Ocean trade building, etc. It also developed social and gender structures,
network? leading to social class and society.
To add, it allowed cultural diffusion and educational
development.

Topic 2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

● Unit 2.4 Reading
# Question Answer

1 Explain the various factors that led to the growth of The use of the camel helped increase trade by allowing easy
travel throughout deserts and harsher regions. To add, camel
the Trans-Saharan trade networks in the 1200 - 1450 saddles were fundamental, they could carry the weight of
time period: goods and had many different variations.

2 What effects did this trade route have on the African Trade routes increased Islamic religions, specifically, in Mali.
In Timbuktu and Gao, the cities were able to accumalate
continent (and beyond)? wealth and become trading centers.

3 What technologies facilitated trade along the trans- Camel saddles allowed longer travel that were suited for the
desert conditions. The Islamic influence on cities and regions
Saharan trade networks? helped create practices. Arabic writing also helped maintain
rceords
 4 Explain the connection between Mali in West Africa The Mali Empire was situated along the Niger River, allowing
increase in regional trade and the communication within West
and trade and communication. Africa. In addition, Timbuktu's wealth from gold allowed it to
be a trading spot

TOPIC 2.5 Cultural Consequences of Connectivity

● Unit 2.5 Reading
# Question Answer

1 Give a few examples of cultural transfers that Buddhism's influence on China helped further its popularity
and use from Monks allowed Daoist tradition to interlink with
occurred as a result of trade networks in the 1200- Buddhist ideals. The spread of Hinduism (and Buddhism
1450 time period: created a strong influence on kingdoms. In the Sinhala
dynasties, Buddhist priests were advisors for the government.
The spread of Islam was widespread through Africa and Asia.
It blended languages and cultures in certain regions.

2 Give examples of the diffusion of The demand for labor and demand for products created forms
of labor. The demand was shown throug military, irrigation,
scientific/technological innovations that occurred as building, etc. It also developed social and gender structures,
a result of trade networks in the 1200-1450 time leading to social class and society.
period. To add, it allowed cultural diffusion and educational
development.

TOPIC 2.6 Environmental Consequences of Connectivity

● Unit 2.6 Reading
# Question Answer

1 Describe some positive environmental effects of the In Vietnam, Champa rice influenced much of Asia. It offered
better migration of crops, to help combat droughts, flooding,
various networks of exchange from c. 1200 to 1450. and have healthier crops. In Sub-Saharan Africa, bananas
offered nutrional benfits and a spike in population. With caliph
conquering, cultivation of cotton, sugar, and citrus crops were
important to markets.

2 Describe some negative environmental effects of the Population growth led to environmental degradation.
Overgrazing oustide of Great Zimbabwe was harsh, in feudal
various networks of exchange from c. 1200 to 1450. Europe, deforestion led to soil erosion. Resources had too
much pressure that could be handled, leading to a decrease
in agricultural goods.

TOPIC 2.7 Comparison of Economic Exchange

● Unit 2.7 Reading
# Question Answer
1 What was the purpose of trading networks? Its fundamental purpose was for exchange.
Growing or producing goods and trading those goods for
items needed or wanted is the main purpose of trading
networks.

2 How did the growth of trade cities impact trading It furthered centralization, which then created a desire for a
standardized currency.
networks?

3 What were the social implications of these networks The demand for labor and demand for products created forms
of labor. The demand was shown throug military, irrigation,
of exchange? building, etc. It also developed social and gender structures,
leading to social class and society.
To add, it allowed cultural diffusion and educational
development.