Chapter 2: Networks of Exchange from c. 1200 to c.

1450
[2.1: THE SILK ROADS]
Causes of the Growth of Exchange Networks
1. The Crusades helped pave the way to expanding networks of exchange, as lords and their armies of
knights brought back fabrics and spices from the East.
2. How did different groups help create a second golden age of the Silk Road?
Different Groups had much to offer, so the trade routes were able to thrive again.

3. Which group had the biggest influence over the Silk Road as the whole trade route was under their
control and protection?
The Mongol Empire had the largest impact on the trade routes.

Effects of the Growth of Exchange Networks

4. How did trade result in flourishing cities throughout the Silk Road?
The Silk Roads passed through inhabitable terrain, so cities along the routes that were watered by rivers
became thriving centers of trade.

5. Explain how economics changed as a result of Silk Road trade.

To manage the increasing trade, a system of credit was developed, known as flying cash. Money could
be deposited in one location, and could be withdrawn at another location by presenting a bill of
exchange.

[2.2: THE MONGOL EMPIRE AND THE MODERN WORLD]

The Mongols and Their Surroundings
6. The Mongols lived in the semi-arid steppes of Northeast Asia as nomads, raising horses and other
livestock. Theorize how a group such as this would go on to conquer nearly all of Asia.
They would go on to conquer almost all of Asia most likely because of their ability to survive in such a
harsh environment. It was also a known fact thet everyone had to master horse riding, Sao they were god
travelers and were able to travel vast lands easily.

Genghis Khan
7. Trace the history and conquests of Genghis Khan as leader of the Mongols.

Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes and became leader in 1206. He conquered northern China,
Central Asia, and parts of Persia using fast cavalry, bows, and fear tactics.

Mongolian Empire Expands

Chapter 2: Networks of Exchange from c. 1200 to c. 1450
8. Describe Mongol rule in the following regions
a. The Golden Horde
Ruled Russia and steppes; took tribute from princes but let locals rule; later became Muslim.
b. The Islamic Heartlands
Conquered Persia and Baghdad; Ilkhanate rulers converted to Islam over time and mixed with
local ways.
c. The Yuan Dynasty
Kublai Khan ruled China; used some Chinese admin but kept Mongols on top; boosted trade
The Long-Term Impact of the Mongolian Invasion
9. Fill in the blank about impacts of the Mongol Empire
a. The Mongols also ended walled cities and some feudal practices with the __Cannon__,
considered a Mongol invention based on Chinese, Muslim, and Europe techniques combined.
b. During the period known as the ___Pax Mongolia___, Mongols revitalized interregional trade
between Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe while also building and guarding new roads.
c. The __bubonic plague___ spread along trade routes into China, Central Asia and eventual
Southeast Asia and Europe, carried on fleas.
d. Mongols conquered a larger area than the __Roman Empire_ and their bloody reputation was
well-earned, becoming the largest continuous land empire in history.
e. Mongol fighting techniques led to the end of Western Europe’s use of ___heavy cavalry___
since they could not ready themselves in time against the rapid Mongol assaults.
f. The Mongols successfully ruled due to their centralized power as well as a single __Yasa___ law
that kingdoms used after their decline.
g. Cultural exchange occurred under the Mongols such as Islamic science, Chinese printing press,
and Greco-Islamic medical knowledge and Arabic numbering into ___Europe___.

[2.3: EXCHANGE IN THE INDIAN OCEAN]

Causes of Expanded Exchange in the Indian Ocean
10. How is the spread of Islam connected to increased Indian Ocean trade?

Muslim merchants spread Islam to East Africa, India, and Southeast Asia through trade ports and
settlements.

11. Why are new maritime technologies and knowledge of the environment necessary for Indian Ocean
trade?

Monsoon winds needed timing knowledge; tech like compass, astrolabe, lateen sails helped safe long
ocean trips.

Effects of Expanded Exchange in the Indian Ocean

12. Why are diasporic communities important for cultural exchange?

Diasporic communities settled in ports and spread religions, languages, and customs through living there
Chapter 2: Networks of Exchange from c. 1200 to c. 1450
and marrying locals.

13. How did some states respond to the increase of demand goods in Asia or Africa?

States built ports, navies, and taxed trade to control goods like spices and gold.

[2.4: TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE ROUTES]

West African Empire Expansion
14. Describe the rise of West Africa’s kingdoms during this period of Trans-Saharan Trade.
Camels helped cross desert for gold/salt trade. Ghana controlled gold first, then Mali got rich under
Mansa Musa and spread Islam, Songhai came after with Timbuktu as a learning center.
[2.5: CULTURAL CONSEQUENCES OF CONNECTIVITY]
Religious, Cultural, and Technological Effects of Interaction
15. How did Buddhism influence various regions of East and Southeast Asia?

Buddhism spread by monks and trade, affected art, temples, and kings

16. Using the chart, summarize the cultural influence of Islamic expansion
a. Africa
Swahili coast mixed Islam with local vibes, mosques popped up and Arabic words got into the
language.

b. South Asia
Delhi Sultanate introduced Persian art architecture and Sufi ideas.

c. Southeast Asia
Merchants spread Islam that mixed with Hindu and Buddhist elements in Indonesia and Malacca.

17. What factors contributed to the growth of cities? What factors contributed to the decline of cities?

Growth came from trade wealth merchant communities and infrastructure. Decline came from trade
shifts plagues and political instability.

18. Why would the Crusades benefit and hurt Europe?

They benefited Europe by bringing Eastern goods ideas and demand for trade. They hurt Europe with
high costs heavy losses and increased intolerance.

Travelers’ Tales
19. Describe how the following travelers experiences allowed to spread information on cultures.
Chapter 2: Networks of Exchange from c. 1200 to c. 1450
a. Marco Polo
Marco Polo Traveled to Yuan China his book described wealth and technology to Europeans.

b. Ibn Battuta
Traveled across the Muslim world and beyond his writings detailed societies and customs.

c. Margery Kempe

Made pilgrimages her autobiography shared Christian experiences.

[2.6: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF CONNECTIVITY]
Agricultural Effects of Exchange Networks

20. Champa rice__ was a brain new, quick growing, grain that originated in India became a massive tool for
trade and led to population explosions as well as migrations in China
21. New foods were also available at markets along __the Silk Roads___. The markets of Samarkand
introduced new fruits and vegetables as well as rice and citrus products from Southwest Asia to Europe.
22. What are some examples of environmental degradation as a result of boosts to agricultural productivity?
Deforestation for farmland soil exhaustion from overfarming salinization from irrigation and overgrazing.
Spread of Epidemics through Exchange Networks
23. What was the most devastating disease during this timeframe? Which region was hit the hardest?

The bubonic plague. Europe was hit the hardest.

24. How did trade cause the spread of diseases such as this plague?

Fleas on rats traveled with merchants along trade routes increased trade spread it from Central Asia to
Europe.

[2.7: COMPARISON OF ECONOMIC EXCHANGE]

Similarities Among Networks of Exchange
25. How were the origins of these trade networks similar?

They built on earlier routes grew from demand for luxury goods and improved with new technologies
after 1200.

26. How were the purposes of these trade networks similar?

They exchanged luxury goods for profit and spread ideas religions and technologies.

27. How were the effects of these trade networks similar?

They caused urban growth rise of merchants spread of religions and technologies and spread of diseases.
Chapter 2: Networks of Exchange from c. 1200 to c. 1450
Different Among Networks of Exchange
28. Fill in the chart based on the differences of goods, transportation, and religious diffusion of these three major trade networks from 1200 to 1450.

Route Goods Transportation Religion

Silk Roads Camels horses caravans Buddhism to East Asia
Silk spices porcelain gems

Indian Ocean & Ships monsoons dhows junks Islam to Africa Southeast Asia
Mediterranean
Basin/Sea SeaSpices ivory cotton timber
Trans-Saharan Camel caravans Islam to West Africa
Gold salt slaves ivory

Social Implication of Networks of Exchange

29. Why did labor need to change as a result of the networks of exchange?

Increased demand led to specialized labor artisans slaves in some areas and shifts to cash crops.

30. In what ways did the role of women change and stay the same as a result of networks of exchange?
Change Some gained property rights or helped with trade like Mongol women. Stay the same Most
societies remained patriarchal with women in domestic roles.