Chapter 2.3: Exchange in the Indian Ocean

Essential Question

• What were the causes and effects of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200?
• How did environmental knowledge support that expansion?

Introduction

• Hadith quote encourages travel and learning.
• Dar al-Islam as the world's first global empire.
• Muslim merchants' role in spreading Islam and trade.

Causes of Expanded Exchange

Spread of Islam

• Connected more cities than before.
• Muslim Persians and Arabs were key seafarers.
• West coast Indian cities like Calicut and Cambay became trade centers.

Increased Demand for Specialized Products

• India: high-quality fabrics, cotton, steel, leather, stonework.
• Malaysia & Indonesia: known as Spice Islands.
• East Africa: slaves, ivory, gold.
• China: silks, porcelain.
• Southwest Asia: horses, figs, dates.

Environmental Knowledge

• Knowledge of monsoon winds crucial for timing voyages.

Advances in Maritime Technology

• Triangular lateen sails, stern rudder, astrolabe.

Growth of States

• Malacca: grew wealthy from imposing fees on ships.
• Swahili city-states: thriving trade centers on the East African coast.

Effects of Expanded Exchange

Diasporic Communities

• Formation of settlements away from homelands.
• Arab and East African merchants settled permanently in Indian port cities.

Response to Increased Demand

• Producers increased efficiency and production.
• State roles expanded to oversee trade and raise revenue.

Swahili City-States

• Trade with East Asia enriched East African cities.
• Architectural advancements from wealth.

Significant Cultural Transfers

• Zheng He's voyages: displaying Ming Dynasty's might, opening markets.
• Controversies around the voyages.

Key Terms

• Government & States: Malacca, Gujarat, Swahili city-states.
• Economy & Trade: Calicut, Spice Islands.
• Environment: Indian Ocean Basin, Monsoon Winds.
• Technology: Sailing, Lateen Sails, Stern Rudder, Astrolabe.
• Culture: Indian Ocean Slave Trade, Diaspora, Zheng He.

Conclusion

• Islam spread through peaceful means.
• Prelude to industrialization: supply and demand.
• Mercantilism demonstrated in the chapter.

Additional Thoughts

• Future topics: Industrialization and capitalism.
• Emphasis on consumer culture and supply-demand dynamics.

Advice

• For further reading, consider purchasing the textbook 'AP World History Modern, AMSCO'.
• Stay safe and informed for future chapters.