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Trade and Its Environmental Impact (1200-1450)

Apr 15, 2025

Environmental Consequences of Trading Connections (1200-1450)

Overview

  • Focus on agricultural transfers and the spread of diseases.
  • Trade routes like the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade routes, and trans-Saharan trade facilitated the movement of people, goods, crops, and germs.

Agricultural Transfers

  1. Bananas in Africa

    • Originally domesticated in Southeast Asia.
    • Introduced to Africa via merchants crossing the Indian Ocean.
    • Flourished in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to:
      • Expanded diets and population growth.
      • Enabled Bantu-speaking people to migrate, shifting from yam to banana as a staple food.
  2. Champa Rice in East Asia

    • Originated from the Champa Kingdom in Vietnam.
    • Drought-resistant and fast-maturing, allowing multiple harvests per season.
    • Led to a population explosion in China.
  3. Citrus Fruits in Europe and North Africa

    • Introduced by Muslim traders via Mediterranean trade routes.
    • Spread of sour oranges and limes improved diet variations and health.

Spread of Disease: Bubonic Plague

  • Known as the Black Death.
  • Spread via trade routes maintained under Pax Mongolica.
  • Originated in northern China in 1331, spreading rapidly through the Silk Roads and Indian Ocean routes.
  • Impact:
    • Middle East: Killed nearly a third of the population.
    • Europe: Killed half the population in some regions.

Conclusion

  • The connectivity of various regions due to trade had significant agricultural and health consequences.
  • Not only goods but also deadly diseases spread along trade routes.

Resources

  • Additional videos and review guides available for further study.