Environmental Consequences of Trade (1200-1450)

Overview

• The period from 1200 to 1450 saw significant environmental consequences due to global trading connections.
• Focus on agricultural transfers and the spread of diseases.

Agricultural Transfers

Bananas in Africa

• Originated in Southeast Asia.
• Introduced to Africa via Indian Ocean merchants.
• Lush rainforests in sub-Saharan Africa were ideal for bananas.
• Impact:
  • Expanded local diets.
  • Led to population growth.
  • Facilitated migration of Bantu-speaking people who relied on bananas over yams.

Champa Rice in East Asia

• Drought-resistant rice from the Champa Kingdom (Vietnam).
• Introduced to China, grows quickly, multiple harvests per season.
• Resulted in a population explosion in China due to increased food availability.

Citrus Fruits in Europe

• Sour oranges and limes introduced by Muslim traders through Mediterranean routes.
• Spread throughout Europe and North Africa.
• Improved diet variation and health.

Spread of Disease

Bubonic Plague

• Also known as the Black Death.
• Spread facilitated by Mongol expansion and the stability of trade routes (Pax Mongolica).
• Originated in northern China, 1331.
• Spread across Silk Roads and Indian Ocean trade routes.
• Impact:
  • In the Middle East, it killed nearly a third of the population.
  • In parts of Europe, it killed half the population.
• Trade routes and significant cities aligned with the spread of disease.

Conclusion

• Connectivity during this period had significant consequences through the spread of both crops and diseases.

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• For further study, check out additional videos on Unit 2, and consider using the AP World Heimler Review Guide.