AP World History Unit 2: Networks of Exchange (1200-1450)

Overview

• Time Period: 1200-1450
• Focus: Connections and exchanges between various states and empires.
• Key Concept: Networks of exchange facilitated not just economic trade, but also cultural diffusion and technological transfers.

Major Networks of Exchange

1. Silk Roads
2. Indian Ocean Network
3. Trans-Saharan Trade Route

General Developments in Networks of Exchange

1. Expansion: All networks expanded geographically during this period.
2. Technological and Commercial Innovations: Enhanced trade and connectivity.
3. Wealth and Power: States grew wealthy by participating in these trade networks.
4. Rise and Fall of Cities: Enhanced interconnectivity led to the growth of some cities and collapse of others.

The Silk Roads

• Goods Traded: Mainly luxury items like Chinese silk and porcelain.
• Innovations:
  • Transportation Technologies: Caravanserai provided safety and facilitated cultural exchanges.
  • Commercial Practices: Development of money economies (e.g., paper money) and credit systems (e.g., flying money).
• Important City: Kashgar, a key trading hub due to its strategic location.

Indian Ocean Trade Network

• Goods Traded: Included both luxury and common goods.
• Key Innovations:
  • Technological: Improved magnetic compass, astrolabe, and ship designs (e.g., Chinese junk).
  • Commercial: Credit systems similar to those on the Silk Roads.
• Key Civilization: Swahili City States, influenced by Muslim merchants, grew prosperous and powerful.
• Diaspora Communities: Reflect cultural intermingling, such as Arab and Persian communities in East Africa.

Trans-Saharan Trade Network

• Innovations: Development of camel saddles for transporting heavy loads.
• Key Empire: Mali Empire, which thrived on gold trade and taxation.
• Notable Leader: Mansa Musa, under whom Mali reached its economic peak.

Effects of Increased Connectivity

Cultural Consequences

1. Spread of Religions: Buddhism spread from South Asia to China via Silk Roads.
2. Literary and Artistic Transfers: Islamic scholars translated Greek and Roman texts, influencing the European Renaissance.
3. Scientific and Technological Transfers: Gunpowder spread from China, altering global power dynamics.

Environmental Consequences

1. Crops: Introduction of Champa rice in China, leading to population growth.
2. Diseases: Bubonic plague spread via trade routes, causing significant population declines.

The Mongol Empire

• Empire's Role: Facilitated trade and cultural exchange, creating Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace).
• Replacement of Empires: Overthrew several major empires, e.g., Song Dynasty, Abbasid Caliphate.
• Contributions:
  • Trade Encouragement: Promoted trade by ensuring safety and paying high prices for goods.
  • Cultural and Technological Transfers: Facilitated medical and technological exchanges.
  • Adoption of Uyghur Script: Unified communication across the empire.

Review Resources:

• AP World History Heimler Review Guide for detailed study materials and practice exams.
• Additional Unit 2 videos for deeper understanding of specific topics.