Study Hall Modern World History: The Global Bazaar and Trade

Introduction

• Presenter: Rob Fuller
• Focus: Understanding trade and its historical and modern impact.
• Quote: "Great empires come and go, but two-day shipping is forever."

The Complexity of Trade

• Trade Systems: Reflect robust global connections.
• Impact: Drives technological marvels and economic systems.
• Historical Context: Human desire for "stuff" has driven trade across eras.

The Mongol Empire and Trade

• Genghis Khan's Role: Unified Mongol clans in 1206; expanded to create a vast empire.
• Pax Mongolica: A period of stability that facilitated large-scale trade.
• Khanates: Smaller territories ruled by Genghis Khan's sons.
• Decline: Black Death, internal conflicts, and eventual fall by the end of the 14th century.

Trade After the Mongols

• Continuation of Trade: Despite Mongol decline, trade expanded.
• Luxury Goods: Driven by high demand, e.g., pepper in the Mediterranean.
• Russian Example: Fur trade expansion post-Mongol invasion.

Trade Networks Beyond the Mongols

• Indian Ocean Network: Connected East Africa, the Middle East, India, and beyond.
• Trans-Saharan Trade Route: Connected West Africa with the Middle East.
• European Trade Networks: Included Mediterranean and Baltic regions.

The Global Bazaar

• Concept: Vast network of trade connecting Afro-Eurasia.
• Merchants' Role: Example of Abraham, a 15th-century Tunisian merchant.
• Connection: Formerly isolated trade routes began interlinking.

Economic and Societal Impacts

• Luxury Goods Market: Mostly benefited the wealthy.
• Chinese Porcelain: Example of government-supported trade success.
• Economic Inequality: Most luxury goods remained out of reach for the average person.

The Legacy of the Mongols

• Policies: Facilitated safer and cheaper long-distance trade.
• Global Influence: Extended trade routes well beyond Mongol territories.

Conclusion

• Human Desires: Wealth, knowledge, and goods drive trade.
• Shared History: Trade connects global histories and cultures.
• Modern Relevance: Trade continues to shape the contemporary world.