Introduction to 2.3:
The second unit is called “Networks of Exchange”, and you may immediately think, “Oh, like the Silk Road.” Yeah. But, most of the volume being traded around the world at this point was being done here, in the Indian Ocean. Consider this difference: for the Silk Road, think luxury; silks, and porcelains. However, trade in the Indian Ocean was for 'The People'; stuff the average person might use… cotton, coffee, lumber, bananas, etc. So, the Silk Road is nice. But, unless you had a ton of cash for luxury items… you were way more likely to get textiles from India than silk from China.
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Learning Objectives:
E. Explain the causes of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200.
F. Explain the effects of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200.
G. Explain the role of environmental factors in the development of networks of exchange in the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
Themes:
E. ECN (Economics)
F. CDI (Culture)
G. ENV (Environment)
Skills:
4A. Identify and describe a historical context for a specific historical development or process.
4B. Explain how a specific historical development or process is situated within a broader historical context.
5B. Explain how a historical development or process relates to another historical development or process.
*LEQ: Rubric & Essay construction
E. ECN
Explain the causes of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200.
Historical Developments
Improved transportation technologies & commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes, including the Indian Ocean, promoting the growth of powerful new trading cities. The growth of interregional trade in luxury goods was encouraged by innovations in technologies; such as the compass, the astrolabe, and larger ship designs.
F. CDI
Explain the effects of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200.
Historical Developments
In key places along important trade routes, merchants set up diasporic communities where they introduced their own cultural traditions into the indigenous cultures and, in turn, indigenous cultures influenced merchant cultures.
G. ENV
Explain the role of environmental factors in the development of networks of exchange in the period from c. 1200 to c. 1450.
Historical Developments
The expansion and intensification of long- distance trade routes often depended on environmental knowledge, including advanced knowledge of the monsoon winds.
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