Introduction to 2.4
The Trans-Saharan Trade route is the third major trade network of the Global Tapestry Period (1200-1450). It is the most overlooked and underrated. However, this was an extremely wealthy and vital trade route for millions of people. Diasporic communities? Check. Camels with freaking saddles? Check. Astrolabes and other devices to navigate the stars in the biggest desert on the planet? Check. Ibn Battuta? Obvious check. Mansa Musa and Lion Kings? Check. Defeaters of Mongols? (Mamluks) Check. Spread and syncretism of Islam? Check. It’s got everything and is fascinating. Unfortunately, it will slowly be infiltrated by Europeans arriving only on the beaches of West Africa and soon thereafter, completely overshadowed by the Atlantic Ocean trade system.
Learning Objectives:
H. Explain the causes and effects of the growth of trans-Saharan trade.
I. Explain how the expansion of empires influenced trade and communication over time.
Themes:
H. TEC (Technology)
I. GOV (Government)
Skills:
1B. Explain a historical concept, development, or process.
5A. Identify patterns among or connections between historical developments and processes.
2A. Identify a source’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience.
*LEQ: CCOT, Compare & Contrast
(Introduction paragraph: Context + Thesis)
* DBQ: Document analysis & POV, Historical situation, and audience
H. TEC
Explain the causes and effects of the growth of trans-Saharan trade.
Historical Development
The growth of interregional trade was encouraged by innovations in existing transportation technologies. Improved transportation technologies & commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade & expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes, including the trans-Saharan trade network.
I. GOV
Explain how the expansion of empires influenced trade and communication over time.
Historical Development
The expansion of empires—including Mali in West Africa–facilitated Afro-Eurasian trade and communication as new people were drawn into the economies and trade networks.