AP World History Unit 2: Networks of Exchange covers the period from 1200 to 1450 CE and focuses on the interconnected networks of trade, communication, and exchange that emerged during this time. It explores the significant developments and interactions between different societies and regions.

During this unit, students study key themes and topics such as the expansion of trade routes, technological advancements, cultural exchanges, and the growth of empires and states. They analyze the impact of these networks on various aspects of human society, including economic systems, cultural diffusion, and the spread of ideas and religions.

The unit highlights the growth of trade routes such as the Silk Road, Indian Ocean trade, and the Trans-Saharan trade. Students examine the goods, technologies, and cultural elements that were exchanged along these routes. They also explore the consequences of these exchanges, including the rise of commercial centers, the spread of diseases, and the diffusion of knowledge and innovations.

Unit 2 also covers the development of powerful empires and states, including the Mongol Empire, the Delhi Sultanate, and the Mali Empire. Students analyze the political, social, and economic structures of these empires, as well as their interactions with other regions.

Religious and cultural interactions are another significant aspect of this unit. Students explore the spread of Islam, the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism, and the interactions between different religious traditions.

Overall, AP World History Unit 2: Networks of Exchange provides students with an understanding of the interconnectedness of the world during the period from 1200 to 1450 CE. It focuses on the networks of trade, communication, and cultural diffusion that shaped societies and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.

Unit 2: Networks of Exchange

2.1 The Silk Roads

2.2 The Mongol Empire

2.3 Exchange in the Indian Ocean

2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

2.5 Cultural Consequences of Connectivity

2.6 Environmental Consequences of Connectivity

2.7 Comparison of Economic Exchange