Lesson 2.7 Unit Overview

Introduction

Investigate and compare the major trade networks of the period 1200-1450: the Silk roads, Indian Ocean trade, and Trans-Saharhan Trade. Examine their similarities and differences in terms of geography, goods exchanged, technologies, cultural diffusion, and political structures. 

Task

I. Instructions: Read the provided materials and answer the following questions: 

  1. What were the primary regions connected by the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean Trade, and Trans-Saharan Trade?

    a) Silk Roads: Eurasia

    b) Indian Ocean Trade: East Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China

    c) Trans-Saharan Trade: North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

    d) All of the above

  2. Which of the following goods were commonly traded along the Silk Roads?

    a) Silk

    b) Spices

    c) Gold

    d) All of the above

  3. What technological innovations facilitated maritime trade in the Indian Ocean?

    a) Sternpost rudder

    b) Lateen sail

    c) Magnetic compass

    d) All of the above

  4. Which religion spread through the Trans-Saharan Trade routes into Sub-Saharan Africa?

    a) Christianity

    b) Islam

    c) Buddhism

    d) Hinduism

  5. What role did the Mongol Empire play in the Silk Roads during this period?

    a) Facilitated trade through the Pax Mongolica

    b) Discouraged trade to maintain isolation

    c) Focused solely on agricultural development

    d) None of the above

Part 2: Comparative Analysis

Instructions:

Compare and contrast the three trade networks by completing the table below.

Feature

Silk Roads

Indian Ocean Trade

Trans-Saharan Trade

Primary Mode of Transport

Land caravans

Maritime vessels

Camel caravans

Major Goods Traded

Silk, porcelain, spices

Spices, textiles, gold

Salt, gold, ivory

Dominant Religion Spread

Buddhism, Islam

Islam, Hinduism

Islam

Technological Innovations

Saddles, caravanserai

Sternpost rudder, lateen sail

Camel saddles

Key Trading Cities

Chang'an, Samarkand

Calicut, Malacca

Timbuktu, Gao

 

Part 3: Critical Thinking Questions

Instructions:

Answer the following questions based on your analysis.

  1. How did the geography of the Silk Roads influence the types of goods traded?

  2. In what ways did the Indian Ocean Trade routes promote cultural exchanges between East Africa and Asia?

  3. Discuss the impact of the Trans-Saharan Trade on the spread of Islam in Africa.

  4. Compare the political structures that supported each trade network. How did they differ?

  5. What role did technological innovations play in the expansion of these trade networks?

Part 4: Reflection

Instructions:

Reflect on the following prompts.

  1. Which trade network do you think had the most significant impact on global history? Why?

  2. If you were a merchant during this period, which trade route would you prefer to travel and why?

  3. How did the exchange of goods lead to the exchange of ideas and cultures? Provide examples.

  4. What lessons can modern trade networks learn from the historical networks of exchange?

  5. How did the decline of these trade networks affect the societies involved?

Evaluation

Assessment Criteria:

  • Accuracy and depth of responses

  • Clarity and organization of comparative analysis

  • Insightfulness of critical thinking and reflection answers

  • Creativity and informational content of the visual project