Dbq Trade

Between the years of 100 and 1450 trade developed and thrived between different regions of the world. These regions included Africa, Europe, and Asia, and the Americas. Trade was established between these areas using different trade routes. As these areas traded more than just goods were spread. Ideas, religion, and technology were spread along the trade routes. These cultural aspects were combined with traditional cultures to create new syncretic societies. These trade patterns led to cultural consequences amongst all people involved in the trade.
Trade patterns, after developing over time, connect areas to enhance communication and trade. Trade routes develop based off geography and the difficulty of travellers to move goods. Document 7, a map of the Mongol Empires, proves this. In Document 7 Marco Polo’s route is shown and it is clear that he traveled mostly over land. He traveled along the Silk Road a small passage reaching through the mountains guarding the China’s eastern border. This route would be used for centuries as a connection to Eastern Asia. Document 9 also includes Marco Polo; as, it is an excerpt from his own account of the City Kinsay. While visiting China Marco Polo took note of the large markets in which all types of good could be found. Among these goods were wild game, vegetables, fruits, rice, and fish. He found this an important factor in wanting to begin trade with the Chinese. The trade routes out of China could be compared to that of medieval Europe. Both areas had extensive trade abilities and various over land routes. The trade routes of Europe are shown in Document 10. Each different city-state was responsible for their own trade connections and sent goods both oversea and land. European trade with Africa and the Middle East was often stressed but successful. Mansa Musa, the ruler of Mali, traded with the Europeans and showed off his extravagant amounts of gold. The Europeans took note of this in maps, such as document 12. The Europeans were impressed with the wealth of the men whom they considered to be uncivilized. Along with the Africans, trade with the Middle East has been a source of tension for Europeans. The Spanish ambassador to Tamerlane wrote about the trade of goods in Samarkand, seen in document 11. He talks of the rich textiles manufactured in these areas. Imported goods stock the markets of Samarkand. Europeans developed a strong desire for these goods and traded with the Middle Eastern merchants for them at any cost. The trade patterns used in the Eastern hemisphere had developed over centuries, but with the discovery of the Americas trade rapidly developed between the new and old world. Upon arrival in the Americas, Europeans invaded and took control of territories. After this they set up new markets or traded amongst native markets with their mother country. Bernal Diaz, a conquistador, observes the market places in Mexico in Document 2. He notices the profusion of merchandise found for sale. Every type of good produced in the new world could be found in these markets. The Europeans sent these goods both back home and too other territories to be traded. Trade patterns develop based off of geography, desire, and cultural relationships between people of different regions.
Along with these trade patterns cultures were changed. These cultural consequences can alter religion, language, or ideas found within a people.