Inca and African Trade Systems

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Questions and Answers

What was the role of inspectors when building the Inca highways?

To oversee the construction of military outposts along the route

To collect taxes from the workers involved

To lay out the highway’s route and assign workers (correct)

To provide food supplies to the workers

What was a common reason for the Inca rulers to build wider roads?

To improve communication among provinces

To accommodate the movement of large armies

To facilitate trade with the Spanish

To show their pride and prepare for conquests (correct)

Which of the following best describes the transportation benefits of the Inca highways?

They allowed for faster communication with other civilizations

They enabled the quick transportation of people and goods (correct)

They were primarily for ceremonial purposes

They restricted movement to prevent invasions

What was unique about the construction of highways in the Inca Empire?

Roads could be built quickly by assigning local laborers (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key societal impact of the trade routes in the Iniadin Ocean Basin?

They facilitated the exchange of culture, like the introduction of new languages (B) Signup and view all the answers

What commodity did Sultan Musa reportedly trade for gold?

Copper from his kingdom (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was known about the tribute collected by Sultan Musa?

He did not collect tribute from pagan nations working in gold extraction (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor made it difficult to access central Africa according to trade descriptions?

Rainforests that were hard to get through (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method described for extracting gold in West Africa?

Digging pits about a man's height in depth (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the document created by Matilda, countess of Nevers in 1221?

A primary source letter/oath (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which society is associated with the rise of the Mongol Empire and its expansion of trade?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Timothy May argue was a consequence of the Mongol conquests?

Expansion of trade and circulation of goods (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a flawed interpretation of the distribution of Bantu languages?

A migration-centered explanation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant outcomes of the Reconquista in Spain?

The spread of Christianity as a religious endeavor (D) Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the decline in land used for agriculture between 1200 and 1400 have?

Improvement in farming efficiency (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is known for its advanced calendar system?

Mayan civilization (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant technological advancement in rice cultivation observed in Yuan Dynasty illustrations?

Employing mechanical water wheels powered by feet (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Byzantine defenses differ from the attacking Turks during the fall of Constantinople?

Employment of gunpowder and cannons (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the political structure of the Iroquois Confederacy?

A sophisticated political structure allowing for collective decision-making (C) Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of the Toltec civilization?

Internal strife and external pressures (B) Signup and view all the answers

What significant change is associated with the Mongol Empire's governance?

Difficulties in governance after conquests (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a common feature among the societies in Oceania?

Development of complex social and political structures (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the feudal system, what was the consequence of failing to serve the king according to Matilda's document?

Transfer of lands and oaths by her men to the king (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key aspect of the economic diversity along the Silk Road?

Widespread exchange of various goods including gold and slaves (D) Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the Black Death have on labor markets in Europe?

Greater opportunities for women in the workforce (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable feature of Zheng He's voyages during the Ming Dynasty?

They showcased China's desire for trade and diplomatic relations (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which technology contributed to increased food production in China, as illustrated in the Yuan Dynasty scroll?

Mechanical irrigation systems (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which agricultural products were vital to the diets of the societies in the Americas?

Maize and beans (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which empire's trade routes were revitalized due to the safety provided by the Mongol Empire?

The Abbasid Empire (C) Signup and view all the answers

What motivation is provided for Matilda's oath to the king?

To ensure the security of her lands (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a cultural consequence of trade during the period from 1200 to 1450?

The blending of different religious traditions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant technological advancement in maritime trade during this period?

The development of the lateen sail and sternpost rudder (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary luxury good that drove trade along the Silk Road?

Silk (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which empire is noted for its cultural and intellectual achievements during its rule from 750-1258 CE?

Abbasid Caliphate (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant shift in Islamic rule occurred with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century?

The beginning of significant Islamic presence in India (C) Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the spread of Islam in Africa, particularly in West Africa?

Trade and peaceful conversion (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Indian Ocean trade routes facilitate cultural exchanges?

By connecting distant regions through trade (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main impacts of the Silk Road on societies?

Increased wealth and social stratification in trading cities (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the nomadic tribes play in the trade along the Silk Road?

They acted as intermediaries in trade. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Pillars of Islam?

Jihad (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary reasons for the decline of feudalism in Europe?

The centralization of monarchies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the Reconquista have on the Iberian Peninsula?

It resulted in the recapturing of territories by Christian states. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which major event solidified national identity in France during the Middle Ages?

The Hundred Years' War (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who was the prophet that initiated the spread of Islam in the 7th century?

Muhammad (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these aspects characterized Islamic society?

Emphasis on the ummah and structured hierarchy but with social mobility (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of trade along the Silk Road apart from the exchange of goods?

Exchange of diseases and ideas (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary element of the Indian Ocean trade network that aided navigation?

Seasonal monsoon winds (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inca Road System

Inca kings directed the construction of highways.
Inspectors planned routes and assigned laborers.
Roads were built quickly across the kingdom.
Succeeding rulers often expanded upon previous roads for conquest

African Trade Routes (1235)

Extensive trade networks encompassed the Indian Ocean basin.
Empires like Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and the Swahili coast participated.
Goods included ivory, salt, slaves, and religious texts (Islam).
Geographical barriers like rainforests posed challenges.
New languages emerged from interactions.

West African Trade and Wealth (circa 1300-1384)

West African trade generated wealth for the Mali Empire.
Sub-Saharan trade routes connected with international markets.
Copper was a significant export, traded for gold.
Mali’s ruler collected taxes.

Feudal Oath (1221)

A French noblewoman's oath highlighted feudal obligations.
Matilda pledged loyalty and obedience to King Philip II of France.
Failure to uphold the agreement resulted in loss of land.
Feudal system prioritized obligations over individual rights.

Byzantine-Ottoman Conflict (1453)

The Byzantine Empire fought the Ottoman Turks in Constantinople.
Byzantines used defensive tactics like fire and the use of cannons.

Mongol Empire and Trade (1200-1300)

The Mongol Empire expanded trade across Eurasia.
The empire connected disconnected regions.
The Silk Road became safer and more accessible.

Bantu Language Spread

Bantu languages' distribution is linked to migration.
There are alternative, less extensive dispersal models.

Agricultural Land Use (1200-1400)

Agricultural land use decreased in China, Europe, India, and the Middle East.
Improved agricultural technology and population decline are factors.

Chinese Rice Cultivation (1150-1350)

Chinese illustrations depict rice cultivation methods.
Image 1: Mechanical water wheels were used, highlighting technological advancement and agricultural efficiency.
Image 2: Shows a harvest, depicting the contributions of peasants to the economic livelihood of the era.

Silk Road Overview

The Silk Road was a network of trade routes, not a single road.
Traded goods included silk, gold, grain, horses, lumber, oil, and slaves.
Enhanced economic and cultural exchange among regions.

Silk Road Causes and Effects

Demand for luxury goods (especially silk) fueled trade.
Nomadic groups acted as intermediaries.
Increased wealth and social inequality occurred in trading cities.
Exchange of ideas and religions, including spread of diseases.

Religious Exchange on the Silk Road

The Silk Road facilitated the spread of religious ideas.
Faith-seeking individuals influenced by new faiths, particularly among impoverished populations.
Cultural blending resulted in shared ideas, creating various traditions.

Origins of Islam

Islam emerged in the 7th century with the prophet Muhammad.
Initial opposition in Mecca led to a move to Medina.
A unified Muslim community formed after Muhammad's death.

Islamic Empires

The Umayyad Caliphate was known for political expansion, facing criticism.
The Abbasid Caliphate focused on culture and learning in Baghdad.
The spread of Islam was through military conquests and other methods.

Islamic Society and Culture

Structured hierarchy, social mobility possible within the Islamic community.
Significant contributions to art, architecture, and science.
Five Pillars of Islam.

Islam in India

Islam entered India through trade and conquest.
The Delhi Sultanate represents a period of significant Islamic rule.
Integration of cultures through the Mughal Empire (1500s).

Islam in Africa

Islam spread through conquest in North Africa.
Affected culture and governance in North Africa and Spain.
Trade facilitated Islam’s spread across West Africa.

Indian Ocean Trade Network

Geography of the Indian Ocean trade supported connections.
Monsoon winds supported predictable, efficient trade journeys.

Indian Ocean Trade Networks and Cultural Exchange

Indian merchants were critical in spice, textiles trade.
Trade connected East Africa, Arabia, and Southeast Asia.

Feudalism in Europe (Decline)

Was a system of land exchange for military service.
Declined due to stronger central governments and the Black Death.
Key examples given in text- Holy Roman Empire, English and French.

Iberian States and Al-Andalus

Al-Andalus was Muslim-ruled territory in the Iberian Peninsula.
The Reconquista was a Christian campaign to retake territory.
Cultural exchange occurred between Islamic societies and Christian kingdoms.

North American Indigenous Peoples

Pueblo and Navajo societies thrived in the Southwest.
The Iroquois Confederacy had a sophisticated political system.
Mound builders constructed large earthen mounds for ceremony and burial.

Mesoamerican Civilizations

Mayans developed advanced calendar systems.
Mayans created a writing system based on Olmec traditions.
Toltecs established a powerful, centralized state.
The Mexica (Aztecs) rose to power through conquest.

Societies of Oceania

Oceanian societies were nomadic foragers who adapted to various environments.
Groups like Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji developed complex societies.
Agriculture led to population growth and trade networks.
Indigenous communities employed exchange and bartering.

Cultural Consequences of Afro-Eurasian Trade (1200–1450)

Religious blending (Neo-Confucianism, Zen Buddhism).
Language evolution (Swahili origins).
Technological inventions (lateen sail, sternpost rudder).
Exploration and cultural exchange through travelers (Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo).

Black Death Impact (1340s)

The Black Death caused widespread death in Europe (40-50% population decrease).
Labor demand increased.
Social unrest and class structure changes resulted.
Afro-Eurasian trade connectivity facilitated the spread of disease.

Chinese Recovery after the Black Death (1368 onward)

The Ming Dynasty followed the Yuan collapse, focused on economic and political recovery.
Neo-Confucianism was promoted.
Zheng He's voyages showcased China's maritime strengths.
Advancements in silk, porcelain, gunpowder technologies happened.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of the Inca road system and the extensive trade routes in Africa. This quiz covers the construction of highways by the Incas, the impactful trade networks of the African empires, and the wealth generated through trade in West Africa. Test your knowledge of historical trade and infrastructure mechanics.