Unit 2: Networks of Exchange (1200-1450) Context Practice

Instructions: Write a contextual statement for each of the prompts below. This will not only help you
review content from Unit 2 (1200-1450), but also help you practice writing context statements which, if done
successfully, can earn you one point on both the DBQ and LEQ essays.

To earn this point, the response must relate the topic of the prompt to broader historical events,
developments, or processes that occur before, during, or continue after the time frame of the question. This
point is not awarded for merely a phrase or reference.

The final sentence of your context should narrow down to the topic of the prompt, tying your contextual
statement to your thesis statement.

Prompt 1: Evaluate the extent to which new transportation technologies changed economic activity in the
period circa 1200 to 1450.
New transportation changed economic activity to a great extent. For instance in the Trans Saharan trade camel

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transportation made it more efficient and economically beneficial to merchants because camels were accustomed

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to the harsh, dry climate of the Arabian Desert. Not only did camels adapt so well they were able to carry up to 600

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pounds. This made it more convenient for merchants to travel with tons of resources to increase economy.

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Prompt 2: Evaluate the extent to which networks of exchange impacted religious activities in the period
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1200 to 1450 CE.

Networks of exchange had a great extent which impacted religious activities. For instance because the trade in the
Indian Ocean Basin was rapidly increasing due to the increases in ocean travel and knowledge. The spread of
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Islam quickly diffused throughout East Africa, East and South Asia connecting more cities. Not only did this event
connect cities, but it also helped them become thriving centers of trade. As merchants eagerly traveled to these
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cities they would bring along their customs and religions. These merchants interacted with the surrounding cultures
and people of the region. Networks of exchange impacted religious activities to a great extent it diffused many
religions throughout new region and introduced people to different religious activities.
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Prompt 3: Evaluate the extent to which Buddhism and Christianity had similar social impacts on societies
as they spread during the 1200 to 1450 time period.
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Buddhism and Christianity had similar impacts on societies because both religions continued to shape societies in
Asia and included a variety of branches, schools, and practices. Both diffused because of the increase in trade. As
merchants continued to constantly trade to different region the diffusion of religion increased. Cities became
thriving cities for example Calicut and Cambay became thriving centers of trade due to interactions with merchants
from East Africa and Southwest Asia. This immensely impacted the society by transforming it into a bustling port
city for merchants.

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 Prompt 4: Evaluate the extent to which improved commercial practices affected the growth of networks of
exchange after 1200.
The extent to which improved commercial practices affected the growth of networks of exchanged was enormous.
In China improved commercial practices allowed for new resources to be diffused to new regions and increase the
production of China. For example the demand for luxury goods increased in Afro–Eurasia artisans and merchants
expanded the production of textiles and porcelains for export; manufacture of iron and steel expanded in China.

Prompt 5: Evaluate the extent to which trade networks influenced the expansion of empires in the 1200 to
1450 time period.

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The extent to which trade networks influenced the expansion of empires was enormous. For example Mali’s ruler
established a currency that was understood and he also needed to protect both the trade routes and the areas

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were currencies were made. Because trade networks were developing at fast rates empires wanted to expand their

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reach to take over resource-rich areas. Empires achieved expansion by military forces which encourage people

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into the empires economy and trade networks. This immensely influenced the expansion of empires because every
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empire wanted to gain as many resources they can to grow their power over everyone else.
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Prompt 6: Evaluate the extent to which trade networks facilitated cultural and technological transfers in the
1200 to 1450 time period.
Trade networks facilitated cultural and technological transfers to a great extent. The transfer of knowledge, culture,
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technology and religion intensified due to thriving trade in the Indian Ocean Basin. The voyages of Zheng He sent
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out by China is a great example of cultural transfers. Zheng He was sent out by the Ming emperor because he
wanted to show off to the rest of the world. Not only did he achieve this but he brought back different exotic
treasures to China. For instance he brought back the first giraffe the Chinese people had ever seen. This shows
that the extent to which trade networks facilitated cultural and technological transfers was enormous.
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