1. What were the causes of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200?

- Transportation technologies improved vastly as well as commercial

practices which led to an increase in trade. Existing trade routes were
expanded greatly which therefore promoted the growth of new trading
cities. Trade in luxury goods was encouraged by innovations such as the
use of the compass, larger ship designs, etc. Previously existing
transportation was improved and updated which led to a boost in
interregional trade.
2. What were major innovations in commerce on the Silk Road, and how did the
innovations affect trade?
- Some major innovations in commerce that affected trade greatly were the
use of the compass and larger ship designs. The compass allowed “great
oceanic crossings” which essentially established new maritime trade
routes between Europe and Asia. The compass enabled merchants to
travel much easier and faster, even after sailing the waters before, which
made their trading more efficient. With the larger ship designs and
compasses together, there was more room for products to be transported,
and merchants were able to trade more efficiently.
3. What were the effects of the growth of networks of exchange after 1200?
- Communities were created on important trade routes, in important places
among those routes, and merchants would incorporate their individual
religious practices into the native culture and vice versa. Technology and
culture transferred between states and empires, which was encouraged by
interregional contacts and conflicts between these states and empires.