Unit 2: The Global Tapestry Practice

How was life in 1200 different from now? Choose the best answer.

• In 1200, economies depended on charging higher prices where goods were scarce.

• In 1200, silk dominated international trade, and the main route was called the Silk Road.

• In 1200, societies were more local, relying on nearby production and not trading with distant societies.

• In 1200, many regions were affected by the Bubonic Plague, ending several big trading routes.

Answer explanation

In 1200, societies were more localized, focusing on nearby production rather than engaging in extensive trade with distant regions, which contrasts with today's globalized economy.

What caused the major Afro-Eurasian trading systems to collapse in 1347?

• A terrible pandemic.

• A global war.

• An economic crash.

• A devastating earthquake.

Answer explanation

The major Afro-Eurasian trading systems collapsed in 1347 primarily due to a terrible pandemic, specifically the Black Death, which decimated populations and disrupted trade routes.

How does "sourcing" help historians evaluate a document's reliability?

• By determining the chronological order of events.

• By identifying the author, purpose, and audience of the document.

• By comparing the document to other primary sources.

• By translating the document into modern language.

Answer explanation

Sourcing helps historians evaluate a document's reliability by identifying the author, purpose, and audience. This context reveals potential biases and motivations, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the document's credibility.

When historians "corroborate" sources, they are:

• Looking for evidence that supports their personal beliefs.

• Seeking multiple sources that confirm the same information.

• Disregarding sources that contradict each other.

• Creating new interpretations of historical events.

Answer explanation

When historians corroborate sources, they seek multiple sources that confirm the same information to ensure accuracy and reliability, rather than just supporting personal beliefs or disregarding contradictions.

What term describes the system through which goods, ideas, technologies, and diseases were spread between different civilizations during the 1200-1450 period?

• The Silk Road trade routes

• The Indian Ocean trade network

• The Trans-Saharan trade routes

• Networks of exchange

Answer explanation

The term 'networks of exchange' encompasses the various systems, including the Silk Road, Indian Ocean, and Trans-Saharan routes, through which goods, ideas, technologies, and diseases were shared among civilizations from 1200-1450.

Why did West African kings blend Islam with traditional religion?

• It helped them gain favor with Muslims to the north for alliances in wars.

• It allowed them to travel and trade across Muslim and non-Muslim lands.

• It maintained a connection to their people while benefiting from trade with northern Berbers.

• It helped create a new popular religion that spread north, expanding influence.

Answer explanation

West African kings blended Islam with traditional religion to maintain ties with their people while also benefiting from trade with northern Berbers, ensuring cultural continuity and economic advantage.

What was the primary military strategy used by the Mongols to expand their empire?

• Naval warfare.

• Siege warfare.

• Guerrilla tactics.

• Cavalry and archery.

Answer explanation

The Mongols primarily used cavalry and archery as their military strategy, allowing for rapid movement and effective long-range attacks. This combination was key to their success in expanding their vast empire.

How did Mongol migration patterns affect their production and distribution?

• As pastoralists, they shared resources rather than traded.

• Constantly resettling hurt their trade relationships.

• They adopted farming by living with settled communities.

• Exploring new territories helped find new raw materials.

Answer explanation

Mongols, as pastoralists, relied on sharing resources among their groups rather than engaging in trade. This communal approach influenced their production and distribution methods, prioritizing resource sharing over market exchanges.

How did the Mongol Empire affect trade across Eurasia?

• The Mongols made it unsafe for people to trade across the empire.

• The Mongols removed all taxes from trade within their empire.

• They got rid of the Silk Road and replaced it with their own system.

• They created a huge, safe, integrated trade zone that made it easier to trade.

Answer explanation

The Mongol Empire established a vast, secure trade network that facilitated commerce across Eurasia, enhancing trade routes like the Silk Road rather than making them unsafe or replacing them.

Which region was NOT conquered by the Mongol Empire?

• China

• Persia

• Japan

• Russia

Answer explanation

The Mongol Empire successfully invaded and conquered regions like China, Persia, and Russia. However, Japan was never fully conquered, despite attempts, making it the correct answer.