The Black Death
Which major trade route helped spread the Black Death?
The plague traveled along the Silk Road.
Which two items were most traded in West Africa?
Salt and gold.
What was a major impact of the Mongol Empire on trade?
The Mongol Empire helped protect the Silk Road.
What class were peasants in feudal society?
Peasants were at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
What Chinese invention allowed for mass communication of ideas?
Woodblock printing.
What was a major impact of the Black Death in Europe?
Many farms and shops had to close because there weren’t enough workers.
How did the gold-salt trade influence culture in West Africa?
It led to the introduction of Islam and Arabic writing in the region.
How did the Mongols affect global trade?
The Mongols increased trade and cultural diffusion along the Silk Road.
Who were the samurai in Japanese feudalism?
They were warriors who served powerful landowners (daimyo)
What was one effect of woodblock printing in China?
It made printing written materials faster and easier.
How did trade routes impact the spread of the Black Death?
Diseases such as the Black Plague spread along trade routes (rats, fleas, and contact with other people)
What did African empires gain from trading with Islamic merchants?
They increased their wealth and power.
What happened to Eurasian trade during Mongol rule?
Trade boomed between Europe and Asia
What was a key similarity between Japanese and European feudalism?
Everyone had specific roles based on the social class they were born into.
What was the long-term impact of gunpowder?
It revolutionized warfare and led to the development of modern firearms
Who suffered more during the Black Death: cities or rural areas?
Major cities suffered more than rural areas.
What two cultural traits spread into West Africa through trade?
Arabic language and Islamic religion.
What cultural policy did the Mongols avoid in conquered areas?
The Mongols did not force people to adopt their customs and language.
Which Japanese feudal class was most similar to European lords?
Daimyo in Japan were similar to lords in Europe.
What was China’s most valuable export in the Middle Ages?
China’s ability to keep silk manufacturing a secret allowed it to control the supply
Which region was affected first by the Black Death?
Southern Europe was affected earlier than other parts of the continent.
What was Africa’s primary export and trade benefit during the Middle Ages?
Africa’s abundance of salt and gold created trade routes across the Sahara desert.
What role did gold trade play in expanding the Islamic Empire?
It funded the military and helped create trade networks.
How did the structure of feudal society differ in Europe vs. Japan?
The Church was at the top in European feudalism but not in Japanese.
How did the Silk Road contribute to technological diffusion?
Inventions and innovations were shared across the continents