Chapter 7

Trade and the exchanging of goods has been one of the most common forms of combinations of culture that strayer has talked about. In Chapter 7 he breaks down the 3 main trade routes across the mediterranean. The Silk Road the red sea and indian ocean, and the sahara desert all originated because their areas had a vast majority of environmental differences. These differences led to the need for other resources from more tropical climates. Instead of migrating, Nations would send a few men to gather what they need from another nation in exchange for something the had. The Silk Road connected Asia to India and brought a lot of indian culture to China such as the Buddist and Hindu Practice. The Sea Roads connected Africa to medditeranean cultures. From east west and north african countries, the trading of slaves wasnt super common but it did happen especially in the areas of dryer climates. With the bringing over of the camel to Africa, the Sahara became more popular as a trade route. This connected Swahili to other nations of tropical climate. Trade brought more than just the exchange of goods. It gave interactions of different cultures, the sharing of different ideas and languages. Religious practices were passed around and giving across all trade markets. Buddism and hinduism had such a big influence on the meditteranean nations that most "rest stops' or "trade stops" would have temples for people to practice their religion/practice in. It also brought about diseases and immunity to those over time. Although the native Americans did not have the same fire power as the european settlers it is hard to deny that their lack of immunity to certain diseases had a major influence on their downfall. If there were trade routes connecting to the Americas at that time maybe it wouldnt have been so easy for the europens.