Chp 7, 8, 10

    I think the development of trade is one of the most important topics we have discussed throughout the few weeks we have had in this World History course. Commerce and culture is such an important part in the development of the world as we are aware of it today and Chapter 7 and the Silk Road is a great example of our connection to history and culture in our current state of mind. Trade developed because of a peoples different needs in different regions of the world. With this we saw the development of the Silk Roads all across Eurasia connecting groups of people with extremely different ways of life, different cultures, different needs based on their environmental surroundings. It was the inception of a world market economy, similar to that as we know it today. For instance, out Eurasia consisted of a much more warm ecology with well watered land very suitable for crops and agriculture, areas like China, India, the Middle East and Mediterranean versus the Inner Eurasia like Russia and Central Asia which is much less conducive to agriculture. However these two different regions had different qualities and needs the others are able to recognize. Inner Eurasia had a surplus of hides, furs, livestock, and wool much needed by the Outer Eurasian areas in exchange for things like agricultural products and manufactured goods.
   Interestingly enough this is not much different than our modern day commerce. But the other priceless aspect that goes along with trade is the exchange of culture. The Silk Road acted as the transport of cultural aspects of Buddhism, one of the more widely spread religions in this region. It appealed more so to the people on these roads because unlike Hinduism, it gave them an opportunity to reach enlightenment. It was the first time these go getters on this trade route felt support from a higher power, another form of motivation from an already highly motivated group.