Part II of Before European Hegemony discusses three main trade routes from the West to the East through the Mideast (the Northern, Middle and Southern routes). Trade mission journeys on the Northern Route were affected by disease and the politics of the regional emperors. The route was characterized by unstable economic facilitators that had control over large amounts of land. It was also problematic for the Mongols because they neither traded nor produced, subjecting themselves to continuing oppression. The Black Death affected the Mongols ability to expand and conquer more land.
The Middle Route moved from the Mediterranean coast to Baghdad were it split into a land route and a sea route. This route is described as the “easiest, cheapest, and … the most ancient and enduring”. It is discussed how war and fight for territory affect the world systems of this route. It is also noted that the success of the route completely depended upon the economic condition of the civilizations on either end of the route. The Southern Route joined the Mediterranean and Chinese seas and was also affected by crusade/Mongol combat. The author stresses the importance of Islamic societies as it is often understood in a Eurocentric framework that Italy dominated the region. This section focuses on evaluating Egypt as a world power.
I find it interesting how greatly disease affected the economic success of the entire world system. In present day we obviously have the means to control a huge outbreak of disease (which is prevented from happening now anyway), however, historically disease had an enormous impact on population and the economy. It is hard for me to imagine what living in a world like that would be like.
I also find it interesting how trade routes were established. I personally do not often consider the history behind trade routes and how the world came to be connected into one global system. Now our world is so globalized that it makes me wonder if it would be possible to completely change our global relations.
It is very fascinating how disease effected the social climate in Europe and inevitably the rest of the world. It's the natural population control and it has been working since the dawn of man.
ReplyDeleteThe history of trade routes were interesting to me too. The way trade routes were developed, and why and how really does make them pioneers. We often take for granted what has happened in the past.
ReplyDeleteI also really thought that the ways in which disease was spread and the effect it had on the entire global community. Considering the amount of people who perished, it's hard to grasp how we were able to get control over the movement and human contact with the plague and other terrible diseases.
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