1.

4 When Asia was the World Economy

Describe the importance of Islamic trade and why it was replaced by Portuguese
trade.

Islamic trade was important because it brought two worlds together for the first
time since the decline
of Rome. Within the Islamic trade routes, very important materials, such as spices
and precious metals,
were traded. The Islamic trade route did have some violence within it, but nothing
that wasnt
manageable. As the Islamic trade system developed, more and more problems
began to occur, such as
slave revolts and overtaxed peasants. While all of these problems began to happen
within the Islamic
trade routes, the Portuguese stepped in. The Portuguese proceeded to present the
idea that the seas,
unlike land, belonged to no one and was a free place for anyone to trade, and they
began setting up
forts. Portuguese trade succeeded in replacing Islamic trade due to the image of
equality within the
seas that they presented, but also applying stricter rules so that the waters were a
safe place for people
to trade their goods.

1.5 Treating Good News as No News

Explain why Venice didnt want any alternatives to the trade with Alexandria.

Before trading was done by individuals, most trading was done through
intermediaries and governments. During this time Venice controlled all of the
trading between Alexandria and the entirety of Europe and did not want any
alternatives to Alexandria. The reason Venice did not want any other European
nations trading with Alexandria was simple. In the case that Alexandria is trading

solely with Venice, Venice is then able to trade Alexandrias goods with other
European nations in order to earn a profit of their own. So, in conclusion, Venice just
wanted no competition and to be able to make a profit off of the Nations
surrounding them.