networks of exchange (1200-1450)
The Networks of Exchange period (1200-1450) saw a surge in global trade, connecting diverse regions through land and sea routes. Key networks like the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade, and Trans-Saharan routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across vast distances. This era witnessed the rise of major trading centers and empires, technological advancements in transportation, and significant cultural and religious exchanges. Economic innovations, environmental impacts, and the legacies of these networks shaped the foundations of our modern interconnected world.
What is Unit 2 of AP World History (Networks of Exchange)?
Think of Unit 2 as “Networks of Exchange (c. 1200–1450).” It covers how long‑distance trade and connectivity — the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean, and Trans‑Saharan routes — grew and reshaped societies. The unit (8–10% of the exam, ~10–13 class periods) looks at causes and effects of expanding trade, the Mongol impact on Eurasian exchange, and technological and commercial innovations like caravanserai, the compass, astrolabe, and bills of exchange. You’ll also study diasporic merchant communities and cultural/environmental consequences such as the spread of religions, crops, and disease, plus comparisons among networks. Key topics in the CED are 2.1–2.7 (Silk Roads through Comparison of Economic Exchange). For a concise review, check Fiveable’s unit study guide, cheatsheets, and cram videos (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world/unit-2).
What time period does Unit 2 deal with?
You’ll be working with roughly c. 1200 to c. 1450 in Unit 2, which focuses on Networks of Exchange. The unit digs into the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean, and Trans‑Saharan trade networks; the Mongol Empire; and the cultural and environmental consequences of increased connectivity. It’s weighted at about 8–10% of the AP exam and usually takes ~10–13 class periods to cover. Key themes include how better transportation and commercial practices expanded long‑distance trade, the spread of technologies and crops, and the rise of diasporic merchant communities. For a tight review, Fiveable’s Unit 2 study guide, cheatsheets, and cram videos live at the unit page (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world/unit-2), and there are 1000+ practice questions at https://library.fiveable.me/practice/world.
What topics and key terms are covered in AP World Unit 2?
The unit breaks into seven topics; you can see the full overview at (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world/unit-2). Topics include: The Silk Roads — think caravanserai, bills of exchange, paper money, Kashgar, Samarkand. The Mongol Empire — khanates, cultural/technological transfers, Pax Mongolica. Indian Ocean trade — compass, astrolabe, monsoon winds, Swahili city‑states, Zheng He. Trans‑Saharan trade — camels, camel saddle, Mali. Cultural consequences — spread of Islam and Buddhism, travelers like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo, gunpowder, paper. Environmental consequences — crop diffusion (bananas, new rice varieties), spread of plague. Plus a comparison of exchange networks. Focus on causes/effects of connectivity, tech and commercial innovations, diasporic merchant communities, and how empires shaped trade. Fiveable’s study guide, cheatsheets, and cram videos are on that unit page.
How much of the AP World exam is Unit 2?
About 8–10% of the AP World exam is drawn from Unit 2 (Networks of Exchange, c. 1200–c. 1450). That’s roughly one‑tenth of the exam score and covers content from the Silk Roads, Mongol connections, Indian Ocean trade, Trans‑Saharan routes, and related cultural/environmental consequences. Remember that the percentage reflects College Board weighting across multiple question types — multiple choice, short answer, and essays — so Unit 2 material can show up in any of those formats. For focused review and to boost recall, use Fiveable’s Unit 2 study guide, cheatsheets, and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world/unit-2).
Where can I find AP World Unit 2 notes, review guides, or Quizlet decks?
Yes, Quizlet decks exist — many students have made sets titled things like “Networks of Exchange, 1200–1450,” but there isn’t an official Quizlet link and quality varies. For structured, reliable review, Fiveable’s Unit 2 study guide covers the Silk Roads, Mongol Empire, Indian Ocean, Trans‑Saharan trade, and cultural/environmental consequences (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world/unit-2). Fiveable also offers cram videos and over 1,000 practice questions to help you drill related MCQs and concepts at https://library.fiveable.me/practice/world. Use Quizlet for quick memorization, but pair it with those guided resources to make sure you’re studying the right details.
How should I study Unit 2 — study plan, practice tests, and flashcards?
Kick off with the Unit 2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world/unit-2) — it lays out the key topics (Silk Roads, Mongols, Indian Ocean, Trans-Saharan, cultural/environmental effects) and pacing suggestions. A 2‑week plan that works: Days 1–3 read the guide and make one‑page notes per topic. Days 4–7 drill cause/effect and continuity/change with 10–15 practice MCQs daily. Days 8–10 do a timed mixed-section practice test (about 60–75 minutes for MCQs, then 40 minutes for short writing). Days 11–13 review missed questions and rewrite weak-topic notes. Day 14: full practice exam or targeted FRQ work. You'll also find 1000+ practice world questions and cram videos/cheatsheets for quick review (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/world). Yes, Quizlet has flashcards — for deeper practice beyond flashcards, use Fiveable’s practice questions and videos, or make active-recall cards focused on trade goods, technologies, major rulers, and patterns of cultural diffusion.
What's the hardest part of Unit 2 and how can I master it?
You'll find the toughest bit is analyzing causation and continuity across the Silk Roads, Mongol networks, Indian Ocean, and Trans-Saharan routes. Focus on linking specific exchanges (goods, ideas, people, tech) to cultural, economic, and environmental changes; the Fiveable Unit 2 guide helps (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world/unit-2). Students often struggle to weave evidence into causal stories — for example, how the Mongols boosted Eurasian connectivity or how dhows and monsoon knowledge enabled Indian Ocean trade. To master it: build a simple timeline. Make compare/contrast charts for each network. Memorize key goods, major actors, and technologies. Practice short DBQ/LEQ outlines that state a clear causal thesis with 2–3 concrete pieces of evidence. Reinforce this with timed evidence-based essays and extra practice questions/cram videos (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/world).
