Based on Maps A and B, how were the major world trade routes in the 15th century and 18th century similar?
Based on Maps A and B, how were the major world trade routes in the 15th and 16th centuries different?
Transcribed Image Text: **Map A: World Trade Routes, 1400s**
This map illustrates the global trade routes of the 1400s, highlighting the connectivity between various regions through different trade networks. Here's a detailed explanation:
**Key Components:**
1. **Territory not controlled by a large government**: Shaded areas represent regions that were not under the control of major governments.
2. **Trade Route Networks**:
- **Mediterranean Sea Complex** (marked with purple lines): This network connected Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East through the Mediterranean Sea, facilitating trade in goods like spices, textiles, and precious metals.
- **Trans-Saharan Trade Routes** (orange lines): These routes traversed the Sahara Desert, linking Sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa, often trading gold, salt, and slaves.
- **Indian Ocean Complex** (blue lines): A vast maritime network connecting the Middle East, East Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, crucial for the spice trade and the exchange of cultural and technological ideas.
- **Silk Roads** (black dashed lines): Stretching across Asia from China to Europe, these overland routes were important for the trade of silk, spices, tea, and other luxury goods.
- **Mesoamerican Trade Routes** (green lines): These facilitated trade within Central America, dealing in goods such as cacao, jade, and textiles.
- **Andean Trade Routes** (red lines): These routes connected various societies along the Andes in South America, trading goods like potatoes, maize, and textiles.
This map showcases the vast and interconnected trade networks of the 1400s, highlighting how goods, culture, and ideas flowed across continents, shaping societies in profound ways.
Transcribed Image Text: **Map B: World Trade Routes, 1650-1750**
This map illustrates the global trade routes prominent between 1650 and 1750, a critical period of economic and cultural exchange. It identifies various territories, trade routes, and regions involved in world trade during this era.
**Key Features:**
1. **Territories:**
- Areas with darker shades represent regions under the control of major European powers such as England, The Netherlands, France, Spain, and Portugal, as well as non-European entities like the Ottoman Empire and the Mughal Empire.
- Lighter areas indicate territories not controlled by any large government, highlighting parts of North America, South America, Central Asia, and East Asia.
2. **Trade Routes:**
- **British (England) Trade Routes:** Indicated with solid black lines. These routes traverse from Europe to the Americas, Africa, and reaching parts of Asia.
- **Dutch (The Netherlands) Trade Routes:** Marked with purple lines, linking Europe primarily to regions in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
- **French Trade Routes:** Shown as blue lines, connecting France with North America, the Caribbean, and regions in Africa.
- **Portuguese Trade Routes:** Displayed with yellow lines, primarily showcasing connections between Europe, Africa, and South America, extending towards India and Southeast Asia.
- **Spanish Trade Routes:** Represented with red lines, focusing on connections between Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia, notably the Philippines.
3. **Geographical Context:**
- Europe serves as a prominent starting hub for many trade routes, reflecting its major role in global trade during this period.
- The map emphasizes the intercontinental nature of trade, involving transatlantic and transpacific routes.
- Noteworthy regions include the Ottoman and Mughal Empires, significant centers of commerce and culture during this time.
This map provides a visual representation of the intricate network of trade routes and territories that facilitated global interaction and exchange in the 17th and 18th centuries.