What were the three major factors that caused social and cultural changes in the lives of tropical peoples from 1200 to 1500? Provide detailed descriptions for each of the three factors

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER:
This question is important to ask students because it draws out major themes, but it is also difficult because it requires students to see the bigger picture of the chapter in addition to the details. Students should identify the three primary influences as state growth, commercial expansion, and the spread of Islam. They should examine the growth of the Asian states of Delhi, Gujarat, Malacca, and Malabar, as well as the African states of Kilwa, Mali, Aden, and Great Zimbabwe. The importance of trade cannot be overstated and is a main theme of the chapter. Students should be specific as to the sub-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade networks and the impact these routes had on the growth of these states. The prosperity of these states resulted in widening class differences among tropical peoples, as well as dramatic changes in architecture and education. Students should recognize changes in women's roles and the expansion of slavery as major social developments. The spread of Islam to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa also had important social, cultural, economic, and intellectual results. Students should describe how Islam spread to Asia and Africa through peaceful penetration, as well as through warfare in India. The impact of Islam in architecture, math, science, literacy, and social habits should also be noted.