Islam+and+Trade

Question: How was Islam able to create a global (minus the Americas) trading network?

Brainstorm: Possible MI -- Islam was able to create a global trading network by connecting different parts of the world through military conquest and the expansion of trade; this expansion was helped by the many allures Islam offered, including equality among Muslims, a sense of community, and a chance to become involved a lucrative trade network.

Islam was able to create a global trading network through military conquest, trade, allures of Islam (equality) ---> the expansion of Islamic empire ---> larger global trading network (people drawn toward the allure of being part of larger trade network) ---> helped by pre-exiting trade routes, technology, personal connection among Muslims

Things to think about 1. what technology facilitated ability to trade - navigational instruments - dhows (lateen sails) 2. how did the spread of islam (faith) create new trading network? where? - Medittareanean and Indian Oceans (+ Swahili coast), land routes across Asia (part of the silk road) and sub-Sarahan Africa 3. how did the spread of islam connect different parts of the world that were able to offer different commodities? - bonded people through religion of Islam (equality + language to some extent), sub-Sarahan (gold, salt, other ores) / India (spices, textiles) / Swahili coast (other natural resources) 4. include map? 5. what about the faith itself promotes trade? origins? first converts? Koran + bedouin tribes based in trading cities of Mecca (+ hijrah)