How does the silk road affect us today? The Big Picture! Dec. 12th, 2016

The Silk Road’s Decline In the early Middle Ages traffic along the route decreased because of the decline of the Roman Empire. Trading along the Silk Road became stronger again between the 13th and 14th centuries. Why? During the Age of Exploration the Silk Road lost its importance because new sea routes to Asia were discovered.

Importance of the Silk Road For Ancient Civilizations The Silk Road (along with other trade routes) had a significant impact on the ancient world. For what reasons…?: It created….. The development of cities along the trade route. The exchanging of goods and resources. An economic impact (for merchants, manufacturers & cities). The grounds for the trading of ideas, thoughts, cultures, literature, art & the spread of Religion. Most importantly, it helped in the overall development of the great civilizations of China, India, Persia, Egypt and Rome.

Understanding the past Helps us understand: How these civilizations traded How ideas, culture and religion was spread throughout the world What type of economic growth these civilizations had.

IMPACT AND EFFECT – The Big Picture Trade is very different today compared to the trade and exchange that took place on the Silk Road. Yet, it still has an effect on us today. Historically, we can learn from the Silk Road and how trade was done during a significant period of time (over 1,400 years to be exact). The Silk Road provided a model or template for trade between many cultures over an extremely long period.

This immense trading route presented the concept of globalization to the world. Globalization is the process enabling economies and markets to operate at an international level. This globalization, which roots back to the Silk Road, continues to benefit us but also to an extent threatens us.

Positives & Negatives of Globalization Money is ‘poured’ into developing countries – provides a greater chance for people to economically succeed. Encourages creativity, innovation & competition = keeps prices for commodities/services in check. Governments are able to better work together towards common goals, improve ability to coordinate and work on global awareness of issues. Greater access to foreign culture. Outsourcing – provides jobs to one area, takes away jobs from another. Individuality begins to fade as cultures begin to meld together = loss of values and traditions. Greater chance of disease spreading worldwide – invasive species being introduced into non-native ecosystems prove devastating. Little international regulation – child labour, work conditions and hourly wages. Affordability of clothing and electronics – doubled edge sword – provides us with inexpensive clothing and electronics but on the other side you have individuals working that are paid poorly and under poor conditions

Paragraph Response Based on the information gathered about the positives and the negatives, write a paragraph explaining whether you believe globalization is necessary or not necessary for Canada. (6-9 sentences).

Assignment Write a travel journal entry as if you were a participant in trade along the Silk Road. This should be a page and a half doubled space. Things to consider to write about: Are you a merchant traveler, traveling from place to place? Or are you a merchant at an outpost exchanging goods. Where are you from and where are you going? How did you travel? Remember this is before cars & you may be in a desert. What kind of goods are you transporting or selling? Describe the sights, sounds, and people you see and interact with in your journey. Describe the adventures you encounter on your journey. What are the risks you experience in this journey? What do you learn or are challenged by? Lastly, create a paragraph (6-8 sentences) on the following statement: Based upon your Silk Road experience, assess the importance of trade and inquire about the difficulties in transportation.