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Cultural Consequences

Driving Question: What were the positive and negative consequences of increased connectivity?

Networks of exchange across Afro-Eurasia moved science, technology, and culture to new places. Religions spread, as did advancements in fields such as astronomy, medicine, and mathematics. The circulation of all these innovations contributed to the development of a global body of knowledge.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Learn about how trade produced technological and scientific innovations.
  2. Assess the religious conflicts and transformations that took place in this period.
  3. Develop the historical thinking skill of causation and understand how causes and consequences vary depending on how an event is framed.

Vocab Terms:

  • causation
  • consequence
  • culture
  • maritime
  • migration
  • society
  • trade
STEP 1

Opener: Cultural Consequences

STEP 2

Causation and the Camel

Teaching Tools

We love Alphonse, but he’s just the tip of the iceberg. For all things causation, check out this topic page.

STEP 3

Renaissance Narratives

Teaching Tools

Want to know what other teachers think about teaching the Renaissance? Take a look at this conversation External link in our online teacher community.

In the fourteenth century, a cultural renaissance was rocking Europe as a result of centuries of cross-continental exchange.

STEP 4

Changing Belief Systems

Teaching Tools

Belief systems can be a tricky topic. Be sure to check out Teaching Sensitive Topics in Social Studies.

What we believe or think can be affected by anything from new ideas to new technology. What might influence or change what you believe over time?

The Reformation External link

How did a protest led by a provincial monk against corruption in the Catholic Church become a centuries-long religious conflict that transformed global communities?

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 5

The Past Is a Foreign Country

Teaching Tools

Check out this one-pager on historical comparison to prep for introducing this important skill to your students.

STEP 6

Closer: Cultural Consequences

You’re probably starting to see that there’s a positive and negative side to many historical events. Weigh the pros and cons of cross-cultural exchange and transformation.

Extension Materials
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Engage in a deeper exploration of some of the many cultural consequences of this period of regional exchange.
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Culture and Consequence

Trade, war, and pilgrimages often lead to cultural diffusion, and societies are forever changed by them. Find out how.