Final answer:
Before the Silk Road, geography affected early China significantly, with the domestic Chinese economy being self-sufficient and the Silk Roads being vital to other regions. Geography also posed hazards to travelers on the Silk Roads with deserts, warring tribes, and bandits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the use of the Silk Road, geography had a significant impact on early China. The Silk Road connected China, central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and even the Mediterranean basin. However, the domestic Chinese economy was large enough to meet the needs of the state and its people without imports, making the Silk Roads less vital to the Chinese economy compared to other regions. Geography, including deserts, warring tribes, and bandits, posed hazards and risks for travelers on the Silk Roads.