Question

The rise of the Ottoman Empire before 1300 influenced trade as it:

a) Established the Silk Road.
b) Controlled key Mediterranean trade routes.
c) Developed transatlantic trade.
d) Opened new trade routes to East Asia.

Answer 1

The rise of the Ottoman Empire influenced trade primarily by controlling key Mediterranean trade routes and parts of the Silk Roads, leading Europeans to seek new routes to Asia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Impact of the Ottoman Empire on Trade

The rise of the Ottoman Empire before 1300 significantly influenced trade, specifically through their control of key trade routes. By the late 15th century, the Ottomans had control over parts of the Silk Roads, conducting trade with India and bringing luxury goods such as silk and spices to the Middle East and Europe. After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, which became Istanbul, the Ottomans essentially created a monopoly over trade routes that passed through the city and connected to the Silk Road. To avoid the high costs of trading under Ottoman rule, Europeans began to search for alternative routes, ultimately leading to the Age of Exploration, where they sought all-water oceanic routes to Asia.

In relation to the student's question, the correct answer is:

b) Controlled key Mediterranean trade routes.