1. Aim: How was Global History affected by cultural diffusion? Zheng He: Chinese naval explorer who sailed along most of the coast of Asia, Japan, and half way down the east coast of Africa before his death Black Plague/bubonic plague: An infectious disease transmitted by fleas. It was an epidemic. Commercial Revolution : A dramatic change in the economy of Europe at the end of the Middle Ages. characterized by an increase in towns and trade, the use of banks and credit, and the establishment of guilds. Renaissance : A rebirth of cultural and intellectual pursuits after the stagnation of the Middle Ages. This period in European history, from about the 14th through 16th centuries, features major cultural and artistic change

2. Essential Questions What factors led to increased global trade from the 1200’s to the 1500’s? (Interdependence) Why did cities grow in importance? (Urbanization) How did the plague affect the world socially, economically, and politically? (Change) What factors led to the commercial revolution? (Change/Economics) Why/How was the Renaissance a “rebirth”? (Change)

3. How did we get to this point in history? Resurgence of Trade: In the late 1300s, Italian City States became the center of the resurgence of trade. Venice was the richest and most powerful of these states. From Italy, goods were shipped to large trade fairs, which were located on major trade route crossroads. The larger of these trade fairs evolved into towns. The Black Plague: A result of the increased interaction between Europe and the Middle East was the spread of the Bubonic Plague, also known as, the Black Death. Starting in the 1100s, the plague was spread along trade routes and had an enormous impact on Europe Commercial Revolution: Despite some setbacks due to the plague, the resurgence of trade continued across Europe, with many new innovations in business

4. Group Work Obtain a copy of review packet pages 11 & 12 (Plague/Commercial Revolution/Renaissance) Take out your review books/photocopies Complete the review packet In your books: pages 80-86 Use the section headings to guide your progress