The Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Ocean region is a location in which much activity has been happening for an extended period of time. One constant activity that has been taking place in this region is the practice of commerce, selling and purchasing. One time period to pick from the entire history of the Indian Ocean begins around 650 C.E. and terminates around 1750 C.E. According to recorded history, much change has taken place from 650 C.E. up to 1750 C.E. Some of this change includes the rule of the Indian Ocean that dominated the trade system. Another change during this period includes the fact that new people and new industries and institutions became a part of this vast trading network across the Indian Ocean. Despite the fact that much change and transformation has occurred, the Indian Ocean has also been accompanied by some factors that remained constant throughout this period of time. Some of these continuities include the use of the same trade routes used all the time during this period.

One significant change that occurred that affected commerce in the Indian Ocean region from 650 C.E. to 1750 C.E. was WHO actually ruled the Indian Ocean. Around 650 C.E., the Muslim groups of the merchant-based, African trading society, the Swahili, dominated the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean under the rule of the Swahili society meant a well-organized trading system and a variety of commodities and goods to export to other countries. For example, the Swahili traded ivory, gold, iron, slaves, and exotic animals for silks in Persia and porcelain from China. From this, you can easily tell that commerce during this time over the Indian Ocean was flowing very smoothly and efficiently. By the end of this period, 1750 C.E., European countries had primarily dominated the Indian Ocean. These European countries include: Britain, Portugal, and the Netherlands (where the Dutch come from). Most trade consisted of Africans. But why? Around the 15th and 16th centuries, the African slave trade had rapidly became a significantly successful and profitable business. When the slave trade started, thousands and thousands of Africans have been forced out of America and arrive on different continents and instantly become slaves. The African slave trade consisted of shipping slaves to Asia, India, the Americas, and parts of Europe. The African Slave Trade displayed why the Europeans were such successful people in their time of glory of dominating the Indian Ocean.

network which allowed more influence which resulted in higher European profit and power. Europeans were able to regulate what trade is done in which area or region. Because of high European dominance over the Indian Ocean, the Europeans were able to use it as a place for agriculture and industry. Now, because of this change of the Indian Ocean's usage, the Europeans were able to supply themselves with necessary resources. However, before this, European nations were not capable of expansion of