7.2.4 7.2.5

Chapter 4.1 I. Early Expansion

• Conquest and trade led to the spread of Islam, the blending of cultures, and the growth of cities.

A. Muslim armies conquered many lands into

which Islam slowly spread.

1. After Muhammad’s death, Abu Bakr became the first caliph, the title that Muslims use for the highest leader of Islam.

2. Caliphs were not religious leaders, but political and military leaders.

3. Abu Bakr directed a series of battles against Arab tribes who did not follow Muhammad’s teachings.

B. Growth of the Empire

1. Muslim armies battled tribes that did not follow Muhammad’s teachings.

2. The Muslim armies united Arabia, then defeated the Persian and Byzantine empires.

3. After years of fighting Muslim armies, many Berbers, a native people of North Africa, converted to Islam and joined forces with the Arabs.

4. A combined Berber and Arab army invaded Spain and conquered it in AD 711.

C. Trade helped Islam spread into new areas.

1. Along with their trade goods, Arab merchants took Islamic beliefs to new lands.

2. Islam spread to India, Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

3. Trade also brought new products to Muslim lands and made many people rich.

– Travelers learned how to make paper from the Chinese.

– Merchants brought crops of cotton, rice, and oranges from India, China, and Southeast Asia.

– Muslim merchants set up trade businesses in Africa.

D. A mix of cultures was one result of Islam’s spread.

1. As Islam spread through trade, warfare, and treaties, Arabs came into contact with people who had different beliefs and lifestyles.

2. Language and religion helped unify many groups that became part of the Islamic world.

3. Muslims generally practiced tolerance, or acceptance, with regard to these people.

4. Jews and Christians in particular could keep their beliefs.

E. Islamic influence encouraged the growth of cities.

1. Baghdad

2. Capital of Islamic Empire

3. Located near land and water trade routes

4. Walled city

5. Built hospitals, observatories, and a library that was used as a university

6. Cordoba

7. Capital of what is now Spain

8. Strong economy based on agriculture and trade

9. By the AD 900s, was the largest and most advanced city in Europe

10.Great center of learning

11.Also a center of Jewish culture