What is one effect of the Mongol conquests on trade routes?

The Mongol conquests had a significant impact on trade routes, particularly through their establishment of a vast empire that connected diverse regions across Eurasia. Under Mongol rule, particularly during the Pax Mongolica, the Mongols implemented measures that enhanced the safety and efficiency of trade across their territories. This stability encouraged the movement of goods, ideas, and people along trade routes such as the Silk Road.

The Mongols allowed for the creation of a unified system of governance that facilitated trade by reducing local feuds and conflicts. They also established relay stations that provided rest and resupply for traders, effectively creating a network that supported long-distance trade. Furthermore, the Mongols enforced policies that prioritized the protection of merchants, leading to increased commercial activity and the flourishing of trade connections between East and West.

Thus, the effect of the Mongol conquests on trade routes was not one of restriction or danger, but rather one of improvement in terms of security and facilitation, making trade a vital aspect of their empire's economy and cultural exchange.