Describe why religions expanded on the trade routes.(1 point) Responses It was cheaper to trade as a Muslim or Christian. It was cheaper to trade as a Muslim or Christian. Merchants and traders exchanged ideas as well as products. Merchants and traders exchanged ideas as well as products. Merchants were forced to convert in order to trade. Merchants were forced to convert in order to trade. War encouraged people to convert.

Answer 1

One reason religions expanded on the trade routes is that merchants and traders who followed different religions would often exchange ideas along with their products. This led to the spread of religious beliefs and practices as people encountered new perspectives and philosophies.

Additionally, it was often more advantageous for traders to identify with a specific religion, such as Islam or Christianity, as it provided them with a network of support and connections that facilitated trade. Being part of a religious community allowed merchants to access resources such as loans, travel accommodations, and trade opportunities.

However, it is important to note that while some individuals may have converted to a particular religion in order to benefit from trade, it was not a universal requirement. Coercion or forceful conversion by merchants was not a widespread practice.

Lastly, war and conflict in some cases did encourage people to convert. When political or military powers embraced a particular religion, they would often impose it on conquered territories or neighboring regions. This forced conversion was often motivated by political and social control, rather than trade interests.

Overall, the expansion of religions on trade routes was primarily driven by the exchange of ideas among merchants and traders, the economic benefits associated with belonging to a religious community, and in some cases, the influence of political and military powers.