In what ways were trade networks important in linking different groups of people in the old and new world?

- Trade

networks were useful to the Native Americans, West Africans and the

Western Europeans. All three cultural groups used the trade

networks for their benefits. In the trade networks they not only

exchanged material goods, but also marriage partners, laborers,

ideas, and religious practices. Trade networks sometimes grew over

large distances. Many materials were being traded such as copper

from the Great Lakes area or shells from the gulf. These goods came

from far distances from their place of origin.