Final answer:
The introduction of the compass was a key factor that led to the expansion of trade in the Indian Ocean Basin during the period 1200-1450, as it improved maritime navigation and enabled traders to journey further.
Step-by-step explanation:
One cause of expanded trade in the Indian Ocean Basin in the period 1200-1450 was the introduction of the compass. This navigational tool greatly facilitated maritime navigation and voyaging by providing sailors with a reliable means to determine direction. The compass allowed for more accurate maritime travel, enabling traders to venture further into the Indian Ocean and conduct trade more widely. This, along with the monsoon winds which enabled predictable sailing routes, significantly increased the volume and reach of trade. Major trade routes connected various cultures, spreading wealth, goods, and cultural influences across the Indian Ocean world, from East Africa to the ports of Southeast Asia and on to China and Japan. One cause of expanded trade in the Indian Ocean Basin during the period 1200-1450 was the introduction of the compass (a). The compass, a navigational instrument, revolutionized maritime travel by allowing sailors to determine their direction more accurately. Chinese innovation, the magnetic compass, became widely adopted during this era. This technological advancement enabled sailors to navigate more confidently and traverse longer distances across the open seas.