Aim: Summarize Kublai Khan’s Conquest & Mongol Rule in China

Kublai Khan Becomes Emperor As China’s new emperor, Kublai Khan founded a new dynasty The Yuan Dynasty Lasted less than a century, but was important period in Chinese History Kublai Khan united China for first time in more than 300 years Control imposed by the Mongols across all of Asia opened China to greater foreign contract and trade Kublai and his successors tolerated Chinese culture and made few changes After conquering China, Kublai tried to extend his rule to Japan 1274 & 1281- Khan sent fleet to Japan but failed 2

Mongol Rule in China Mongol rulers had little in common with their Chinese subjects Mongols kept their separate identify Lived apart from the Chinese & obeyed different laws Kept the Chinese out of high government offices Foreign trade increased under Kublai Largely due to the Mongol Peace- Made caravan routes safer across Central Asia Kublai encouraged trade by inviting foreign merchants to visit China Marco Polo: Most famous European to Visit China Traveled by caravan on the Silk Roads Served Khan for 17 Years 3

End of Mongol Rule Weaknesses appear in Mongol Rule Kublai sent several expeditions into Southeast Asia Armies and navies suffered humiliating defeats Presented problems that Kublai’s successors couldn’t resolve 1294- Kublai dies Yuan Dynasty begins to fade 1300’s- Rebellion broke out in many parts of China 4