Why would a Russian guy in the 1800’s paint this image of the Mongol invasion of Russia? (This is a POV question).

The Mongol Empire 1200(ish) to 1350(ish)

China and the Mongols (1271-1368) The most difficult conquest for the Mongols (70 years) Reunite China (Jin + S. Song) Wanted to extract wealth from China Ended up adopting some Chinese culture and gov’t. Began the Yuan Dynasty Moved the capital to Beijing

Khubilai Khan tries to invade Japan, Vietnam, and Java – ALL FAIL

By 1368 the Mongols were forced out of China The GOOD: Khubilai Khan (1271 – 1294) improved roads, lowered some taxes, supported peasant agriculture Religiously tolerant (all Mongols were) The BAD: Did not become “Chinese” Relied on Muslims to help rule Discriminated against Han Chinese Forbid intermarrying By 1368 the Mongols were forced out of China End of the Yuan Dynasty

Persia and the Mongols (1256 – 1335) The Mongols won quickly and brutally Baghdad in 1258 – 200,000 killed (maybe) Mongol rule was a disaster for Persia Heavy taxes Migration of Mongol animal herds into the area destroyed crops/land Irrigation networks neglected = fertile lands wasted

Mongols in Persia transformed themselves: Used the Persian system of gov’t BECAME MUSLIM Started to practice agriculture Mongol dynasty fell in 1330 but many stayed and became part of Persian society.

Russia and the Mongols 1240- 1502 Worst experience of locals with the Mongols Large scale slaughters artisans/women – deported into slavery From the Mongol point of view Russia: Not on good trade routes Primitive economy Not worth it to occupy Russia Never became Russian or even tried