The Mongol Empire Chapter 12 Section 3

The Mongol Empire

Kublai Khan Grandson of Genghis Khan. Completes the conquest of China and establishes a united China for the first time in hundreds of years. Starts the Yuan Dynasty (The Mongol Dynasty) which will rule China until 1368. Tries to invade and conquer Japan twice and fails. Hires outsiders (like Marco Polo) to help run the empire.

Yuan Dynasty A.k.a. the Mongol Dynasty. Started by Kublai Khan in 1279 when he completed the conquest of the southern Song Dynasty. First time an outside invader would rule China. Would rule a united China for the first time in over 300 years.

The Mongol Peace The Pax Mongolica or Mongol Peace was the peace within the Empire after the majority of conquests had taken place. IMPACT of the Peace: Cultural Diffusion – many ideas and inventions made their way out of China and to Europe for the first time. Ex: Gunpowder. Traders and merchants were given passports and protection by Mongol officials to pass through the Empire and conduct business – this spread ideas.

Marco Polo: The Story A Venetian trader (a merchant from Venice). Befriended the Great Khan (Kublai Khan) and worked for him as a translator. In 1292 he returned home to Venice, he had served the Great Khan for 17 years. He was later caught up in a war between Genoa and Venice (two Italian city-states) captured and imprisoned. While in prison he wrote a book about his adventures in China. This book: The Travels of Marco Polo was widely read and inspired many adventurers to see for themselves if Marco Polo’s stories were true.

3. Why Foreigners? The Mongols employed foreigners b/c the foreigners had no local loyalties and the Mongols felt they could not trust the locals to govern after having just been conquered.

4. How did Europeans see Marco Polo’s book? They saw it as a book of tall tales – fiction (FAKE NEWS). BUT it did spark curiosity in the dreamers – causing more exploration.

5. The Yuan after Kublai? It fell into corruption as family members fought each other for control. Ultimately it was overthrown by rebels in 1368.

6. Were the Mongol policies effective? No: The Chinese were resentful, arrogant, and rebellious. More tolerance and yielding more power (to rule themselves) may have led to more success. Yes: the Mongols had to limit Chinese self-governing because they were too few to control so many. The Mongols fell due to infighting.

7. The Impact (effect) of the Mongol Peace Cultural Diffusion! WHY? Trade routes were more secure which caused trade to increase. Trade = IDEAS = Cultural Diffusion!