An Interruption to Chinese Reign

The Mongolians were a series of clans (ruling families) that were unified for the 1 st time under Temujin a.k.a. Genghis Khan “Strong Ruler” Considered to be a military genius Horseback skills were incredible of all his warriors Used curved sabers, more efficient for killing on horseback Gunpowder: bombs/grenades

Technology/Weapons Horsemen skills were crucial Curved sabers Lance and mace (W. Europe) Gunpowder grenades and bombs (China) Camel allowed for travel in extreme cold temps when too cold for horses Other Elements Took full control of Silk Route Tolerant of other faiths/culture Mongolian women were the business and economic leaders, allowed for men to be able to expand territory

Little was really known about him until the 1970’s A text about his life surfaced in the 1800’s about his life but was difficult to translate. Done in 1982 What was he like? What did he believe? Given name: Temujin He has several brothers, including one who bullied him a lot, Begter. Begeter stole a fish Temujin caught and Temujin killed him, he had had enough.

Eventually he becomes the leader of his clan, which becomes very powerful and he unites all the Mongolian/Hun clans Establishes the Mongolian Empire What was he like? What did he believe? Accepted all faiths, didn’t want to upset any of the gods Towards end of life becomes mostly Buddhist himself, with prayer and meditation Ruthless over those he conquered Was known to let his men destroy whatever they desired and do with the people as they may After time had past, he did allow for the conquered people to keep their faith and culture

Most efficient postal system world had seen, postal stops ever 40 miles on major trade routes Women ran business and trade because men were nomadic warriors Pax Mongolica 1200’s-1300’s Controlled 9.3 million sq. miles United States 3.79 million sq. miles

Overthrew Mongolians in China Expanded into Mongolia and Vietnam Set-up a nationwide school system Strong central government Established factories for increased manufacturing Exploration and trade with the West

Led by the Manchus, seen at first as non-Chinese Conquered most of Mongolia and Tibet Very strong military Christianity became fairly popular during this time Strong established trade ties with British