Mongol Invasions Learning Goal 3: Describe the changes that occurred in Russia, China, and the Islamic world because of the Mongol invasions and explain why this was a historical turning point in history. (1C,4K)

Causes of Mongol Invasions Possible environmental factors caused less and shorter grass on the steppe forcing Mongols to trade and raid settled societies Leader Genghis Khan (formally Temujin) unifies Mongols Soldiers mobility and skillful tactics as warriors led to huge conquests

Effects of Mongol Invasions Unified a territory across Eurasia and established a Pax Mongolian where Silk Road trade reached it height 1215 took Beijing, making it the first time China was ruled by a foreign power, ended the civil service exams, but staffed the bureaucracy Obliterated the Muslim heartlands and converted to Islam- end of the Muslim caliphate

More Effects… Made Russia a vassal state where tribute was collected by Russian bureaucrats leading the expansion of serfdom Facilitate Europeans learning about the advances of the Asians especially the Chinese, yet the Mongols made no advances themselves and stifled cultural growth Allowed for religious toleration and did not impose Mongol culture, yet culture and idea spread across the vast Mongol territory India stayed protected from Mongol invasions until the late 4th century

What were the changes resulting from the Mongol invasions of Russia, China, and the Islamic world? Mongol invasions of China Mongol invasion of Islamic world

Mongol invasions of Russia Mongols control Russia Local leaders still kept Peasants paid heavy taxes Collected by Russia bureaucrats who took their cut Russia became a vassal state facilitating the expansion of serfdom and a lack of political unity Lacking unity and cultural development, Russia remained backward at the same time Europe was growing culturally

Mongol invasions of China 1215 took Beijing 1279 overthrew the Song Dynasty First time China ruled by a foreign power Civil service exams were ended Bureaucracy staffed by foreigners Chinese had different laws and separated from Mongols Able to maintain cultural identity Beijing was connected to Vienna via horse relay stations Mongols not directly involved in trade Merchants welcomed into court = trade flourishes

Mongol invasion of Islamic world 1258 Abbasid Caliphate was defeated End of Muslim political unity Local bureaucrats were employed Rulers can stay in power as long as they paid taxes Many Mongols converted to Islam by 1295 and often Mongol culture mixed with local cultures Mongols first and only defeat was at the hands of the Mamluks in 1260 in Egypt Muslim Dehli Sultanate in Northern India held off the initial Mongol invasions, but was later invaded in 1398 by Mongol warlord Timur who ruled for a short time

Writing Assignment What were the changes resulting from the Mongol invasions of Russia, China, and the Islamic world?