Empire of the Great Khan Chapter 12 sect. 3 Pages

Main Idea & Why it Matters Now Kublai Khan rule China and encouraged foreign trade, but Yuan Dynasty was beset by problems. The influence of Chinese ideas on Western civilization began with the Mongols’ encouragement of trade.

Kublai Khan Conquers China Took 3 generations of Mongol leaders to complete the conquest of China begun by Genghis Khan China sometimes lost territory to nomadic groups, but foreigner had ever ruled the whole country until Kublai Khan

Who is Kublai Khan Grandson of Genghis Khan Named himself Great Khan in 1260 The first Great Khan was Genghis’ son Ogadai

Beginning A New Dynasty Kublai Khan founded the Yuan Dynasty, but it lasted less than a century. This dynasty was important for many reasons: ◦ United China for the first time in 300 years ◦ Opened China to greater foreign trade

Failure to Conquer Japan After uniting all of China, Kublai set his sights on Japan; tried twice to take over Japan 1274 and 1281 In 1281, Kublai sent the largest seaborne invasion in world history until World War II to take over Japan. After 53 days of fighting, a huge typhoon (hurricane) came threw wiping out the Mongols and Japan was successful in fighting them off.

The Mongols and Chinese United Mongol rulers had little in common with Chinese subjects. Because of this Mongols lived apart from the Chinese and obeyed different laws. Kept the Chinese out of high government offices, but used them on the local level.

Encouragement of Foreign Trade During the Mongol peace made the trade route safe and Kublai Khan established mail routes which greatly improved trade. Invited foreign merchants to visit China.

Marco Polo at the Mongol Court Marco Polo the most famous European to visit China. He traveled the Silk Roads and arrived in He could speak several Asian languages and helped Kublai Khan on government missions throughout China

The End of Mongol Rule During Kublai’s last years he sent his armies and navies on several expeditions to try and expand the empire. His military was defeated and were very costly to his economy.

Yuan Dynasty Overthrown Kublai died in 1294 Mongol rule weakened after his death Yuan Dynasty remained in power but struggled with who would rule. Chinese had long resented their Mongol rulers so they rebelled.

Chinese Rebellion Chinese rebelled because of: ◦ Years of famine ◦ Floods ◦ Disease ◦ Growing economic problems ◦ Official corruption

Decline of the Mongol Empire By the end of the Yuan the entire Mongol empire disintegrated The only Mongol empire that survived was the Golden Horde which ruled Russia for 250 years until Ivan III inserted Russian independence from the Mongols in 1480.