The Mongol Conquests

Describe what you see…

The Mongol Steppe Region north of China with lots of grass, but few trees because it’s so dry Perfect for pastoralism (herding animals), but not for farming How would the Mongols get other food like wheat, rice, vegetables, and fruits and goods like tools, clothes, and weapons?

Explain why the Mongols might have invaded China In the period from , Mongolia experienced a drop in the mean annual temperature, which meant that the growing season for grass was cut short. Less grass meant a real danger to the Mongols' animals. Mongolia's neighbors in north and northwest China attempted to reduce the amount of trade with the Mongols. Since the Mongols depended on trade for goods that they desperately needed — such as grain, craft, and manufactured articles — cessation of trade, or at least the diminution of trade, could have been catastrophic for them. It is said that Tenggeri, the sky god of the Mongols, gave Chinggis the mission of bringing the rest of the world under his sword - a mission that may have motivated Chinggis to begin his conquests.

Genghis Khan Sng

Genghis Khan, “universal ruler” Brilliant organizer – Created armies of 10,000, organized into man brigades, 100-man companies, and 10-man squads. Always chose the most proven and loyal men to lead these units. Gifted strategist -He used various tricks to confuse his enemy. Refer to video clip.

Genghis Khan, continued Used cruelty as a weapon. He believed in terrifying his opponents into surrender. If cities refused to open their gates to him, he might kill the entire population when he captured it. Many cities, naturally, surrendered without a fight.

Primary Source “In the countries that they have not yet been overrun by them, everyone spends the night afraid that they might appear there too” – Arabian historian

After Khan Khan dies in 1227 His sons and grandsons continued the campaign of conquest, expanding territory south, east, and west. While ferocious in war, they were quite tolerant in times of peace. They rarely imposed their beliefs or way of life on those they conquered. Over time, some Mongol rulers even adopted aspects of the culture of the people they ruled. (ex. Muslims)

Kublai Khan

In 1279, Khan’s armies overwhelmed the Chinese. He became the first foreigner to ever rule over all of China. Founded the Yuan Dynasty. China was united for the first time in 300 years. Control imposed by the Mongols across all of Asia opened China to greater foreign contacts and trade. Kublai and his successors tolerated Chinese culture and made few changes to the system of government

Primary source “I have heard that one can conquer the empire on horseback, but one cannot govern it on horseback” – Chinese adviser, to Kublai Khan

Marco Polo European trader and traveler who worked and lived with Kublai Khan for 17 years. “More precious and costly wares are imported into Beijing than into any other city in the world…All the treasures that come from India-precious stones, pearls, and other rarities, are brought here. So too are the choicest and costliest products of China and every other province.”

10 facts about Genghis Khan WFOegI