1. Political Unity of Mongols in 1265
YUAN CHINA
Political Unity of Mongols in 1265
Extreme disagreement, difference of opinion, and a general lack of unity…
Core vs. Peripheral Areas of Mongol Empire
Core – local definition; cultural coherence; benefits of trade system(s); drained of wealth (heavy taxation); technologically behind
Peripheral – integrated in trade system (increased flow of information and wealth); increased local leadership; increase in external alliances

2. YUAN CHINA Who were Yuan’s (1279-1368)
Led by Kublai Khan (Genghis Khan’s grandson)
Constructed a capital at Beijing (Forbidden City)and Shangdu
Unified the 3 states in China (Tanggut, Jin, and Song)
Preserved characteristics of Chinese government (Confucianism) while making some innovations (tax farming)

3. YUAN CHINA Social Classes
Mongols used a hierarchical system of legally defined status groups
Defined by race and function:
Mongols
Central Asians & Middle Easterners
Northern Chinese
Southern Chinese
Merchants and doctors > Confucians

4. Cultural and Scientific Exchange - Medicine
YUAN CHINA
Cultural and Scientific Exchange - Medicine
Exchange of scientific, technological, and mathematical knowledge between China and Iran
Il-khans and Yuan's had good relations and common economic systems
China imported astronomy, algebra, trigonometry, Islamic and Persian medical texts, seeds, and math formulas
Merge Mongolian with Chinese dialects to create “Mandarin” Chinese language

5. Effects on Urban/Rural China
YUAN CHINA
Effects on Urban/Rural China
Effects on ports & cities:
Prospered – trade recovers
Merchants flourish and organize corporations
Urban culture – popular entertainment, vernacular literature, Mandarin dialect
Rural Areas:
Cotton production systems
Irrigation systems constructed
Overtaxed, brutalized, and dams neglected

6. YUAN CHINA Population Changes
Chinese population declines by 40 percent!
Northern China sees the greatest loss of population
Yangtze Valley sees an increase
Reasons for loss:
Warfare
Flooding of Yellow River
Migration
Spread of disease (Plague)