1. Chapter 8, Lesson 3 The Mongols in China
It Matters Because:
In the 1200s, Mongols led by Genghis Khan conquered northern China & regions to the west, creating the world’s largest land empire.

2. I. Mongol Expansion
A. Mongols - collection of nomadic tribes from Central Asia
1. Invaded & became 1st non-Chinese group to rule China, mid s
2. Organized in family clans and followed herds on grassy plains of C. Asia called steppes
3. Mongols were excellent horsemen
4. Fought on horseback
a. attacked with bows & arrows from distance
b. fought with swords & spears close

3. I. Mongol Expansion
B. In 1206, Mongol clans elected warrior named Temujin to lead & unite tribes
1. Temujin given title Genghis Khan (“strong ruler”)
2. Conquered tribes on the steppes, recruited new warriors
3. In 1211, invaded N. China, took control of Silk Road
4. Under Genghis Khan, Mongols used terror tactics
a. terror - cruel tactics to cause fear
b. looted & burned cities, slaughtered & tortured women & children
c. many groups surrendered without a fight

4. I. Mongol Expansion
C. In 1227, Genghis Khan died, empire divided to his sons
1. Mongol conquests continued into E. & C. Europe, Persia
2. Took Baghdad, Syria, Palestine; held back at Egypt
D. Mongol Empire was largest land empire in history
1. Became wealthy taxing goods on trade routes
2. Gained gunpowder from the Chinese

5. II. Conquest of China
A. In 1260, Genghis Khan’s grandson, Kublai Khan becomes Mongol ruler
1. Completed conquest of China, built capital at present-day Beijing
2. Declared self emperor, ended Song Dynasty, founded Yuan Dynasty (“yuan” means “beginning”)
B. Mongols in China practiced Buddhism
1. Kublai Khan encouraged all faiths in empire to practice freely

6. III. Mongol Trading Empire
A. Marco Polo - Italian explorer & merchant
1. Fascinated Kublai Khan with stories of his travels
2. Wrote a book of his travels upon return to Italy
B. Kublai Khan expanded sea trade with Korean-built ships
1. Mongols allowed Korean leaders to remain in control
2. Mongols tried two times to invade Japan & failed