The Mongol Moment

Chapter 12

The Mongols The Mongols formed the greatest land-

based empire in history following their breakout from Mongolia in the thirteenth century. Linked inner and outer Eurasia Created far greater contact between Europe,

China, and Islamic world than ever before Population only 700,000

How did the Mongols impact the world? Culturally?

Or Not… Did not try to spread their ancestor worship/shamanism to others

mostly interested in exploiting conquered peoples

Mongol culture today largely confined to Mongolia

Mongol Empire was the last great nomadic state

The Rise of the Mongol Empire

Temujin (1162–1227) created the Mongol Empire

Mongols before Temujin were unstable collection of feuding tribes and clans

Drew together a small following of friends, allied with a more powerful tribal

Chinggis Khan “universal ruler”

Conquest of Eurasia Chinggis Khan, Ogodei, Mongke, and

Khubilai created an empire that included… China Korea Central Asia Russia Middle East Some Eastern Europe Failed invasion of Japan

How the Mongols Conquered

Extremely outnumbered (China 100 to 1) Mongol success was due to their well-led, organized, disciplined

armya.  military units of 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 warriorsb.  conquered tribes were broken up and scattered

among units

c.  tribalism was also weakened by creation of imperial guardd.  all members of a unit were killed if any deserted in battlee.  leaders shared the hardships of their men (ate same food – always in front in battle) f.  vast numbers of conquered peoples were incorporated into

army

Brutality Chinggis Khan: “whoever submits shall be

spared, but those who resist, they shall be destroyed with their wives, children, and dependents…so that the others who head and see should fear and not act the same”

A troublesome population could be totally annihilated

On the plus side… Good administrative system—took census Relay stations provided rapid

communication Marco Polo—said 10,00 stations with

200,000 horses available Allowed merchants to use relay stations Mongols welcomed and supported many

religious traditions (Buddhism, Christianity, Muslim, Daoisme etc)

Activity How did the Mongols impact China, Persia, and Russia?

By the completion of this activity you should be able to write a comparative essay thesis paragraph on this topic.

You will be given a number 1, 2, or 3. 1-China; 2-Persia; 3-Russia. Read the several pages on the Mongols in that region.

Take notes: How did the Mongols impact society? Was the impact mostly positive? Negative? Did the civilization impact the Mongol people? Lasting impact

Find others in your category. Within this group, determine how essential questions that,

when explained, will help to best determine the Mongols in that region.

To be presented to the class.