The Mongol Empire

What traits enabled Genghis Khan to conquer most of Asia?

A brilliant organizer, followed modeled of Chinese military, armies of 10,000. Gifted strategist, known for the "fake out." Used cruelty as a weapon. Terrified his enemies into surrender.

What was the kamikaze?

After conquering China, Kublia wanted to extend his rule over Japan. Twice, once in 1274 and another time in 1281, Kublai sent large fleets against Japan. The Mongols were going to win, but then a large typhoon entered Japan and defeated the Mongols. This is called the kamikaze or divine wind.

Where did Kublai move the capital to? Why?

China, because he intended to make his mark as emperor of China.

How did the Mongols rule?

Ferocious in war, tolerant in peace. Rarely imposed their beliefs on those they conquered. Some Mongols adopted practices of the conquered because of this. Ilkhans and Golden Horde became Muslims.

What dynasty was Kublai Khan apart of?

The Yuan Dynasty

What was the Mongol Peace?

Between 1200s-mid 1300s. Imposed stability and law and order across Eurasia. Guaranteed safe passage for trade caravans, and missionaries. Trade was very active.

How was Genghis Khan able to unite the nomadic Mongols?

He defeated all of his rivals such as China, West Mongolia. Started a campaign of terror across central Asia where he destroyed many cities and killed many people because he angered by the murder of Mongol traders.

How did Kublai Khan treat his Chinese subjects?

He did not grant them high government jobs. He had cultural tolerations towards them.

What happened to the Mongol Empire in the years after Genghis Khan's death?

His son's and grandson continued to conquer more land. Invade Korea, Persia, leveled Russia, completed conquest of Northern China. Maintained peace throughout invasions.

How did the cultural differences among the khanates eventually effect the empire?

It eventually split up the empire.

Into what four Khanates did the successors of Genghis Khan divide the Mongol Empire?

Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia) Ilkhanate (Persia) Great Khan (China) Khanate of Chagatai (Central Asia)

What was Marco Polo's relationship to the Mongol Empire?

Kublai Khan sent him to various Chinese cities for government missions (Hey, go here and get this from them). In prison, Marco Polo shared fabulous stories of the Mongol Emperor and some recorded these stories. The stories were an instant success but no one believed them.

Why did the Mongol Empire fall?

Military Kublai attempted to conquer more and more land and sent many different armies out. They suffered many losses. He spread the army too thin. A lot of money went to these wars.This over taxed the Chinese, causing heavy resentment. Rebellion Kublai Khan dies. No stable ruler could follow him. Many Chinese rebellions broke out. These were fueled by years of famine, flood, and disease, economic problems. China overthrew the Mongols. The Ming dynasty was founded.

What were some of the improvements to the land Kublai Khan made?

Restored Grand Canal and extended it 135 miles north to Beijing. Built a paved highway that ran 1,100 miles. These land and water routes ensured the north a steady supply of and grain and other goods.

Prior to the Mongol Empire, what was the primary cause of conflict between steppe nomads and settled communities?

Steppe nomads would invade the settled communities to take control of pasture lands. Settled communities lived in fear of the next invasion.

What did Kublai Khan do that positively affected the empire?

United China for the first time in 300 years, opened China to greater foreign contacts and trade, had culture tolerance towards the Chinese.

What was the Mongol's relationship with the Chinese?

They had little in common. They lived apart from each other and obeyed different laws. They did not allow Chinese in the high government offices. The high government posts went to Mongols or foreigners who did not have bias/loyalties.

What was the impact of interaction between the Mongols and the various cultures that they conquered?

Throughout the Mongol's conquering of territories, they had cultural tolerance. Even Mongol leaders took on new beliefs such as Islam. This divide drove the empire apart.

How did the Mongol Peace affect trade and cultural interaction?

Trade flourished due to safe passage ways, ideas and culture was spread along with trade. Gun powder reached Europe.

How did Kublai Khan encourage trade?

under Kublai Khan, caravan routes across central Asia were safe for trade. Silk and porelain were traded over the Silk Roads and other routes. He invited foreign merchants to visit China.