World History Ch.17
Explain one way in which Mongol religious policy varied over time or by region.
The Mongols were mostly native shamans. However, over time, elites started to convert to Lamaist Buddhism, which was very similar to their shamanism. Many Lamaist Buddhist leaders recognized the Mongol leaders as universal rulers, thus this religion became even more attractive.
Identify one factor that allowed the Mongols to conquer and control such a vast empire.
The relocation of conquered peoples allowed the Mongols to control their empire because it allowed them to find administrators, clerks, secretaries, etc. The Mongols did not have people for these jobs, so they found people who could.
Identify one way in which Chinggis Khan restructured the Mongol society in order to secure his rule.
Chinggis Khan forged useful alliances, proved courage in battle, and showed willingness to turn against bad allies. He eventually brought all of the Mongol tribes into a single confederation, and made successful, unified military units.
Explain one way in which Tamerlane unintentionally rescued the Byzantine empire from Ottoman incursions.
In 1402 Tamerlane's forces crushed the Ottoman army, captured the sultan, and subjected the Ottoman state to conqueror's authority. After Tamerlane died, this left local princes fighting over land which further caused Ottoman's advancements to be repressed.
Identify and explain one flaw in the administration of the government of Tamerlane's empire.
Like Chinggis Khan, Tamerlane ruled as a military leader, always fighting conquests. He never created imperial administration. This loose organization caused the empire to break up after his death.
