Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_NPgMMazF4

Growth of Empire

I. Introduction to the MongolsA. Mongols ended/interrupted many great postclassical empiresB. Extended world network – foundation for interaction on global

scaleC. Forged mightiest war machineD. Four khanates – sons divided

1. Ruled for 150 years2. Last time nomadic peoples dominated sedentary peoples

E. Paradox of rule – fierce fighters vs. tolerant/peaceful leadersF. Russia controlled by Khanate of Golden Horde

II. The Mongol Empire of Genghis KhanA. Who were the Mongols?

1. Nomadic world – excellent horsemen & archersa. Lived on herds – meat, milk, traded hides for

grain/vegetablesb. Children ride and use bow from early age

2. Originated in Asian Steppe - Cen. Asian plains3. Political organization

a. Like Bedouins – kin/clan based – combined in confederations when needed

4. Traditional religion = Shamanism - animistic5. Unified 1st by Genghis Khan = Mongol Empire

a. established capital at Karakoram = power shift to E.Asia

III. Mongol Habit of Cultural Adaptation A. Mongols Borrowed Culture

1. written lang. from Turks2. law code from China3. paper currency from China4. new religious beliefs = Buddhism + Islam + Christianity

IV. The Mongol War MachineA. Genghis Khan’s leadership

1. organization, discipline, unity2. directed fighting spirit toward conquest

B. Tumens (divisions) = 10,000 men eachC. New weapons – flaming arrows, gunpowder, siege weaponsD. Superior tactics - trick enemy to attack; then surround &

attack flanksE. Superior skills - Horsemanship and archery skills unmatchedF. Conquer from China to E. Europe G. Few areas out of reach - Mongol failures:

1. W. Europe2. Japan – failed twice3. NE. Africa - defeated by Mamluks4. India – Delhi Sultanate

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Mongol_Empire_map.gif/300px-Mongol_Empire_map.gif

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Mongol Empire at death of Genghis Khan - 1227

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Expansion of Empire after Genghis Khan

V. Impacts of the MongolsA. Silk Road trade reopened/revitalized

1. SR cities like Samarkand and Bukhara flourished2. International contacts increased

B. Pax Mongolica1. Single political authority across vast territory2. Many conquered peoples left to govern themselves3. Increased safety through Central Asia

C. Bubonic Plague “Black Death”1. Spreads west through Mongol world2. Devastates Asia and European pop.

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Black Death Spreads Across Mongol Empire to Europe

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The Geography of the Mongol Empire1. Describe in detail the geographic extent of the Mongol Empire (map 1).

2. Which large regions of Asia generally escaped Mongol rule? Provide some possible explanation for each region (map 1).

3. What role/s do you think the Steppes played in the creation of the Mongol Empire (map 2)?

4. Why do you think Japan avoided invasion? North Africa?

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Mongol Commerce in China and PersiaBriefly summarize (note form) Mongol economic contributions in each region, & create an image representing that contribution.

Contribution: Image:

Contribution: Image:

Contribution: Image:Contribution: Image:

Contribution: Image:

Persia

China

Yuan Dynasty

• Kublai Khan finished conquering the Song dynasty in 1276– Launched two failed

invasions of Japan

• New Social Hierarchy– Mongols; foreigners;

northern Chinese; Southern Chinese

• Ended exam system

• Favored merchants & peasants over elites

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Fall of Yuan Dynasty – End of Mongol rule in China

- After Kublai Khan’s death

- Loss of focus on ruling

- White Lotus Sect leads successful rebellion

- Rebel leader founds Ming Dynasty

Overall Decline of the Mongols

• Mongols too few in number• Mongol rule resented• Increase use of firearms

Yuan Social Policies

• Mongols could not settle in China

• Outlawed intermarriage

• Promoted Buddhism & supported Daoism

• Mongol women refused to adopt Chinese customs– Retained influential status

– Resisted footbinding

VI. Last of Mongol LeadersA. Timur – i lang = Timur or Tamerlane

1. Attempted to repeat conquests of G. Khan2. Conquered Cen. Asia, Persia, N. India, S. Russia + parts of Mid. East.3. Expansion ends with Timur’s death4. Decendents ruled Cen. Asia (Samarkand & Bukhara) until 1500’s

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Decline of Mongol rule in

ChinaFall of Yuan

Dynasty

Uprisings and protests among Chinese Scholars

Actions/efforts of White Lotus

Sect

Frequent rebellions

against Mongol rule

After Kublai Khan’s death: loss of focus

on ruling