1. The Mongol Moment
Chapter 12

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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”

5. 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

6. How the Mongols Conquered
Extremely outnumbered (China 100 to 1)
Mongol success was due to their well-led, organized, disciplined army
a.  military units of 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 warriors
b.  conquered tribes were broken up and scattered among units
c.  tribalism was also weakened by creation of imperial guard
d.  all members of a unit were killed if any deserted in battle
e.  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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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.