The Mongols and The Mongol Empire

I. Beginnings Mongol people roamed eastern steppe (vast stretch of dry grassland across Eurasia) in loosely organized clans Traditionally a nomadic people Horseback riding an essential part of life 1200 – Temujin, a clan leader, sought to unite Mongols Fought and defeated his rivals 1206 – accepted title “Genghis Khan”, meaning “universal leader”

II. Early Conquests First went after northern China in 1211 Successful in forcing Tangut kingdom to pay tribute Soon turned attention to Central Asia Angered by the murder of Mongol traders and ambassador Gained control by 1225 Why so successful? Highly organized – influenced by how Chinese military was organized Gifted strategist – would often trick/surprise enemy Cruelty as a weapon – believed in terrifying his enemies into surrendering If a city fought back, would be destroyed, people killed or sold into slavery

III. Mongol Empire Genghis established capital at Karakorum on steppes north of China Summoned scholars from all corners of empire Created government framework based on both Muslim and Chinese ideas Creation of written Mongol language for recordkeeping and standardization of laws Mongol rule helped to stabilize some areas – production and trade flourished Period from mid-13th to mid-14th century called Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace) Genghis died in 1227 from illness Third son, Ogedei, elected grand khan – expanded empire to include Russia, much of the Islamic world, and China

III. Continued… Khanates Mongol Map Assignment Mongol empire divided into four regions, or Khanates, ruled by a descendant of Genghis Khanate of the Great Khan Khanate of Chagatai The Ilkhanate Khanate of the Golden Horde Mongol Map Assignment Label and color the four Khanates. List 15 present-day countries that the Khanates once occupied (on back of map).

IV. Kublai Khan 1260 – grandson of Genghis accepts title of “Great Khan” Sought to conquer all of China, succeeded in 1279 Founded the Yuan Dynasty, lasted less than 100 years Reunited all of China (including western and northern regions) Opened China up to more trade/foreign contact Tolerated Chinese culture, made few changes to government Kept Chinese out of higher offices Believed foreigners were more trustworthy, because no local loyalties Changes in society Mongol women refused to adopt policies and practices of Chinese women Ended bureaucratic examination system Merchants and artisans experienced increase in status Reduced peasant taxes, established granary system (food storage)

V. End of Mongol Rule Yuan dynasty in China declines After death of Kublai Khan (1294), Mongols never had as strong of leader Suffered many defeats in Southeast Asia in later years Overtaxed population Rebellions broke out across China, succeeded in overthrowing Yuan in 1368 Beginning of Ming Dynasty Most of Mongol Empire fell apart throughout Eurasia in late 1300s, 1400s for similar reasons