The Mongol Expansion

  Chapter 15.3 The Mongols in China (pages ) Chapter 15.3 The Mongols in China (pages ) Recreate this Chart in your notes

The Mongol Expansion The Mongols, a nomadic people from the steppe, conquer settled societies across much of Asia.

Nomads of the Asian Steppe  Geography of the Steppe –Steppe—dry grassland of Eurasia— provides home for nomads. –Two main expanses: Central Asia to eastern Europe, and Mongolia. –Steppe has little rain, dramatic seasonal temperature differences.

Visual 1 of Asian steppes

 The Nomadic Way of Life –Steppe nomads are pastoralists—herd domesticated animals. –Way of life teaches Asian nomads to be skilled horse riders. –Nomads travel in clans—kin groups are linked by a common ancestor.

Visual 2 nomadic tents

 Steppe Nomads and Settled Societies –Nomads and people living in settled communities often interact. –Some interactions are peaceful, as in trade. –Sometimes nomads raid towns and cities to seize wealth and goods. –Strong state or empire could protect its lands from these invasions.

Genghis Khan timeline  Describing: Complete the time line with details about Genghis Khan and the Mongol invaders.  1206:___________________________________  1211:___________________________________  1227:___________________________________  1260: _________________________________ Recreate this Chart in your notes

The Rise of the Mongols  Genghis Khan Unites the Mongols –A.D A meeting of Mongol leaders in the Gobi desert results in Temujin begin elected Genghis Khan or “strong ruler” – uniting the Mongol clans

–In early 1200s, he begins a campaign of conquest. –In 1211 thousands of Mongol horsemen invade China –By 1225, Genghis Khan controls central Asia, including the Silk Road

 Genghis the Conqueror –A brilliant organizer and strategist. –Uses brutality to terrorize his enemies and force surrenders.

The Mongol Empire  Death and Succession –Genghis Khan dies in –The Mongols conquer territory from China to Poland. –Sons take over and split up territories and army-Successors continue conquests for 50 years.

 The Khanates –In east, Mongols conquer northern China and invade Korea. –In west, Mongols take Kiev and threaten Vienna and Venice. –In 1250s, Mongols turn their attention to Persia. –By 1260, Mongol Empire split into khanates of four regions.

khanates of four regions   Khanate of the Great Khan (Mongolia & China)   Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia)   Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia)   Ilkhanate (Persia)

 The Mongols as Rulers –Mongol rulers are tolerant of other peoples and cultures. –Some Mongols adopt local ways, leading to a split among khanates.  The Mongol Peace –Peaceful period from mid-1200s to mid- 1300s is called Pax Mongolica. –There was much east-west trade and exchange of ideas during this period.

 Evaluating: Were the Mongols good or bad rulers of the Chinese empire? Give examples to support your answer. _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

Marco Polo  Supposedly traveled the Silk Road in 1271AD.  Wrote down his journey’s.  Inspires Future European Explorers  After his Journey’s The Silk Road Closes for the next 200 years due to the fall of China’s Empire. Makes the Road too dangerous to travel  Read page 428  Answer the Progress Check question on page 429