1. Medieval China and Japan.
‘Bout to get medieval up in here.

2. Genghis Khan and the Mongols
Genghis Khan was the leader of a nomadic tribe named the Mongols from Central Asia
He was a tremendous warrior and general, and under his leadership the Mongols began to conquer much of China.

3. Mongol Peace
Once the Mongols conquered a people, they allowed those people to continue to their cultural practices.
This creates an environment of peace and order. Trade flourishes.

4. Mongols stay apart
It was important to Kublai Khan (Genghis’ son) that the Mongols maintain their culture as well.
He decreed that only Mongols could serve in the military.
He said only Mongols could hold the highest government positions.

5. Marco Polo visits China
He was an Italian explorer and merchant.
He wrote about how rich China was, how great Kublai Khan’s palace was, how great the mail system was, etc. He was pretty impressed.

6. Medieval (Feudal) Japan
First of all, Japan is an archipelago, which means it is a chain of islands.
This made it isolated from other cultures and allowed it to grow without being invaded.

7. Japanese Feudal Society
Around 1200 AD a new societal order evolved in Japan
1. At the top, was the Emperor, but he held little power
2. Next was the Shogun who actually held all the power
3. Then came the Daimyo who were wealthy land owners
4. Then came the Samurai who got small portions of land from the Daimyo
5. Next came the Peasants (75%) of population
6. Finally came the Artists and Merchants