Chapter 8, Lesson 3The Mongols in China

It Matters Because:In the 1200s, Mongols led by

Genghis Khan conquered northern China & regions to the west,

creating the world’s largest land empire.

I. Mongol Expansion

A. Mongols - collection of nomadic tribes from Central Asia

1. Invaded & became 1st non-Chinese group to rule China, mid- 1200s2. Organized in family clans and followed herds on grassy plains of C. Asia called steppes3. Mongols were excellent horsemen4. Fought on horseback

a. attacked with bows & arrows from distanceb. fought with swords & spears close

B. In 1206, Mongol clans elected warrior named Temujin to lead & unite tribes

1. Temujin given title Genghis Khan (“strong ruler”)

2. Conquered tribes on the steppes, recruited new warriors

3. In 1211, invaded N. China, took control of Silk Road

4. Under Genghis Khan, Mongols used terror tacticsa. terror - cruel tactics to cause fear

b. looted & burned cities, slaughtered & tortured women & children

c. many groups surrendered without a fight

I. Mongol Expansion

C. In 1227, Genghis Khan died, empire divided to his sons

1. Mongol conquests continued into E. & C. Europe, Persia2. Took Baghdad, Syria, Palestine; held back at Egypt

D. Mongol Empire was largest land empire in history1. Became wealthy taxing goods on trade routes2. Gained gunpowder from the Chinese

I. Mongol Expansion

II. Conquest of ChinaA. In 1260, Genghis Khan’s grandson, Kublai Khan becomes Mongol ruler

1. Completed conquest of China, built capital at present-day Beijing2. Declared self emperor, ended Song Dynasty, founded Yuan Dynasty (“yuan” means “beginning”)

B. Mongols in China practiced Buddhism1. Kublai Khan encouraged all faiths in empire to practice freely

III. Mongol Trading EmpireA. Marco Polo - Italian explorer & merchant

1. Fascinated Kublai Khan with stories of his travels2. Wrote a book of his travels upon return to Italy

B. Kublai Khan expanded sea trade with Korean-built ships

1. Mongols allowed Korean leaders to remain in control2. Mongols tried two times to invade Japan & failed