The Mongols & Global The Mongols & Global InteractionsInteractions

AIM for Today: To gain a brief overview AIM for Today: To gain a brief overview of the Mongols and how trading of the Mongols and how trading

became more globalized in the 1200-became more globalized in the 1200-1300’s.1300’s.

3 Main Ideas About the Mongols3 Main Ideas About the Mongols

• They created the largest contiguous land empire in world history, full of diverse lands and peoples.

• Mongol rule provided stability and prosperity.

• Mongol rule encouraged an exchange of goods and ideas between East and West.

• Temujin (a.k.a. Genghis Khan), born in central Asia in the 1100s.

>>He became a courageous warrior and a skilled leader, earning the title of Genghis Khan—”World Emperor.”

The Onon River in Mongolia, where Temujin The Onon River in Mongolia, where Temujin was born and grew up…was born and grew up…

• With well organized and disciplined armies, Genghis Khan (G.K.), took most of Asia—from Korea in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west.

• G.K.’s armies advanced into Persia, India, and northern China.

A Few Reasons for Their SuccessA Few Reasons for Their Success

• G.K.’s armies were skilled horsemen and bowmen.

• They also borrowed new military technology, such as cannons, from the Chinese and the Turks.

• During the time of G.K., the Mongols invaded Eastern Europe, coming within reach of Constantinople.

• After G.K., the Mongols attacked Russia, Hungary, and Poland.

• G.K.’s grandson Batu led Mongol armies known as the Golden Horde in conquering many Russian cities. They ruled from a capital on the Volga River for 240 years.

Asia in 1200 Asia in 1200 CECE

• Kublai Khan was another grandson of Genghis Khan and he completed the job of conquering China.

• He also ruled over Korea, Tibet, and parts of Vietnam.

• Mongol warriors spread terror and destruction, killing countless inhabitants of cities—such as those in modern day Kiev, Ukraine.

• Despite brutality in war, most Mongol leaders ruled with tolerance. For example, Genghis Khan respected academics and artists. Conquered peoples were often allowed to live as before, as long as they paid tribute to the Mongols.

Pax MongoliaPax Mongolia

• Political stability resulting from Mongol rule allowed for the Pax Mongolia—a time of peace during which goods were exchanged between East and West.

• The old Silk Road trade route between China and the Middle East once again provided safe passage and trade flourished (prospered/grew).

• Chinese products then flowed west, including things such as: gunpowder, porcelain, papermaking technology and the use of windmills

• MARCO POLO: An Italian merchant who traveled to Kublai Khan’s court in the late 1200s and remained for many years. His writings introduced many Europeans to the beauty and riches of China.

Undoing of the EmpireUndoing of the Empire

• The immense size of the Mongol Empire proved to be its undoing. Under Genghis Khan’s descendants, the empire was divided into separate, virtually independent states.

• Political rivalries and cultural differences led to disunity (people being separated), and Mongol cohesiveness (to stick together) dissolved. The empire collapsed as the power of the states disintegrated (dissolves) during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Citation: www.encarta.com

• The Mongols also had little experience in government so they chose others to do certain jobs. Some of those people were corrupt or incompetent (someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing).

• In China & Russia, people resented Mongol rule and their desire for independence from foreign rule provoked leaders to overthrow the Mongols.

Atlas Work, April 7Atlas Work, April 7thth::

• The Mongol Empire:1. Turn to pp. 48-492. Read intro. w. bullet pts. together [unless

we already did this]3. How did the Mongol empire change from

the time periods of 1206-1279 & from 1260-1405?

4. What were 3 of the major religions of the empire?

Ming Dynasty in ChinaMing Dynasty in China

1. Turn to p. 50

2. Read intro. w. bullet pts. Together

3. Question B

4. What is one major river in China?

5. One major river in India?

6. What was the first European settlement in China?