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The Mongols. Chapter 12 Sections 2 and 3. Mongol Conquests. Nomadic Life Did not wander; followed seasonal patterns and returned to areas to feed animals Used horses and were skilled on them Traveled in clans; multiple clans joined together when larger force was needed.
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The Mongols Chapter 12 Sections 2 and 3
Mongol Conquests • Nomadic Life • Did not wander; followed seasonal patterns and returned to areas to feed animals • Used horses and were skilled on them • Traveled in clans; multiple clans joined together when larger force was needed • Geography of the Steppe • Temperatures range from -57 F in the winter to 96F in the summer • Windy, with very little rain • Very poor farmland encouraged Nomadic Life
Review/Preview • Dry, windswept land was poor for farming • Often groups engaged in peaceful trade, however sometimes nomadic clans would raid villages or if empire was weak over run entire empire • Why were the people of the Steppe nomadic? • How might the nomadic people interact with settled societies?
Genghis Khan • Around 1200 Temujun began uniting the Mongol clans by defeating rivals • 1206 assumes the name Genghis Khan, which means “universal ruler” • Sought to conquer Asia
How Genghis won • Organization • 10,000 man armies; 1,000 man brigades; 100 man companies; 10 man squads • Strategy • Used various techniques to confuse enemies • Cruelty • Used cruelty and fear to get many to surrender without a fight
The Mongol Empire • Even after Genghis died, conquering continued till Mongols had largest Empire ever; From China to Poland • Division • 4 regions or khanates • Khanate of the Great Khan (Mongolia and China) • Khanate of Chagatai (Central Asia) • Khanate of Ilkhanate (Persia) • Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia)
Rulers • Many areas never recovered because the Mongols destroyed so much land or the population decreased greatly • Tolerant in Peace • Did not impose beliefs on people; some Mongol leaders even converted to culture of people they ruled
Pax Mongolia • Mid 1200’s –Mid 1300’s • Trade Caravans, travelers and missionaries could travel safely from one empire to another • Ideas and inventions spread rapidly during this time (Gunpowder reached Europe) • Some believe the bubonic plague also reached Europe from Asia by Mongol troops during this time
Review Questions • Why were the peoples of the Steppe nomadic? • How might a clan system be suitable for a nomadic society? • What factors would someone trying to unify clans need to consider? • What are advantages and disadvantages to using cruelty as a weapon? • Why would the Mongols concern themselves with the safe passage of traders?
Kublai Khan • Grandson of Genghis Khan; assumed title Great Khan in 1260 • Sought to control all of China • 1279 first foreigner to rule all of China • Started the Yuan Dynasty
Why is Kublai Khan important? • United all of China for first time in more than 300 years • For this he is considered a great emperor • Because the Mongols controlled such a large area China is opened to greater Foreign contacts and trade • Tolerated Chinese Culture and made few changes to the system of Government
Emperor Kublai Khan • Unlike other Mongol Leaders Kublai leaves Mongolia and the nomadic lifestyle • Moves to Beijing and enjoys luxuries • Attempts to invade Japan in 1274 and 1281 • Were defeated both times
Government under Kublai • Mongols and Chinese live apart and obeyed different laws • High Government positions went to Mongols or Foreigners • Foreigners were trusted more than Chinese because they did not have local ties • Local positions were left to the Chinese
Foreign Trade • Marco Polo • Son of a trader that traveled the Silk Roads • Worked in Kublai’s Court for 17 • Told stories of China in Europe • Said China was the greatest civilization in the world • Increased Under Kublai Khan • Largely due to Pax Mongolia • Chinese Silks and Porcelain were shipped to Western Europe and Western Asia • Printing, gunpowder, compass, paper currency and playing cards also brought to Europe
End of Mongol Rule • Over spending and failed conquests hurt Kublai Khan • When he dies family fights over who will follow • Chinese do not like Mongol rule • Started rebellions • Famine, Flood, disease, economic problems and government corruption also occurred
End of Mongol Rule • 1368 Mongols overthrown in China • Leads to Ming dynasty • Other Khanates ended in 1300 and 1400’s
Review • Why didn’t the Mongols try to adapt Chinese culture? • Proud of their own culture, Chinese did not accept them • What factors led to the Yuan Dynasty’s downfall? • Overexpansion, military defeats, heavy Taxation, resentment from Chinese, fighting within the family, natural disasters, corruption
Feudal Powers in Japan • Describe three major events in early Japanese History. • 400s • Yamamoto the leading Clan • Mid 700s • Court accepts Buddhism • 11th century • Feudalism