Exploration of why there are two Mongolias: Inner Mongolia (under China) and Outer Mongolia (independent).
Historical significance of place names and their political and geographical concepts.
Understanding Mongolia
Political and Geographical Concept: First appeared in the 8th century within Chinese historical materials.
Initial Distribution: Mongols were located in northern Mongolia, expanding east to the Daxinganling Mountains.
Historical Timeline
12th Century Events
Jurchens' Jin Kingdom: Defeated the Liao Empire and expanded southwards.
Unification of Mongol Tribes: Under Temujin (Genghis Khan) in 1206, leading to the creation of the Great Mongolian Kingdom.
Mongol Empire Expansion
Conquests: Genghis Khan and his descendants expanded the empire across Eurasia, reaching the largest territory in history by 1279.
Division of Khanates: After the peak, the empire split into four major khanates.
Post-Mongol Empire Era
Yuan Dynasty Fall: Expelled from China in 1368; Mongolians fled back to the Mongolian Plateau.
Division into Eastern and Western: Tatar tribes in the east and Oara in the west emerged.
Emergence of Inner and Outer Mongolia
Manchu Influence: The rise of the Manchus in the late 16th century and their integration of Mongolian tribes.
Conflict with Manchus: Led by Lindan Khan, the Chahar tribe faced challenges from the unified Jurchens.
Qing Dynasty Administration: Establishment of the Mongolian Yamen and incorporation of Mongolian nobles into the Eight Banners system.
Differences Between Inner and Outer Mongolia
Political Structure
Inner Mongolia: Managed under the Manchu system, where social and political order integrated into the Eight Banners.
Outer Mongolia: Retained a hereditary system with autonomy, differing from Inner Mongolia's structure.
Religious Differences
Tibetan Buddhism: Both regions primarily follow Tibetan Buddhism but have different living Buddhas recognized in each area.
Cultural Practices: Distinct living traditions and practices between the two regions.
20th Century Developments
Republic of China Era
Political Separation: After the Qing abdication in 1912, Mongol elites sought independence, leading to a divided Mongolia.
Influence of External Powers: Outer Mongolia received support from Russia, while Inner Mongolia collaborated with the Republic of China.
World War II Aftermath
Post-War Opportunities for Reunification: Potential for unification under Soviet influence, blocked by Stalin’s concerns over pan-Mongolian nationalism.
Conclusion
Historical Accumulation: The division of Mongolia is a historical result rather than a product of individual will.
Legacy of Genghis Khan: The Mongolian identity, once unified, fragmented due to political changes and external pressures.
Current Status: Inner and Outer Mongolia remain distinct entities, shaped by historical events and international politics.