AP World History: Mongol Empire and the Modern World

Essential Questions

• How did Eurasian empires grow over time?
• How did their expansion influence trade and communication?

Background

• Mongols: Central Asian nomads known for devastating conquests in the 13th century.
• Known for both destruction and promoting interregional connections.

Mongol Culture and Society

• Nomadic lifestyle: harsh life on Asian steppes.
• Lived north of Gobi Desert; herded animals and were hunter-foragers.
• Horse riding and courage in warfare were highly valued.

Genghis Khan

• Temujin (b. 1162): United Mongol tribes, formed alliances.
• Became Genghis Khan in 1202.
• Focused on loyalty; appointed talented individuals regardless of family.
• Conquered vast territories from North China Sea to eastern Persia.

Military Strategies

• Strong riders and skilled archers.
• Developed efficient command structure with a messenger force.
• Used feigned retreats to outflank enemies.
• Incorporated conquered peoples' technologies.

Governance and Peace

• Established the capital at Karakorum.
• Promoted religious tolerance and integrated captives into society.
• Pax Mongolica: Period of peace and increased trade along Silk Roads.

Expansion and Khanates

• Batu and the Golden Horde: Invaded Russia, known for tributes system.
• Mongols ruled indirectly, enriching and influencing Russian military.
• Hulagu and the Ilkhanate: Expanded into Middle East, converted to Islam.
• Kublai Khan and the Yuan Dynasty: Conquered China, established Yuan Dynasty.

Decline of Mongol Power

• Mongols alienated Chinese by favoring foreigners in government.
• Failed expansions and revolts (e.g., White Lotus Society).
• Overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in 1368.

Long-Term Impact

• Largest land empire in history.
• Revitalized interregional trade and cultural exchange.
• Facilitated spread of technologies and the bubonic plague.
• Introduced centralized power concepts used in later civilizations.

Key Terms

• Northern China & Central Asia: Genghis Khan, Khanates, Pax Mongolica.
• Russia & Western Europe: Batu, Golden Horde, Moscow.
• Islamic Heartlands: Hulagu, Ilkhanate.
• China: Kublai Khan, Yuan Dynasty, Ming Dynasty.
• Environmental: Gobi Desert.
• Technology: Siege weapons, canon.
• Society: White Lotus Society, Bubonic Plague.

Conclusion

• Mongols were both destructive conquerors and facilitators of cultural exchange.
• Their legacy includes both devastation and enhancements in trade, governance, and technology.