AP World History: The Mongol Empire and the Modern World

Chapter Overview

• Focus on the Mongol Empire’s impact on the modern world.
• Notable quote from Matthew Parris highlights Mongol devastation.
• Essential question: How did Eurasian empires grow and influence trade and communication?

The Mongols and Their World

• Originated as pastoral nomads in Central Asia.
• Known for harsh lifestyle, skilled horse riding, and warfare.
• Surrounding tribes included Tartars, Merkits, and Gurchin.
• Desired wealth from Silk Roads.

Genghis Khan

• Temüjin (1162) united Mongol tribes through alliances and warfare.
• Appointed talented non-family members to key positions.
• Became Genghis Khan in 1202, starting major conquests.
• Conquered Jin Empire, Central Asian Kara-Khitan, and Islamic Khwarazm Empire.

Military Strategies

• Utilized skilled horse riders and short bows.
• Developed efficient command structure and messenger force.
• Adopted technologies and siege weapons from conquered peoples.
• Created a communication system akin to a pony express.

Pax Mongolica

• Established capital at Karakorum.
• Implemented religious tolerance and protection of Silk Roads, boosting trade.
• Attempted to unify empire with a written alphabet (Uyghur).

Expansion Under Genghis Khan's Successors

Batu and the Golden Horde

• Invaded and controlled Russia by indirect rule through tributes.
• Battle of Kulikovo (1380) marked decline of Mongol influence.

Hulagu and the Islamic Heartlands

• Conquered Abbasid territories and destroyed Baghdad in 1258.
• Defeated by Mamluks and Crusaders in 1260.
• Established Ilkhanate, later converted to Islam.

Kublai Khan and the Yuan Dynasty

• Focused on conquering and governing China.
• Established Yuan Dynasty with religious tolerance, fostering trade and prosperity.

Decline of Mongol Power

• Failed expansions and internal fractures led to decline.
• Overthrown by movements like the White Lotus Society.
• Transitioned into new dynasties in regions like Ming China.

Long-Term Impacts

• Largest continuous land empire, significant cultural and technological exchange.
• Spread of bubonic plague via trade and conquest.
• Influenced centralized governance models in Europe and Asia.

Key Terms

• Genghis Khan, Kublai Khan, Batu, Hulagu
• Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, Yuan Dynasty
• Pax Mongolica, Silk Roads
• Uyghur Alphabet, Bubonic Plague

Reflection

• Discussed potential early imperialism of Mongols.
• Mongol strategies and governance contained lessons for future empires.

Conclusion

• The Mongol Empire's influence on world trade, culture, and governance was profound and lasting despite its reputation for brutality.