Download Lesson 3 The Mongol Empire

Lesson 3
The Mongol Empire
MAIN IDEAS
Government The Mongols built a vast empire stretching from Europe
to China.
Government The Mongols kept some features of the Chinese form of
government but did not let Chinese officials have important jobs.
Economics The Mongols encouraged and increased trade and foreign
contacts.
The Mongol Invasion
ESSENTIAL QUESTION How did the Mongols build a vast empire that
stretched from Europe to China?
A Great Leader
• The Mongols were fierce nomadic warriors from northwest of China
- lived in clans; clans joined into independent tribes
• Temujin united tribes around 1206, became Mongolʼs khan, or ruler
- took the name Genghis Khan, or “universal ruler”
- organized and led Mongol warriors in conquest of northern China
• Mongols conquered Central Asia by 1221
The Mongol Empire
• After Genghisʼs death in 1227, his son Ogadai took power
- captured rest of north China, took empire west to Russia, Persia
• Empireʼs four parts, or khanates, ruled by Genghisʼs descendents
• Kublai Khan was Genghisʼs grandson—took over China in 1260
- defeated Song in 1279
- Mongols ruled all of China until 1368
REVIEW QUESTION
What regions did the Mongol leaders conquer?
Chapter 7: China Builds an Empire
World History: Medieval and Early Modern Times 1
Mongol Government
ESSENTIAL QUESTION What features of the Chinese form of government
did the Mongols adopt?
Learning to Rule
• Kublai Khan was first ruler in 300 years to control all of China
- Mongols were first foreign power to rule China
- Kublai ruled for 15 years, died in 1294
• Mongols had little government experience, unlike Chinese
• Kublai kept many aspects of Chinese rule, built capital at Beijing
- declared himself emperor, founded Yuan Dynasty
Maintaining Control
• Kublai did not allow Chinese politicians too much power
- ended civil-service exams
- gave important government jobs to Mongols or trusted foreigners
• Confucian thought still strong in government under Mongol rule
• Kublai improved trade, travel, and contacts with rest of world
- extended Grand Canal, built highway between Beijing and Hangzhou
REVIEW QUESTION
How did the Mongols maintain control of China?
Chapter 7: China Builds an Empire
World History: Medieval and Early Modern Times 2
Opening China to the World
ESSENTIAL QUESTION How did the Mongols encourage trade?
Trade Routes
• Mongols developed sea trade, welcomed foreign visitors
- controlled all of Central Asia during period of Mongol Ascendancy
- made trade routes, overland travel safer
• Caravans moved silks, porcelain, tea on Silk Roads
• Ships brought trade to Chinese ports such as Guangzhou and Fuzhou
Foreign Contacts
• Trade increased contact with Arabia, Persia, India
- European missionaries, diplomats visited China
- foreigners told rest of world about Chinese civilization
• Marco Polo—Italian trader who came to China on Silk Road in 1275
- stayed for 17 years, became assistant to Kublai
- published popular book about his travels in China
REVIEW QUESTION
How did the Mongols promote Chinese contact with the rest of the world?
Lesson Summary
• The Mongols built an enormous empire stretching from China to Europe.
• The Mongols adopted some features of the Chinese style of government.
• The Mongols increased foreign trade, especially along the Silk Roads to
Western markets.
Why It Matters Now…
The contacts between Mongol China and the Arab and Western worlds spread
important ideas and trade goods. Because of this, many Chinese inventions can
be found worldwide today.
Chapter 7: China Builds an Empire
World History: Medieval and Early Modern Times 3