2.2 The Mongol Empire and Modern World

The Mongol Empire - Destroyers or Unifiers?

By Isiah Jones

Open Ended

Look at these two images.

Turn & Talk: How could one empire be described as both a destructive force AND a great unifier?

The Mongol Empire - Destroyers or Unifiers?

By Isiah Jones

Today's Learning Objective: SWBAT evaluate the complex legacy of the Mongol Empire by analyzing its methods of conquest and the effects of the Pax Mongolica.

Success Looks Like: Using evidence to argue whether the Mongols were a force for destruction, connection, or both.

The Mongol Empire - Destroyers or Unifiers?

AP Focus for Today

Theme: Governance (GOV)
We are analyzing how the rise and expansion of states, and their systems of governance, impacted human societies.

Historical Thinking Skill: Causation (Cause & Effect)
We are focusing on identifying and evaluating the short-term causes (military tactics) and long-term effects (Pax Mongolica, cultural diffusion) of the Mongol Empire.

Key Question:
What were the causes of the Mongols' success, and what were the effects of their rule?

• 📖 TEXT: AMSCO_2-2.pdf

  • This is our reading.

• 📝 NOTES: GR: The Mongol Empire: Destruction & Connection

  • This is your guided notes sheet.

Your Task: Use the TEXT to complete the NOTES.

Get Ready! Open These Two Documents

Annotation Guide: Mark the Text as You Read!

• Causes: Mark with C → Why did something happen?

  • Example: Why were the Mongols able to conquer so much?

• Effects: Mark with E → What was the result?

  • Example: What happened because of the Pax Mongolica?

This will help you find evidence for your guided notes faster!

The Mongol War Machine (The Destroyers):

• Expert horseback riders & archers

• Brutal reputation = psychological warfare

• Adapted siege weapons from conquered peoples

Pax Mongolica (The Unifiers):

• "Mongol Peace" (c. 1250-1350)

• Made Silk Roads safe for trade

• Promoted religious tolerance

• Spread technology & ideas

​The Two Sides of the Coin

Open Ended

Based on these notes, why was the Mongols' reputation for brutality actually a strategic advantage?

Our Goal: Learn how to use the text to fill out our notes.
Let's analyze the Golden Horde together using the AMSCO text.

• Step 1: In your GR notes, find the row for the Golden Horde.

• Step 2: Let's look at the text (AMSCO p. 88) to find the information.

  • Leader: Batu

  • Key Action: Ruled Russia through indirect rule (tribute)

  • Long-Term Impact: Forced Russian princes to centralize power, leading to the rise of Moscow

The Khanates (Guided Practice)

Open Ended

Now, use this idea of "indirect rule" to think bigger:

Predict: What might have been different about Russia's development if the Golden Horde had used

DIRECT rule (living there and governing themselves) instead of indirect rule?

(Hint: Look at the "Long-Term Impact" in your notes for a clue!)

• 📖 TEXT: AMSCO_2-2.pdf

  • This is our reading.

• 📝 NOTES: GR: The Mongol Empire: Destruction & Connection

  • This is your guided notes sheet.

Your Task: use your AMSCO text and completed GR notes to analyze the other khanates on your own.

Independent Analysis

Annotation Guide: Mark the Text as You Read!

• Causes: Mark with C → Why did something happen?

  • Example: Why were the Mongols able to conquer so much?

• Effects: Mark with E → What was the result?

  • Example: What happened because of the Pax Mongolica?

This will help you find evidence for your guided notes faster!

Open Ended

First, find your note on the Ilkhanate's actions and religious changes.

Then, analyze: The Ilkhanate conquered Baghdad but later converted to Islam. How does this sequence of events show the complex nature of Mongol rule (that they weren't just destroyers)?

Open Ended

First, review your notes on the Yuan Dynasty's policies (what they did for trade vs. government).

Then, evaluate: The Yuan Dynasty promoted trade but dismantled China's civil service exams. Was this a wise governing strategy for maintaining long-term power?

Defend your position with at least one piece of evidence from your notes.

Open Ended

Overall, I think the Mongol Empire was...

-More destructive than unifying.

-More unifying than destructive.

-An equal mix of both.

Explain your choice in one sentence: