Pastoralism and the Mongols

Flashcards about Pastoralism and the Rise of the Mongolian Empire

Pastoralism

Takes place in areas where farming is difficult, like grasslands.

Pastoralism Location Examples

Inner Eurasian Steppe, Arabian & Saharan Deserts, Sub-Saharan African Grasslands, Subarctic Scandinavia Russia, Tibetan Plateau, Andean Mountains

Pastoralism Social Structure

Typically stresses equality and individual achievement, often without same level of social hierarchies in agrarian societies.

Inner Eurasian Steppes Primary Animals

Horses; also sheep, goats, cattle, Bactrian camel

Arabian and Saharan deserts Primary Animals

Dromedary (one-humped) camel; sometimes sheep

Trade & Diplomacy Between Pastoralists & Other Societies

To some extent, dependent on farming neighbors, often appreciating the 'fruits of civilization,' like manufactured goods and luxury items

Tribal Confederations

Could more efficiently deal with large state neighbors and organize for military conflict.

Difficulties Organizing Large States Among Pastoralists

Lack of surplus wealth for professional armies, lack of bureaucracy, fiercely independent and internal rivalries

Fall of the Song Dynasty

Faced internal weaknesses: corruption, heavy taxation, military inefficiency; split into Jin Dynasty to North & Southern Song to South; politically fragmented and militarily vulnerable; struggled to defend against nomadic invasions despite being technologically advanced.

Rise of the Mongols under Chinggis Khan

Unified Mongol tribes under Temujin (Genghis/Chinggis Khan) in 1206; created a disciplined and mobile cavalry force with superior military tactics; used psychological warfare, espionage, and brutality to defeat enemies.

Mongol Conquest of China

Gradual conquest over decades: Jin Dynasty fell in 1234, Southern Song resisted until 1279.

Kublai Khan

Chinggis Khan’s grandson, completed the conquest and founded the Yuan Dynasty in 1271.

Yuan Dynasty

Marked the first time all of China was ruled by a foreign power; China became part of the vast Pax Mongolica trade network; Mongols favored foreign administrators, limiting native Chinese access to high office; tensions between Mongols and Chinese remained high throughout the Yuan period.