3.1 Genghis Khan AP World History

What advantages might a nomadic, horse-riding culture have when invading a settled, agricultural empire?

Potential advantages include superior mobility for quick attacks and the ability to conduct raids effectively.

What was the Mongol Empire known for in terms of territorial expansion?

The Mongol Empire conquered almost all of Asia within a century.

Which dynasties are mentioned in relation to the history of China?

Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing.

What significant technological advancement did the Song Dynasty contribute to?

The Song Dynasty was the first to use gunpowder technology for rudimentary cannons and firearms.

What is Champa Rice and why was it significant during the Song Dynasty?

Champa Rice is a special strain of rice that produces almost twice as much as previous strains, significantly increasing the population.

What cultural practice became prominent among noble women during the Song Dynasty?

Foot Binding, which involved binding women's feet to make them smaller and more 'ladylike'.

When did foot binding become illegal in China?

Foot binding became illegal in 1911 with the fall of the final Chinese Dynasty.

What was the impact of Champa Rice on the population during the Song Dynasty?

At its height, the Song Dynasty had roughly a third of the world's total population due to the increased food production from Champa Rice.

What is the significance of the term 'Pax Mongolica'?

Pax Mongolica refers to the period of peace and stability across the Mongol Empire, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange.

What were the main characteristics of the Song Dynasty's military approach?

The Song Dynasty was not very militaristic compared to the Mongols, focusing more on cultural and economic advancements.

What role did Genghis Khan play in Mongol history?

Genghis Khan was the founder of the Mongol Empire and is known for uniting the Mongol tribes and leading the empire's expansion.

What was the cultural influence of the Sinosphere during the time of the Mongols?

The Sinosphere represented the cultural sphere of Chinese influence, which included various dynasties and their interactions with neighboring cultures.

What were some of the key features of the Silk Roads during the Mongol Empire?

The Silk Roads facilitated trade and cultural exchange across Asia, significantly impacting the economies of the regions involved.

What was the significance of the Civil Service Exam in the context of the Song Dynasty?

The Civil Service Exam was a system used to select candidates for the state bureaucracy, promoting meritocracy in governance.

How did the Song Dynasty's approach to governance differ from that of the Mongols?

The Song Dynasty emphasized cultural and economic development, while the Mongols focused on military conquest and expansion.

What was the last dynasty of China and its characteristics?

The Qing Dynasty was the final dynasty, known for its isolationist policies and cultural practices.

What was the primary agricultural focus of the Song Dynasty?

The Song Dynasty focused on rice cultivation, particularly with the introduction of Champa Rice.

What was the impact of isolationist policies in the last Han Dynasty?

Isolationist policies led to reduced trade and cultural exchange with other regions.

What were the main cultural practices during the Song Dynasty?

Cultural practices included advancements in arts, literature, and the introduction of foot binding.

What was the significance of the term 'Dar al-Islam' in the context of cultural influence?

Dar al-Islam refers to the regions where Islam is the dominant religion, influencing trade, culture, and politics.

What was the role of the Yuan Dynasty in Chinese history?

The Yuan Dynasty was established by the Mongols and marked the first time that all of China was ruled by a foreign power.

What year did foot binding become illegal in China?

1911, with the fall of the final Chinese Dynasty.

Which dynasty was taken over by the Manchurian nomads?

The Song Dynasty.

What did the Jurchen Jin Dynasty claim for themselves?

The Mandate of Heaven.

What was the original name of the Manchurians during the Jurchen Jin Dynasty?

Jurchens.

What environment allowed the Mongols to rise to power?

The weakened state of China due to the Manchurians' all-out war.

What was a common characteristic of the Mongols in terms of lifestyle?

They were semi-nomadic, held an oral tradition, used horses for travel, and domesticated herd animals.

What unique rights did Mongol women have compared to women in other cultures?

They were allowed to wear pants, ride horses, hunt, and fight in war.

At what age were Mongolian children taught to ride and shoot?

As early as three years old.

What was the primary belief system of the Mongols?

Shamanistic Animism.

Who was Genghis Khan before he became a ruler?

Temuchin, an ambitious young Mongol.

What title did Temuchin declare for himself?

Genghis Khan, meaning 'ruler of all'.

What administrative strategy did Genghis Khan use to unite the Mongol tribes?

He prized merit and skill over traditional tribal loyalty.

How did Genghis Khan ensure loyalty to the Mongol Empire?

By mixing members of different tribes instead of allowing them to work independently.

What was the Mongols' reputation regarding settlements that refused to surrender?

They were known to respond with overwhelming and cruel force.

What was a common tactic used by the Mongols to intimidate other settlements?

Executing civilians and displaying brutal acts publicly.

What type of home is traditionally associated with Mongolian nomads?

A yurt.

What was the main reason for the Jurchen Jin's rise to power?

They exploited the weaknesses of the Song Dynasty.

What was the relationship between the Song Dynasty and the Jurchen Jin Dynasty?

The Song only ruled in southern China while the Jurchen Jin controlled northern China.

What was a significant cultural aspect of Mongolian women wearing pants?

It indicated their involvement in hunting and herding tasks.

What did Genghis Khan establish in Mongolia?

The Khanate (kingdom) of Mongolia.

What was a major challenge for previous nomadic empires before the Mongols?

Struggling to administer the lands they conquered.

What was the Mongols' method of governance compared to previous nomadic empires?

They focused on merit and skill rather than tribal loyalty.

What percentage of the global population did the Mongol conquests kill?

Roughly 10% of the global population at the time.

What environmental impact did the mass depopulation from the Mongol conquests have?

It may have led to global cooling due to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Which nomadic peoples did the Mongols easily integrate into their empire?

The Turks and Manchus.

What was a key factor that allowed the Mongols to expand their empire?

Working with other nomadic cultures allowed them to invade neighboring regions.

What was the significance of the Mongol Empire at its height?

It became the largest land empire in all of human history.

How did Mongol religious tolerance manifest during their conquests?

Mongols coexisted with various religions, often converting to the faiths of their subjects and demanding blessings from all religions during ceremonies.

What was Pax Mongolica?

A period of peace along the Silk Roads that facilitated trade, allowing safe passage across the empire.

What innovation did the Mongols create to facilitate travel across their empire?

The first passports, which were medallions required for travelers to show to armed patrols.

What communication system did the Mongols establish?

The Pony Express, a relay-race marathon system for delivering messages.

What technology did the Song Dynasty spread through the Silk Roads?

Gunpowder.

What was one of the most infamous diseases that spread along the Silk Roads?

The Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death.

How many people died from the Bubonic Plague across Eurasia?

Roughly a hundred million people.

What historical phrase is associated with sneezing and the Bubonic Plague?

'Bless you,' derived from 'God bless you,' was used to express hope for those who sneezed.

What precaution did Plague Doctors take to protect themselves from the plague?

They stuffed lavender and other herbs in their clothing.

How did the Kingdom of Poland respond to the Bubonic Plague?

They closed their borders and maintained a strict quarantine, resulting in minimal impact from the plague.

What banking innovation did merchants use along the Silk Road?

Merchants could deposit funds at banks and receive a paper stating how much money the bank owed them.

What is 'Flying Cash'?

Paper checks that merchants received, which could easily be lost and 'fly away' in the wind.

What was the impact of Pax Mongolica on trade institutions?

It allowed for the standardization of banking institutions across the Silk Road.

What happened to the Mongol Empire after Genghis Khan's death?

A civil war broke out, splitting the empire into four regional Khanates, which were never united again.

How long did Genghis Khan's empire have stable succession?

For 53 years.

What was the role of Mongol warlords regarding religious figures?

They often forced Christian priests, Muslim imams, and Buddhist monks to travel with their camps.

What was the significance of the armed patrols in the Mongol Empire?

They contributed to the safety and security of trade routes during Pax Mongolica.