Unit 2 DBQ

Historical context.

From 1180 to 3000 CE the Mongol Empire was rapidly expanding under the rule of Chinggis Khan, stretching from China to Eastern Asia making it the largest empire in human history. The mongols grew by using military force, demanding their conquered peoples serve as laborers. Additionally the Mongols conquered a region that incorporated almost the entire Silk Road network creating an increaslying interconnected world through the exchange of goods. Trade along the silk roads enabled the spread of religious ideas, technological innovations, disease, plants, and animals, developing major cities like Bakhara, Samarkand, and Khotan.

topic sentence 1

One reason The Mongol Empire was beneficial because it encouraged trade, also spreading knowledge and ideas

document 6

As shown in document 6, Mongol rule establish an era of peace, security, and order known as the Pax Mongolica across Eurasia. The Pax Mongolica encouraged trade by protecting merchants and reducing risks, like robbery associated with long distance trade. As a result cities along the caravan routes like Persia, Armenia-Georgia, and China flourished as part of the tax-free customs zones preserved by the Pax Mongolica.

document 9

As displayed in document 9 the Mongol Empire encompassed about 12.74 million square miles in comparison to the United States which is about 3.038 million square miles. During this time period Eurasia was united under one economic and political system. The Mongols brought all regions into a single interacting network that enabled the circulation of goods, information, disease, and styles of warfare.

document 7

As stated in document 7 the Mongols established a postal system used by Kubilai Khan to enhance the efficiency of the spread of messages across the empire. This document was written by Marco Polo, an Italian merchant likely to express praise for the postal system as he served Kubilai Khan in several capacities including as an ambassador. Messengers could travel rapidly, covering significant distances with the vast number of horses and posts involved to spread their information.

topic sentence 2

The Mongol Empire encouraged the spread of culture while remaining tolerant of religions.

document 1

As depicted in document 1 the Mongol Empire enabled the spread of culture and various innovations. Mongol armies were better led, organized, and disciplined than those of their opponents, also borrowing techniques and technologies from other cultures. Mongol soldiers utilized silk undershirts, a novelty learned from the Chinese in battle. This innovation was significant because when soldiers were struck by arrows, the arrow was unlikely to pass through the closely-woven silk to enter the skin. This is further supported by other Chinese innovations such as printing, gunpowder, and compasses spreading westward. In addition there was a spread of plants and crops such as lemons and carrots.

document 8

As shown in document 8 the Mongols were extremely tolerant of other religions and traditions. This document was written by one of the first Europeans to visit the Mongol city of Karakorum, likely written to report how Mongol leaders engaged with representatives of other religions (Christianity + Islam), specifically under the rule of Mongke Khan. Mongke Khan states how the Mongols are monotheistic but they believe others may follow different paths. This is reinforced by the capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum having places of worship for Buddhists, Daosists, Muslims, and Christians.

topic sentence of conclusion

In conclusion the Mongols were a largely beneficial force across Eurasia.

restate thesis

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complexity

However, while the Mongols are credited with fostering trade, cultural exchange, and the connection of regions, there are also extreme downsides that came with Mongol rule. Mongol conquests were marked by immense violence, resulting in the devastation of cities and drastic loss of knowledge, such as the destruction of The House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Additionally as the Silk Roads facilitated mass amounts of trade it also rapidly spread the plague, claiming enormous numbers of human victims.