Task 3. Mongol guide to world domination
Over a period of 70 years, the Mongols created an empire five times the size of the Roman empire.
But how did they do it?
We are going to create a 5 step guide for empire builders, based on the strategies of the Mongols. You ill need to describe how the Mongols used each strategy to build their empire.
Include the following information in your world domination guide.
Describe each of the five steps (see below) to world domination in detail.
Use quotes from the sources to illustrate each step.
Quick Writing Plan
Use this structure for your assignment:
Introduction – Who were the Mongols?
Step 1 – Unity
Step 2 – Army
Step 3 – Conquests
Step 4 – Government
Conclusion – Violence or organisation?
1. How to do the Mongol guide to world domination task.
Step 1. Unite the Mongol tribes
How did Genghis unite the Mongol tribes?
Questions.
How did he break traditional clan loyalties?
How did he make loyalty to the leader more powerful than loyalty to tribe?
Why was Mongol unity essential before the expansion?
Explain why uniting the tribes might have failed and why it didn’t.
Sentence starter
Genghis Khan united the tribes by…
Step 2. Organise an unbeatable army
Genghis Khan created a formidable army with the united tribes.
Questions.
How did he organise the Mongol armies into an unbeatable force?
What do you think was the most important advantage. Explain your choice.
Step 3. Conquer everybody with your fast moving armies.
The Mongols conquered vast territories using fast moving cavalry, detailed intelligence gathering, and advanced siege warfare to defeat enemies quickly and efficiently.
Questions.
Use maps to show how fast the army moved to conquer neighbouring kingdoms.
How could extensive intelligence gathering aid the Mongol war plans?
Why would siege warfare be important for a rapidly expanding empire like the Mongols?
Which of these strategies was the most important? Explain your choice.
Sentence starter
The Mongols were successful in battle because…
“Not even a mighty warrior can break a frail arrow when it is multiplied and supported by its fellows. As long as your brothers support one another , your enemies can never gain the victory over you ”
Step 4. Govern the rapidly expanding empire.
The Mongols managed their rapidly expanding empire by allowing local rule, promoting religious tolerance, and using strong communication and administration systems to maintain control.
Use a map to explain the extent of Mongol trade networks that required.
Use examples to describe the benefits of successfully managing the empire and making it safe.
Use evidence from the sources to explain the importance of the following strategies for managing the new Empire.
Religious tolerance
Use of local rulers
Taxation
The Yam communication system
4. Explain which of the four was the most important strategy for managing the expanding empire.
Sentence starter
The Mongols managed their empire by…
“Not even a mighty warrior can break a frail arrow when it is multiplied and supported by its fellows. As long as your brothers support one another , your enemies can never gain the victory over you ”
Step 5. Final judgement on the Mongol Empire.
Historians argue whether the Mongols were more successful because of their military violence or their organisation and governance. Use examples from your investigation of the Mongol conquests and how they ruled their empire to support your opinion of the final questions.
Was the Mongol Empire built more on violence or organisation?
Explain why one factor was more important than the other.
