History Chapter 18 Flashcards

Mongol Empire and Central Asia

• Karakorum served as the central capital for the Mongols, highlighting the significance of their governance.
• The Mongols established the largest empire in history, showcasing their expansive conquests and influence.
• Invasions by nomadic Turkish and Mongol tribes between the 11th and 15th centuries enhanced cultural exchange and communication across regions.
• Central Asian societies did not develop homogeneously due to the diverse and fragmented nature of the Turkish peoples.

Environment and Lifestyle

• The environment of Central Asia presents challenges for agriculture, characterized by insufficient rainfall for large-scale farming.
• Nomadic Turks primarily lived in yurts, which are portable tents suited for their migratory lifestyle.
• Kumiss, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented mare's milk, was commonly consumed among the nomadic tribes.

Social Structure and Religion

• Nomadic societies displayed a fluid class structure, allowing individuals to rise and fall in social status.
• The noble class within these societies also exhibited mobility, providing pathways for individuals to gain or lose status.
• Shamanism was the earliest known religion among Turkish peoples, with later conversions to Islam beginning in the 10th century near the Abbasid Empire.
• Hinduism did not gain popularity among nomadic Turkish tribes, contrasting with the rise of Islam.

Military and Political Developments

• Political authority among khans relied on indirect governance through allied tribal leaders, reflecting a decentralized power structure.
• Military prowess was largely based on cavalry forces, emphasizing the importance of mounted combat in Turkish military strategy.
• The term "Sultan," meaning "chieftain," arose as a title of authority during this period, with Tugril Beg recognized as sultan by the Abbasid caliph in 1055.
• The Saljuq Turks achieved a significant military victory over the Byzantines at Manzikert in 1071.

Expansion and Influence of the Mongols

• Mahmud of Ghazni, a Ghaznavid Turkish leader, gained notoriety for plundering India in the 11th century, driven by his desire for wealth.
• The Delhi sultans declared authority over all of northern India, expanding Islamic influence in the region.
• In 1206, Temujin was given the title "Chinggis Khan," or "universal ruler," marking the foundation of the Mongol Empire.
• Chinggis Khan restructured military units by removing tribal affiliations to enhance loyalty and effectiveness.

Territorial Control and Activities

• The Mongol capital in China shifted to Khanbaliq after 1215, a key administrative center for the empire.
• The incursion into Persia in 1219 was a direct retaliation for the Khwarazm shah's actions against Mongol envoys.
• The Chaghatai khans governed Central Asia, reinforcing Mongol dominance in the region.
• Khubilai Khan proclaimed the Yuan dynasty in 1279, transitioning Chinese governance.

Cultural Exchange and Conquests

• Marco Polo spent nearly two decades at Khubilai Khan’s court, signifying the cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia.
• Khubilai Khan promoted a diverse religious policy, supporting Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Mongol military campaigns struggled with conquests in Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, and Japan, illustrating limitations in their reach.

Economic and Social Impact

• The Mongol naval expedition against Japan in 1281 marked one of the largest seaborne military operations before World War II.
• The Golden Horde dominated Russia from the 13th to the 15th centuries, affecting the region's development.
• The establishment of the Mongol Ilkhanate in Persia by Hulegu in 1258 was a pivotal moment in regional control.
• Under Mongol rule in China, a ban on Mongol language instruction was imposed on the Chinese populace.

Decline and Legacy

• Long-distance trade became less hazardous due to the stability provided by Mongol control, fostering economic interactions.
• Despite their integration efforts, the Mongols did not establish a common state religion across their empire.
• The Ilkhanate faced rapid decline in the 1290s due to the introduction of paper money, leading to economic instability.
• The devastation from the bubonic plague contributed significantly to the collapse of the Yuan dynasty in the 14th century.
• Tamerlane, in the late 14th century, weakened the Golden Horde and launched campaigns in India and Southwest Asia.
• Samarkand emerged as the capital of Tamerlane's empire, reflecting its importance as a cultural and economic center.
• Osman is recognized as the founder of the Ottoman Turks, marking the beginning of a powerful dynasty in the region.