Wait For It...The Mongols!: Crash Course World History #17

CrashCourse2 minutes read

The Mongols, known for their rapid conquests and establishment of nations like Russia and Korea, are credited with smashing the feudal system, fostering religious tolerance, and creating a significant free trade zone. Despite their military prowess and contributions to cross-Eurasian trade, the Mongols' brutal conquest methods, short-lived empire, and ethical concerns prompt varied perspectives on their legacy.

Insights

  • The Mongols, often portrayed as fierce conquerors, are credited with revolutionizing governance by breaking down feudal systems, promoting international law, and fostering religious tolerance, establishing a vast free trade network in the process.
  • Genghis Khan's leadership style, emphasizing merit-based promotions, unification of Mongol tribes, and integration of conquered peoples, led to the rapid expansion of the Mongol Empire across Eurasia, setting the stage for subsequent rulers to further extend their territories and create distinct Khanates post his death.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Genghis Khan?

    A Mongol leader who united tribes and conquered lands.

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Summary

00:00

Mongols: Conquests, Legacy, and Influence

  • The Mongols, often stereotyped as brutal warriors, are also recognized for their rapid conquests, surpassing the Romans in land acquisition and creating nations like Russia and Korea.
  • Historians credit the Mongols with smashing the feudal system, establishing international law, and fostering religious tolerance, creating a significant free trade zone.
  • Nomadic herders, like the Mongols, migrate based on climate conditions to feed their flocks, rely on trade due to limited manufacturing, and exhibit toughness and egalitarianism, particularly regarding women.
  • The Mongols, initially residing in Siberian foothills, excelled in archery and horse riding, eventually dominating under Genghis Khan's leadership.
  • Genghis Khan's rise to power involved uniting Mongol confederations through merit-based promotions and integrating conquered lower classes into his tribe, earning peasant loyalty.
  • Genghis Khan's empire expanded significantly during his reign, reaching from Mongolia to the Caspian Sea, with subsequent rulers like Ögedei Khan and Kublai Khan further extending Mongol territories.
  • Post-Genghis Khan's death, the Mongols split into four key Khanates, similar to Alexander the Great's empire division, with each Khanate ruling distinct regions.
  • The Mongols' military prowess, emphasizing speed and archery, enabled their conquests, with their adaptability in siege warfare, adoption of gunpowder, and naval endeavors showcasing their strategic flexibility.
  • The Mongols' impact on cross-Eurasian trade, communication enhancement through the yam system, culinary influence, relocation of skilled individuals, and religious tolerance are recognized as significant contributions.
  • Despite their achievements, the Mongols' brutal conquest methods, short-lived empire, lack of interest in art and architecture, and potential role in spreading the Black Death raise ethical and historical concerns, prompting varied perspectives on their legacy.

10:29

"Crash Course: Interactive History Education Series"

  • Crash Course is produced and directed by Stan Muller, written by Raoul Meyer and another individual, with the Graphics Team being Thought Bubble. The show encourages viewers to suggest future phrases of the week, ask questions, and offers a Mongols shirt for purchase.
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