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How the Chinese Defended Against the Mongols - Medieval DOCUMENTARY

Kings and Generals・14 minutes read

The Mongol conquest of China took over sixty years, not an immediate defeat as commonly believed, with various Chinese dynasties employing different defense strategies against nomadic invasions through walls, treaties, and weaponry. The YouTube channel aims to produce up to 25 videos monthly, but due to algorithms, only 3-4 videos are released weekly, with exclusive content for members and patrons available for $5, showcasing early access and behind-the-scenes footage.

Insights

  • The Mongol conquest of China was a prolonged process spanning over sixty years, challenging the common notion of swift Chinese defeat.
  • Chinese dynasties employed a multifaceted defense strategy against nomadic invasions, utilizing border walls, advanced weaponry, and diplomatic efforts, showcasing a complex historical relationship between China and nomadic conquerors.

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Recent questions

  • How long did the Mongol conquest of China take?

    Over sixty years

  • How many videos are released weekly due to YouTube algorithms?

    3-4 videos

  • What benefits do YouTube members and patrons receive?

    Early access, behind-the-scenes content, and more

  • How did Chinese dynasties use border walls?

    Dissuading attacks, signaling enemy movements, controlling trade

  • How did the Song dynasty defend against Mongol invasions?

    Large cities protected by walls and moats, border forts, natural barriers

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Summary

00:00

Mongol Conquest of China: Misconceptions and Strategies

  • The Mongol conquest of China took over sixty years to achieve, contrary to the common belief of immediate Chinese defeat.
  • The channel producing videos reinvests earnings for better content, aiming for up to 25 videos monthly.
  • Due to YouTube algorithms, only 3-4 videos are released weekly to maintain viewership levels.
  • Exclusive videos are available for YouTube members and patrons for $5, offering early access, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
  • Chinggis Khan's invasion of North China in 1211 was part of a long history of conflict between China and nomadic conquerors.
  • The Great Wall of China, built by the Ming Dynasty, was a significant defense structure against nomadic invasions.
  • Chinese dynasties used border walls for dissuading attacks, signaling enemy movements, and controlling trade.
  • Diplomatic gifts and treaties were employed to prevent nomadic invasions, though not always successful.
  • The Liao Dynasty controlled Mongolia through garrisons and a dual administration system.
  • The Jin Dynasty's defense against Mongol attacks involved fortified gates, but poor leadership led to their downfall.

13:42

Song Dynasty's Fierce Defense Against Mongols

  • The Song dynasty in southern China posed a fierce defense against the Mongols, utilizing large cities protected by walls and moats, border forts, and the Yangzi River as natural barriers.
  • The Song employed various defensive weaponry such as counter-artillery catapults, giant cross-bows, fire-lances, and bombs, along with well-armored infantry armed with long spears and shields.
  • Despite fierce resistance and rapid mobilization of Song armies, the Mongols managed to penetrate Song borders, leading to continuous warfare and significant economic costs for the Song dynasty.
  • The Mongols, mobilizing troops from various regions, eventually overpowered the Song dynasty, leading to their conquest in 1279, followed by the Ming dynasty facing subsequent Mongol attacks and disruptions in Mongolia.
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