Chapters 11-15 Timeline

Politics of Mongol Empire

Period: Nov 19, 1200 to Nov 20, 1400

Thesis - The Mongol Empire remained a powerful force and had competent leaders for much of its existence. However, there were also changes in Mongol politics, such as new leaderships and failed or abandoned conquests.

Chinggis Khan Elected Khagan

Nov 19, 1206

Temujin was renamed Chinggis Khan. One year later, he started his ambitious campaigns. Change - Mongol empire began conquering much of Europe and Asia.

Death of Chinggis Khan

Aug 19, 1227

When Chinggis died, the land was divided among his three sons and one of his grandsons. His youngest son Ogedei was elected grand khan. He was a not as skilled as a military leader as his relatives were, but he was a good diplomat. He became influential in keeping peace among the leaders of each province. Change - Empire split into four sections, grand khan was more skilled in diplomacy than military.

Conquest of South China

Nov 19, 1235

With its many well defended cities, south China was one of the Mongols most difficult conquests. The Song dynasty ended in 1279. Continuity - Mongols succeeded in conquering a nation.

Invasion of Russia

Nov 19, 1236

Under the rule of Batu, the Golden Horde invades Russia. This was a side campaign on the way to Western Europe. While under Mongol influence, Russia experienced some benefits, such as improved military organization. Continuity - Example of conquest and warfare of Mongol Empire.

Death of Ogedei Khan

Dec 11, 1241

When Ogedei died, Batu stopped his Western European campaign to prepare for the succession struggles. He never resumed, so Western Europe was spared from Mongol conquest. Change - Mongols did not conquer some of the land they had their sights on.

Destruction of Baghdad

Nov 19, 1258

Hulegu, ruler of Ilkhan, went of a conquest of Muslim empires. One of the most significant results was Baghdad's capture and destruction, along with Abbasid caliph and about 800,000 more people. This ended the Abbasid caliphate. Continuity - Mongols were strong enough to destroy a very large and important city and end a dynasty that had survived for 500 years.

Mongols Defeated by Mamluk Dynasty

Nov 19, 1260

The Mamluk, or slave, dynasty of Egypt defeats Mongols. The commander of Egyptian forces, Baibars, and many of lieutenants had previously been enslaved by Mongols, but they were able to rise to power through military service. Change - Mongol forces, which were very powerful, had been defeated.

Kublai becomes Great Khan

Nov 19, 1260

When Kublai was elected, he changed the name of his regime in the east to the Yuan. He set about establishing permanent Mongol control. Continuity - Mongols have control over their conquered territories.

Military Expeditions in Japan

Nov 19, 1274

Kublai Khan was rejected by Japanese military lords. He went on expeditions to punish them, but they did not succeed. Their reputation of invincibility suffered. Change - Powerful Mongol forces fail attempted punishment of Japan.

Signs of Dynastic Decline

Nov 19, 1350

Evidence of the Yuan dynasty's decline were clear by the 1350s. Banditry and piracy were common, and the government was unable to put an end to it. People and societies became dedicated to overthrowing the empire. The dynasty became weaker in general after Kublai Khan was succeeded. The Mongol Empire ended in 1368. Change - Weakening and fall of the Mongol Empire.