The Mongols

Genghis Khan is Recognized as Supreme Leader

1206

The recognition of Genghis Khan led to the beginning of the Mongolian Empire. In the West, Genghis Khan means "Universal Ruler." The Mongol aristocracy was not doing them well and the Khans were going to change that. Mongolian farmers needed land because their cattle were eating all the natural vegetation. To acquire land, the Mongols began to conquer Asia.

Mongols Take Beijing

1215

They cut off supplies to not allow the Chinese within Beijing to resupply with food and other supplies. The people of Beijing fell weak and were sieged by the Mongols. Genghis Khan taking over Beijing was the first big step in their conquest.

The Mongols Take Down the Khwārezm-Shāh Dynasty

1221

The campaign started in 1219 when Genghis sought further control over China. The Khwarazmian Empire was the perfect target for the Mongol Empire. The Mongols invaded the cities and destroyed everything and everyone. They wanted fear to rise from their empire as they took down city after city.

First Encounter With Russians

1223

The Mongols were severely outnumbered in comparison to the Russians. The Mongols used various tactics to win the battle over the Russians. Russians saw what the Mongols could do and the Mongols would further pursue the Russians in later years.

The State of Tangut is Destroyed

1227

The Tangut State was under the command of the Mongol Empire. But, Tangut refused to provide military support to the Mongols. Since the Tangut State didn't give support, the Mongols laid siege to them.

Genghis Dies

Aug 18, 1227

Genghis dies as the campaign on Tangut State nears an end. The Mongol Empire is at the height of its successes. The Mongols had a good foundation to continue the empire, but it would fragment more and more over the years.

Ögedei is the Leader of the Mongols

1229

Ögedei was the first son to take the throne from Genghis. Ögedei made great changes to the economy including standardized taxes, postal systems, and established trade routes. As the Empire was crumbling after the death of his father's death, he attempted to centralize the empire again.

Batu's Campaign Began

1235

Batu went on to conquer the lands of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, and the Baltic states. Ryazan refused to surrender, which initialized the attack by the Mongols on the Russian cities. They took control of many of the land, but they still had more large cities to conquer in 1239.

Batu Burns Down Kyiv

1240

Nearing the end of Batu's campaign, he had few cities left to conquer. One last major city in Russia was Kyiv. Batu led the army to burn the last cities and most importantly Kyiv. The burning of Kyiv displayed the dominance of the Mongols within the Russian lands.

Ögödei Dies

1241

Campaigns were going on in Europe at his time of death. The military was halted in the midst of their campaign, while they tried to appoint new leadership. A council required all leader of Mongolia to return to appoint the next Great Khan.

Güyük Becomes Great Khan

1246

Güyük took power and tried his best to fix the fragmented empire. Batu Khan was creating problems by becoming independent. Güyük had diplomatic relations maintained with European powers throughout his reign.

Güyük Dies

1248

Güyük was on his way to confront Batu when Güyük suddenly died. Güyük was very authoritative and punished anyone who was unloyal. He was set on power and less on tradition leading him to be known for his high authority.

The Conquest of the Abbasid Caliphate

1257

Hulagu led the Mongols into Abbasid territory under the command of Möngke. The caliph gave little resistance to the Mongols. The campaign was very short since there was little effort to stop the Mongols.

Mongols Take Baghdad

1258

The Mongols took quite an easy siege in comparison to others. Baghdad marked the end of the Abbasid campaign. The Mongols took the Caliphate and changed their control over the Muslim territory.

Möngke Dies

1259

The death of Möngke sparked up a civil war that 4 years. His brothers Kublai and Ariq both wanted to be the next Great Khan. The military expansion was brought to a halt and campaigns were postponed due to this at-home conflict.

Kublai Moves the Capital to Beijing

1260

Kublai ends up being the Great Khan after Möngke's death. He changes the capital of the Mongol Empire to Beijing. He switched the capital mainly to hold control over the Chinese territories. It was also a great place for trade, so he had to change location to help the economy.

Mongols End the Song Dynasty

1279

Song's Chancellor denied peace with the Mongols and instead prepared for them to attack. Many of the Song Generals surrendered themselves, as they didn't trust their leader. The Mongols attacked them on many fronts, which overwhelmed the Chinese and allowed the Mongols to take control.

The Mongols Enabled Peace

1279

The Mongols conquered many lands and decided to stop. During the Pax Mongolica, the Mongols were able to walk freely across their lands with trade. They maintained peace until the end of their empire.

Kublai Dies

1294

Kublai made his best efforts to repair the empire that was falling apart. He replaced many of the merchants who were in government positions with Chinese officials who helped restore the economy. He was also able to enable the Pax Mongolia, which allowed for trade to thrive.

End of the Mongol Empire

1368

The mass expansion of the Khanates made the Mongol Empire die over time after the death of Genghis. Each one of the Khanates grew weaker as each leader died. There was too much land to manage, so the empire became overwhelmed. The end of the great empire meant means for new governments to rise.