Mongol invasion of china
- The invasion of Song China began in 1205, however, it was not complete until 1279 by Ghengis Khan's grandson Kuhbilai Khan.
- The invasion was a long and brutal campaign against the Song.
- As one historian wrote "The Mongols brought violence and destruction to all aspects of China's civilization. [They were] insensitive to Chinese cultural values, distrustful of Chinese influences, and inept heads of Chinese government."
Mongol Rule in China
- Mongol rule was a mixture of ending traditional practices in China and enforcing new social and cultural practices which would become part of Chinese society moving forward.
- Mongols created a strict social structure, placing themselves at the top and Song Chinese on the bottom of society.
- Mongols were not allowed to be friends with or marry non-Mongols.
- Confucianism and the Civil Service Exam were curtailed under the Mongols.
- The Mongols adopted the ideas of the dynastic cycle naming themselves the Yuan Dynasty.
- Artisans and Merchants enjoyed greater social status and ability to move throughout the empire.
- Buddhism and Buddhists monasteries grew in influence under the Mongols, while daoism suffered.
End of Mongol Rule
- Mongol rule was closely linked to military victories.
- The Mongols twice tried to invade Japan but their fleets were destroyed by typhoons (Kamikaze)
- Setbacks on other attempts to expand their control throughout Southeast Asia weakened Mongol rule in China.
- Only after 100 years of rule in China the Mongols were overthrown and replaced by the Ming dynasty.