Greg's+essay

**__Rise of the Mongolian Empire Essay__** //By: Greg Chapman// __Central Question__: What are the most significant lessons that our world today can learn from the __" //rise// "__ of the group of peoples you are studying?

__Thesis Statement:__ The strengths that have helped the rise of the Mongolian Empire would greatly improve our world and sustain it for many years to come.

gggg To this day, the Mongolian Empire between 1206-1368* has been the largest ancient empire in history[|*]. Not only did they expand greatly, but they were able to sustain themselves for 160 years. From here we look closely at what made them rise as an empire. Some methods included their ability to sustain themselves physically and mentally by following rules; a method that is sometimes forgotten by ourselves. Another would be their ability to unite tribes throughout Mongolia, a method which is not seen in modern day conflicts. Lastly, a leader by the name of Genghis Khan, whose decisions for conquering contrast against ideals brought out by our politicians. Therefore, __these strengths that have contributed to the rise of the Mongolian empire would greatly improve our world and sustain it for many years to come.__

gggg First, unlike most of the modern population, the Mongols were able to make sacrifices and follow strict rules to succeed both physically and mentally. When Genghis Khan became supreme ruler of Mongolia in 1206, he made a law called the Yasa[|*]. This law stated that all tribes should follow strict discipline, and be loyal to the Great Khan[|*]. Here Genghis Khan speaks after being named Khan,

 "I will rule them by fixed laws so that rest and happiness shall prevail in the world" Genghis Khan This was true. In addition to the Yasa, Genghis' men had to make physical sacrifices along most of their travels. These included having to drink blood from their horse veins[|*]. In some cases this was described as being very repulsive. But the blood (which was taken in small doses) provided much needed nutrients to sustain them for days[|*]. This led to a very successful empire involving many men who followed orders and made sacrifices. In contrast to these values, our world today is growing with newer technology which limits us from a strict healthy lifestyle. Instead, if we follow rules of diet and make sacrifices for exercise, we can develop a routine. This could result in less medical expenses for health related problems, and less fatigue from laziness. Evidently, the method of discipline can be learned from the Mongols.

ggg Second, the Mongols had skills of negotiating that helped them raise an empire which nowadays is tough to do. Ever since 200 B.C and beyond, Mongolia has been inhabited by different types of peoples. For example around 210 B.C, a group called The Xiongu (Asiatic Huns) were living as nomadic peoples in Mongolia[|*]. However as time passed, the name Xiongu included many other cultures including Turkics, Mongolics, Tokharians, Iranics and much more[|*]. In fact, the ruler at that time named Touman, successfully united all these tribes and led an outbreak against Northern China[|*]. By the beginning of the 12th century, all remaining nomadic tribes in Mongolia were allied with Genghis Khan. This led to a bigger army for their conquests. Even though the tradition of uniting was carried on to the Mongols, our society today has not picked it up too easily. In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq in a hope of bringing //"Peace to the Middle East"// (George Bush, Jan 30, 2005)[|*]. But what they didn't know was that there was 150 nomadic tribes in Iraq which they knew nothing about[|*]. Consequently in Iraq today, war continues between two groups, the Shiites and the Sunnis[|*]. These two groups are spread out unknowingly between the 150 tribes. Despite the number, the Americans have tried to unite them using their military, but they have failed miserably. This mainly is due to the lack of knowledge towards the region. This has led to more chaos and more casualties than started. For the Americans to be successful they must get familiar with the tribes before trying to unite them. This lesson has proved victorious for the Mongols and could still be for the Americans.

gggg Lastly, the Mongols had Genghis Khan, a man with many leadership skills, which is hard to find among today's current politicians. Before the reign of the Great Khan, Mongolia contained many different tribes. It was not until 1206 where we saw Genghis Khan as the 'Great'[|*]. He made everyone feel united and have a part for the future empire. Here he states a message to his followers,

 "Those who were adept and brave fellows I have made military commanders. Those who were quick and nimble I have made herders of horses. Those who were not adept I have given a small whip and sent to be shepherds" Genghis Khan

 Already it can be seen that he was loved. As the campaign continued, he managed to unite more people from China. In the end, he led a group of 10,000 warriors with many units of cavalry as well[|*]. Despite the large number, he kept loyal to each and every man. This was why they followed. Here he states,  "With heavens aid I have conquered for you a huge empire but my life is too short to achieve the conquest of the world. That task is left for you." Genghis Khan

<span class="wiki_link_ext" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> This thought was left with each man when Genghis Khan eventually died in 1227[|*]. Now you can see why Genghis Khan has left a memory on history. But does the memory remind us to follow? No, in fact our politicians today are the complete opposite. Instead of leading attacks like Genghis Khan, our politicians are half way around the world when they make decisions. How loyal is that? From this, we can see why many American troops in Iraq are suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)[| *(PG 82)]. In addition, most politicians don't understand the 'real war' over there[|*]. Thus, if our politicians remain stubborn and scared, than how will we ever succeed. Likewise again, we should learn from Genghis Khan, the "Universal Leader"[|*].

<span style="color: rgb(255, 138, 0);">gggg In conclusion, the Mongolian Empire succeeded under three important principles. The first, being sustainability, the second, the ability to unite tribes and lastly leadership. These are all methods that can help our own lifestyles, our foreign affairs and most importantly our politicians. If we look in the past we see the Mongols having the largest Empire in ancient history. For us, we are left with one question, "Can history repeat itself".

By: Greg Chapman

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