Mongol Empire Dbq Analysis

As empires rise and fall, a select few leave their mark on history. Some are remembered as the unifiers and peacemakers, the ones who developed society for the better. Others are remembered as the destroyers, those who coveted power and glory enough to slay and destroy anything and anyone in their path. In the 13th century, the Mongols, a people from the northern steppes of Asia, left their mark on history under the leadership of Genghis Khan (McDougal Littel). Genghis Khan ruled the Mongols as a fierce and powerful warlord but he also unified the people and created a prosperous empire. Today, he and his successor’s success in unifying Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Eastern Asia must be seen as the legacy of interconnectedness and authority …show more content…
This legacy was established when Genghis Khan created a strong, strict ruling system. First, Genghis Khan instituted an authoritative presence in his army. As written by John of Plano Carpini, “Genghis Khan ordained that the army should be organized in… a way that over ten men should beset one man… Two or three chiefs are in command of the whole army, yet in such a way that one holds the supreme command” (Doc. 2). Here, the writer expresses the detailed and highly efficient way the Mongolian leader, Genghis Khan, ensured his army would always be under his control and would always have a commander to lead it. By doing this, Genghis Khan instituted his authority in the army and later on as a ruler, leaving behind a legacy of authority which he is still remembered for today. Another example of this highly authoritative government the Mongols created is seen in the behaviors of the people under their rule. According to several primary accounts, people feared the severity of Mongol law to such a degree that strife, murder, adultery, and theft no longer existed under Genghis Khan’s rule (Doc. 7). This proves that the Mongolians had such a strong authority and ruling system that they were able to virtually wipe out criminal activity. This is especially significant because it occurred under Genghis Khan’s rule, and shows that he began the pattern of a strong Mongolian legal system which administered the populace effectively. In the same document, the absence of theft is expressed once more. The writer remarks on how any animal left astray in the street would not be touched or tampered with due to the severity of the Mongolian penal system (Doc. 7). This shows that the Mongolians were able to institute such a strong authority that they are still remembered for today through harsh laws. This is important