Warm-up #8


Which achievement from medieval
China was the most important and
why?
From which direction was China
vulnerable from attack? What group
of people lived here?
Empress Wu Reader
 What
was Confucian thought regarding a woman
as leader?
 Confucians thought that having a women rule
would be unnatural.
 Why were women considered relatively free
during the Tang dynasty?
 Women were considered to be relatively free
during this time because they didn’t bind their
feet, were not submissive, and a number of
women contributed in politics and culture.
Empress Wu Reader
What occurred that allowed Wu Zetian to take over
administrative power?
 She took power because her husband was died and her
youngest son became official ruler, she ruled for him. He
later removed himself as emperor and she took over
officially.
 List two ways that Wu Zetain tried to elevate the
position of women.
 She had scholars write biographies of famous women,
gave her relatives high political positions.
 How would you rate Empress Wu’s reign? Provide two
reasons to support your argument.
 Needs option and two supporting details.

The Mongol Conquests
How did the Mongols gain
control of China?
I. Nomads of the Asian Steppe

A. Geography of the Steppe
–Steppe—dry grassland of
Eurasia—provide home for
nomads.
–Two main expanses: Central Asia
to eastern Europe, and Mongolia.
–Steppe has little rain, dramatic
seasonal temperature
differences.
Visual 1 of Asian steppes
B.
Nomadic Life
–Steppe nomads are
pastoralists—herd
domesticated animals.
–skilled horse riders.
–Nomads travel in clans—
kin groups are linked by a
common ancestor.
Visual 2 nomadic tents
 C.
Nomads and Settlements
 Nomads
and people living in settled
communities often interact.
–Some interactions are peaceful like
trade.
–Sometimes interactions are violent
nomads raid towns to seize wealth
and goods.
–Strong state or empire could protect
its lands from these invasions.
II. The Rise of the Mongols
 A.
Genghis Khan Unites the
Mongols
–About 1200, Genghis Khan—
”universal ruler”—unites Mongols.
–In early 1200s, he begins a
campaign of conquest.
–By 1225, Genghis Khan controls
North China and parts of central
Asia.
 B.
Genghis the
Conqueror
–A brilliant
organizer and
strategist.
–Uses brutality to
terrorize his
enemies and
force
surrenders.
III. The Mongol Empire
A. Genghis Khan dies in 1227.
–Successors continue conquests
for 50 years
–By 1279 Kublai Khan (Genghis’
grandson) becomes emperor of
the Yuan Dynasty.
–The Mongols conquer territory
from China to Poland.
B.
The Khanates
–In east, Mongols conquer northern
China and invade Korea.
–In west, Mongols take Kiev and
threaten Vienna and Venice.
–In 1250s, Mongols turn their
attention to Persia.
–By 1260, Mongol Empire split into
khanates of four regions.
 Khanate
of the Great Khan
 Khanate
of the Golden Horde
(Mongolia & China)
(Russia)
 Chagatai
Khanate
 Ilkhanate (Persia)
(Central Asia)
C.
The Mongols as Rulers
–Mongol rulers are tolerant of other
peoples and cultures.
–Some Mongols adopt local ways,
leading to a split among khanates.
D.
The Mongol Peace
–Peaceful period from mid-1200s
to mid-1300s is called Pax
Mongolica.
–There was much east-west trade
and exchange of ideas during this
period.
Homework
 Finish
Notes
 Read Chapter 7.4