Mongol Rise 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 to the rise of the Mongolian
Empire would greatly improve our world and sustain it for many years to come.
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.
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.
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.
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
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"*.
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".