Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Learning Goal: How is the Yuan Dynasty similar and
different from others we’ve studied?
DO NOW: Check vocabulary definitions 6-10
Agenda:
1. Check vocab. & HW “The Mongols & Yuan Dynasty”
2. Advising Kublai Khan (writing)
Homework: Study vocabulary for QUIZ on Mongols on
Thursday
6. Khanate (noun) regions of the Mongol empire
ruled by different descendants of the Khan
Significance: Divided the empire into parts;
created competition at times of succession
7. Pax Mongolica (noun) period of stability and
order under Mongol rule (11th & 12th century)
Significance: Increased trade; brought Chinese
ideas west
8.
Kublai Khan
Mongol emperor born in
1215; grandson of Genghis
Khan
Significance: Conquered
China; Ruled Yuan
Dynasty 1260-1294
9. Marco Polo
famous Italian trader who
served Kublai Khan for 17
years (1275-1292)
Significance: Returned to Europe
with descriptions of China’s
great empire
10. Yuan Dynasty: Mongol Empire in China
under Kublai Khan (1279-1368)
Significance: set up a Chinese-style government
with foreign advisors
C-Note HW: The Mongols & Yuan Dynasty
was due Thursday 5/21
How was Kublai Khan different from other
Mongol rulers?
• Ruled entire empire
• Founded a Chinese dynasty – Yuan
• Abandoned the steppe to live in capital city
What made the Yuan Dynasty powerful under
Kublai Khan’s rule?
• United China
• Opened China to more foreign contact and
trade
• Tolerated Chinese culture, adopted their
government
What were the weaknesses under Kublai
Khan’s rule?
• Forced Koreans to build costly navy
• Failed to conquer Japan by ship]
• Mongols were unsophisticated
• Chinese outnumbered Mongols
Why did Kublai Khan choose foreigners rather
than Chinese people in his government?
• He believed foreigners were more trustworthy
because they had no loyalties (to Mongols or
Chinese)
Why was Marco Polo an important figure to the
Mongols?
• Multi-lingual; served Kublai Khan as a
diplomat for 17 years
• Recorded his experience; one of few primary
sources of the empire
• He believed Yuan Dynasty was the greatest in
the world
What happened after the Yuan Dynasty?
• After Kublai Khan’s death, the Mongol khans
fought each other for throne  weakness
• Chinese rebellions against Mongol rule
• Famine, flood, disease, economic failure
• Chinese overthrew Mongols
How does the Yuan dynasty compare to others
we’ve studied?
• Greatest in size
• Open to foreigners; Multi-cultural
• Maintained century of peace
Advising
Kublai
Khan
Kublai Khan has finally
succeeded in conquering all
of China.
Now he is faced with the
difficult task of governing one
of the most ancient
civilizations in the world.
You are invited to a
conference with the great
Khan to give him advice
about how to rule China.
Advising Kublai Khan
Preparation for the Conference
• Envelopes A-F include the identities of 3
different members of the Yuan Dynasty who
have similar interests.
• Together you will prepare advice to the Great
Khan that includes 1 main idea (thesis) and 2
recommendations, and answers one or more of
the questions provided.
• Use the outline and checklist to guide your
thinking.
• Your advice should be based on your roles.
Tasks
Each group member is responsible for
contributing to the creation of the advice.
Then, writing, reading and responding should be
divided amongst the group members:
• The Recorder is responsible for recording the
group’s advice on the outline sheet
• The Presenter is responsible for presenting the
advice at the conference
• The Responder is responsible for responding
to other advisors at the conference with at least
one question and one answer
Advising Kublai Khan
The Conference:
Each advisor will present his/her statement
to the Emperor uninterrupted.
After the advisors have all presented their
ideas, each responder will have a chance
to comment or question one other’s
advisor’s statement.
The Emperor will consider all views and
respond.
Homework
Study Vocabulary #1-10 for Quiz
on Mongols on Thursday