Yuan Dynasty (1279-1367)

POLITICAL CHANGE

Brutal Conquerors-Efficient Rulers

Genghis Khan (1167-1227): Mongol chieftain who devoted 5 years (1204-1209) to the internal organization of the newly unified Mongol state, before launching far-reaching military campaigns against his neighbors. At the time of his death, Genghis Khan had conquered the territory from China to the Caspian Sea

Ogodei (r. 1229-41): Genghis Khan’s son, who succeeded his father in 1229, and led a federation of Mongol chieftains to extend their empire from the Black Sea to the Korean Peninsula. His death contributed to the end of a military movement that might have become worldwide domination.

Kubilai Khan (1215-94): Genghis Khan’s grandson, who established the Yuan Dynasty in China, moving his capital from Mongolia to Dadu (later called Beijing), where he ruled over Mongolia and China.

Non-Chinese Model of Rule:

Khan or kha-ghan (Khan of Khans)

"Bloody tanistry": violent inter-tribal struggle to determine political succession.

Examination system initially NOT important!

INTELLECTUAL CHANGE

Confucianism belittled and its practitioners ignored.

"Silent" Loyalty to fallen Song Dynasty was a Badge of Honor. Many southern Chinese officials refused to serve the new regime.

SOCIAL CHANGE

Social Classes: Mongols, Se-mu (non-Mongolian foreigners), Northern Chinese, Southern Chinese

Marco Polo (1254?-1324?): Venetian trader and adventurer, who traveled between Europe and Asia from 1271 to1295. Accounts of his travels have recently met with scholarly skepticism.

Hereditary households: popular in Yuan, but gone by late Ming

Communes (she) as mutual self-help organizations

CULTURAL CHANGE

Historical Dramas popular during the Yuan.

Increased literacy spreads literature.