why the Mongols were so successful at conquering and influencing the Ming and Russian Empires and other empires

Answer 1

The Mongols were able to achieve remarkable success in conquering and influencing various empires for several reasons:

1. Organizational Skill and Strategic Planning: The Mongols had a highly organized military structure and a unique system known as the "Mongol Military Decimal System." This system enabled them to efficiently mobilize and coordinate their armies over vast distances, maintaining communication and supply lines. They employed a range of strategic tactics, such as surprise attacks, swift cavalry movements, and the use of siege warfare, which enabled them to overcome well-fortified defenses.

2. Superior Cavalry and Military Tactics: The Mongols were renowned for their skilled horseback riding and unmatched horsemanship. They had mastered the art of mounted warfare, using techniques like "feigned retreats" to lure enemy forces into ambushes. The Mongol cavalry was highly agile and adaptive, allowing them to adapt to different terrains and climates, including arid steppes, dense forests, and harsh mountainous regions, granting them a significant advantage in battle.

3. Effective Leadership: The Mongols were led by exceptional military leaders, particularly Genghis Khan and his descendants. The Khan's leadership qualities included strategic vision, unparalleled military knowledge, and the ability to inspire loyalty among his troops. Additionally, their hierarchical system ensured that military leaders were appointed based on merit and skill rather than birthright, which resulted in a highly skilled and motivated army.

4. Psychological Warfare: The Mongols employed various forms of psychological warfare to intimidate their adversaries. They were known for their brutal reputation and sometimes merciless treatment of conquered cities, which often led to quick surrenders. By employing fear and terror as tools of warfare, the Mongols were often successful in minimizing resistance and subduing empires without protracted battles.

5. Inclusionary Policies: Unlike many previous conquerors, the Mongols adopted a relatively inclusive approach to ruling their conquered territories. They often allowed conquered peoples to maintain their customs, religions, and local administration systems. In many cases, they integrated conquered soldiers into their military ranks and even utilized local administrators to govern.

6. Effective Use of Communication Network: The Mongols created an extensive communication network known as the Yam system. This network consisted of well-organized relay stations placed at regular intervals. It enabled them to maintain efficient communication across their vast empire, relaying messages and orders at high speed, enhancing their administrative and military efficiency.

7. Technological Advancements: The Mongols were open to adopting and utilizing advanced technologies from the civilizations they conquered. For instance, they effectively employed Chinese siege machinery and engineers in their conquests, which greatly enhanced their military capabilities.

8. Divisions and Internal Disputes: During their conquests, the Mongols exploited internal divisions and conflicts within the empires they targeted. They often played rival factions against each other, weakening their opponents and facilitating their own conquests.

Overall, the Mongols' success in conquering and influencing various empires can be attributed to their organizational skills, military tactics, effective leadership, psychological warfare, inclusivity, communication network, willingness to adopt advanced technologies, and exploiting internal divisions within their adversary's empires.