D. He was born into poverty amid a time of warring clans.
Genghis Khan, originally born as Temüjin, faced significant hardships during his early life, including the loss of his father and ongoing conflict among various Mongol tribes. This background of poverty and conflict greatly influenced his leadership style, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and a strong unification of the Mongolian tribes under his rule. His experiences shaped him into a formidable leader who valued loyalty, strength, and strategic warfare.