In 3–5 sentences, analyze how overextension and fragmentation caused the collapse of the Mongol Empire.(5 points

1 answer

Overextension refers to the expansion of territory beyond what can be effectively governed, causing strains on administration and resources. The Mongol Empire experienced overextension as it rapidly grew to encompass a vast geographical area, stretching from the Pacific to Europe. This expansion led to difficulties in maintaining control over such a vast territory and diverse population, resulting in administrative challenges, communication breakdowns, and increased tensions with local populations. Fragmentation, on the other hand, refers to the division and disintegration of the empire into smaller, separate entities. This occurred after the death of Genghis Khan, as his successors struggled to maintain unity and effective leadership, leading to infighting, power struggles, and eventually the fragmentation of the empire into smaller Khanates. These factors together contributed to the collapse of the Mongol Empire.