Watch the following video and indicate why the Mongols were so successful at conquering and influencing the Ming and Russian Empires as well as other empires. Rise and Fall of the Mongols.

Answer 1

As an AI text-based model, I am unable to watch videos. Nonetheless, I can provide you with some reasons as to why the Mongols were so successful at conquering and influencing empires, including the Ming and Russian Empires.

1. Mongol military strategy: The Mongols were expert horsemen and skilled warriors who excelled in cavalry warfare. They utilized superior horsemanship, archery skills, and tactics like the "feigned retreat" to confuse and weaken their opponents. Their mobility and ability to adapt to different terrains gave them a significant advantage on the battlefield.

2. Organizational structure: The Mongols had a highly centralized military command structure, led by the Great Khan. This allowed for effective coordination and communication among their armies and facilitated quick decision-making. Their expedited information network, known as the "Yam system," enabled them to relay messages rapidly across their vast empire.

3. Psychological warfare: The Mongols were known for their brutality and ruthless tactics, which often instilled fear among their enemies. They would employ terror as a psychological weapon, sparing no mercy for those who defied them. This reputation made some rulers surrender without a fight, hoping to avoid devastation.

4. Inclusion of conquered peoples: Rather than completely obliterating the cultures and societies of the conquered, the Mongols allowed them to retain their own customs, religions, and administrative systems. This policy of religious and ethnic tolerance allowed the Mongols to gain the support and loyalty of many different peoples within their empire, facilitating their assimilation into the Mongol administration.

5. Technological and intellectual exchange: The Mongols had an insatiable curiosity about the cultures and knowledge of the peoples they conquered. They actively sought out scholars, artisans, and engineers from different regions, whom they would incorporate into their own empire. This exchange of ideas and technologies helped advance the empire, benefiting both the Mongols and the conquered peoples.

6. Expertise in siege warfare: The Mongols had a thorough understanding of siege warfare, employing various innovative tactics to overcome fortified cities. They utilized siege weapons and engineering techniques to breach defenses, undermining the morale of their adversaries.

7. Utilization of local resources: The Mongols were adept at harnessing the resources of their conquered territories, including manpower and economic wealth. They would often incorporate local elites into their administrative structures, ensuring the efficient administration of the empire while avoiding unnecessary opposition.

It is important to note that while the Mongols were successful in conquering and influencing various empires, their empire eventually faced political and administrative challenges that led to its decline and fragmentation.