Why were the mongols so successful at conquering and influencing the ming and russian empires as well as other empires

1 answer

The Mongols were successful at conquering and influencing various empires, including the Ming and Russian empires, for several reasons:

1. Superior Military Tactics and Mobility: The Mongols were exceptional horsemen and skilled in mounted archery. They developed a highly effective cavalry force called the Mongol Horde, which was renowned for its speed and skilled use of composite bows. Their mobility allowed them to swiftly move across vast territories, giving them a significant advantage in battles.

2. Effective Leadership: The Mongols were led by exceptional military and political leaders, such as Genghis Khan and his successors. These leaders possessed strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to efficiently govern territories they conquered. Genghis Khan's policy of appointing capable individuals regardless of their ethnicity or background also helped consolidate control over conquered territories.

3. Psychological Warfare: The Mongols were masters of psychological warfare. They often employed terror as a tactic, using extreme brutality to instill fear in their enemies, sometimes even before a battle began. This psychological advantage demoralized the opposition and weakened resistance.

4. Utilization of Local Talent and Resources: Instead of imposing their own culture or institutions, the Mongols often incorporated local talent and resources into their administration. They often retained local bureaucrats and officials in their conquered territories, allowing them to efficiently govern diverse regions and benefit from local expertise.

5. Effective Communication and Intelligence: The Mongols established an extensive communication network, known as the Yam system, which facilitated rapid message delivery across their vast empire. This network allowed for better coordination, intelligence gathering, and strategic planning, giving them an edge over their enemies.

6. Adaptability and Learning: The Mongols were quick to learn from the cultures and military tactics of the empires they conquered. They assimilated various techniques, technologies, and ideas into their own military strategies, making them highly adaptable and effective in different environments and against diverse opponents.

7. Economic and Trade Advantages: The Mongols actively pursued trade and welcomed merchants from various regions. They established secure trade routes, such as the Silk Road, which allowed them to access resources, technologies, and ideas from different parts of the world. This economic advantage contributed to their military strength and political influence.

Overall, the Mongols' military prowess, effective leadership, adaptability, and utilization of local resources contributed to their success in conquering and influencing various empires, including the Ming and Russian empires.