Mongols Rule China and Secure Trade
Kublai Khan established the Yuan Dynasty after Mongol conquest of China, creating a strict social hierarchy with Mongols at the top over Chinese people, while the vast Pax Mongolica enabled safe trans-Eurasian travel and cultural exchange including Marco Polo famous visit, as covered in Grade 7 California myWorld Interactive Chapter 5: Civilizations of East Asia and Southeast Asia. The Mongol period connected China with Europe and the Middle East through trade and cultural contacts. This topic helps 7th grade students understand Mongol rule in China and its effects.
Key Concepts
After conquering China, Kublai Khan established the Yuan Dynasty . For the first time, foreigners ruled all of China. The Mongols kept their own culture and avoided fully blending into Chinese society.
The new rulers created a strict social structure. Mongols placed themselves at the top, followed by other foreigners who helped them govern. Most native Chinese people were put at the bottom of this system and were barred from holding high government positions.
Common Questions
What was the Yuan Dynasty?
The Yuan Dynasty was established by Kublai Khan after the Mongols conquered China, making him the first foreigner to rule all of China and creating a social hierarchy that placed Mongols above Chinese people.
What was the Pax Mongolica?
The Pax Mongolica, or Mongol Peace, was a period of relative stability across the vast Mongol Empire that made travel safe across Asia, enabling trade and cultural exchange between China, Europe, and the Middle East.
How did the Mongols treat Chinese people?
Under Mongol rule, native Chinese people were placed at the bottom of a strict social hierarchy and barred from high government positions, while Mongols and foreign allies occupied the top positions.
What does Grade 7 history teach about Mongol rule in China?
California myWorld Interactive Grade 7, Chapter 5: Civilizations of East Asia and Southeast Asia covers the Yuan Dynasty social structure under Kublai Khan and the Pax Mongolica that enabled trade and cultural exchange.
How did the Pax Mongolica affect trade?
The Pax Mongolica made travel across the vast Mongol Empire safe, reviving trade along the Silk Road and encouraging cultural exchange that connected China with Europe and the Middle East.