World+History+1+Answers


 * Mongol Empire:**

1. What factors led to the creation of centralized empires?

First of all, the Mongols had **effective military** force and **sophisticated weaponry** such as Mongol’s recursive bow’s reflex design, catapults, and “breached walls” (“unbeatable of ten defeating armies”). Other factors include **allegiance, organization, mobility**, and the **“Mongol language”** (script from the Chinese). Furthermore, **they stole Chinese ideas** and took advantage of their talents and ‘smart people’.

2. How were early empires administered and maintained politically, economically, and ideologically?

Chinggis Kahn developed a phonic script, **facilitating the record keeping administration** of the Yasa (the Mongol legal code). In addition, the **Mongol courier system made rapid communication between regions** possible. He also built an “administrative framework” (which was primarily based on the talents from the Chinese and Uighur Turk culture).

3. What are the legacies of early empires in Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas? “**The Pax Mongolica** refers to the **cultural exchanges and economic contacts** that were facilitated by the Mongol conquest of vast swaths of Eurasia.”

Incan/Inkan Empire

How did they gain power/what factors led to the creation? What was the leader like? It was founded by Pachacuti, a Prince, in 1438. Although the army wasn’t very strong, as the empire kept expanding, it kept growing in size. Instead of having to pay taxes, the people were forced to do “labor service”, or mit’a. For men, this often meant working in the military. The leader was shrewd.

How did they get people to follow them? What are some good things about them? The Incan empire was based on reciprocity, and they would treat their people very well. Every child would receive an education, and they would learn things such as Inkan ideology, language and culture. After that, they would be loyal to the king. They would also give small pieces of land to local governments. Furthermore, they had a system of mit’a, where people were forced to work. However, in return, the Inkan government would take care of people and provide them with benefits.

What legacy did they leave us? The Spanish conquerors also continued the system of mit’a long after they invaded the Inkan Empire. When silver mining became important to trade with the Chinese, then the Spanish used a modified system of mit’a to encourage labor at mines in Spain and their Empire. Their system of communication was known as “quipus” which used strands of knots. Relay runners would then convey them between people. The weakness of their communication system contributed to the downfall of the Inkan empire.

Smallpox Rebellion Civil wars The Spanish invaders conquered Inkan empire, and killed the ruler Atahulpa in 1532
 * End of empire: **


 * Mali Empire**


 * 1) 1. What factors led to the creation of centralized empires?


 * Powerful leader Sunjata
 * Victory in small wars led to unification


 * 1) 2. How were early empires administered and maintained politically, economically, and ideologically?


 * Politically: strong leadership which led to sense of security within the empire. For example, thieves were punished strictly. Strong military with iron weapons and leather and iron trappings for horses
 * Economically: Traded iron, gold, and salt. These products supported expansion of trade and empire
 * Ideologically: Praise singers helped to spread the empire’s ideology


 * 1) 3. What are the legacies?


 * Great urban centers (Timbuktu, Gao, Jenne Jeno) were centers of learning, interaction, and diversity
 * Culturally diverse: Many different languages and cultures interacted