Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2017

gjy664 – Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire

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Although other factors, such as instability of conquered nations, enabled Mongol success, it is

clear that Chinggis Khan was the main causal factor for the creation and expansion of the

Mongol Empire. The sources demonstrate that Chinggis had a tremendous impact on Mongol

organisation. He also had a psychological impact by using tradition and social status to

establish loyalty and discipline, and counter parochial tribalism. In the military sphere,

Chinggis created organisational systems and an Imperial Guard that facilitated Mongol success

in expansion. These factors are evident in both primary sources, and the outcome was that the

Mongols rapidly grew their empire.

Chinggis Khan’s personal style of leadership cannot be underestimated. In particular, Chinggis

was able to instil fear, discipline and implement an expansionist policy. On this point, there is

some divergence between the two primary sources. Whilst both sources cover Mongol fear

tactics, discipline and expansionist policy, a detailed account of tactics is absent in the Secret

History , whilst Ystoria Mongalorum is heavily focused on warrior culture. Nonetheless, these

military tactics were important for Mongol success in breaking the power of opponents.

Like many other great leaders of his time, Chinggis Khan was an extraordinarily gifted

politician and strategist. However, Chinggis was also somewhat unique in that he combined

these talents with being an outstanding tactical commander in battle. Mongol military tactics

and the system of adaption were critical in Mongol success, with emphasis on establishing a

strong army, adapting tactics and division of labour to suit battle conditions. However, while

both sources acknowledge the importance of military tactics, Carpini’s report suggests that

they were not critical to Mongol success. Nonetheless, these tactics as well as strong military,

unity, loyalty, terror and alliances were critical to Mongol success. Hence, Chinggis Khan had

a significant influence on the creation and expansion of the Mongol Empire.

Today, students are given a snapshot of the expansion of the Mongol Empire when they study

History in high school. Too often there is an unbalanced emphasis on the warrior society and

their military skills. This research task has demonstrated that any historical study should

include the perspectives of the two primary sources described in this essay and, consequently,

give a more balanced appraisal of the role of Chinggis Khan.