Unit+3+Mongols

=Were the Mongols 'Fiends from Hell' or 'Culture Brokers?' =

When previous empires fell in the East, religion became an alternative unifying force as “world religions” emerged. The combination of religion and Mongol military strength filled that power vacuum with new empires in Afro-Eurasia. This region remained linked because of the continued use trade networks and contact between merchants, missionaries, and travelers.

The Mongols and Muslims used the Silk Roads to expand and preserve the idea of empire, however, neither could sustain the leadership. Possible explanations include overextension, corruption, famine, war, and the plague which wiped out 30-50% of Afroeurasia’s population. In the aftermath somehow, backwater Europe began to emerge as a world leader. Why?

This unit explores the benefits and costs of the trade networks the Muslims then Mongols worked so hard to maintain. The historical events surrounding the Silk Roads force us to look back to see all the short and long term benefits and consequences, not only in Europe, but throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia and even the Americas.

This unit will end with a putting the Mongols on 'trial' as either being "Fiends from Hell' or'Culture Brokers.'

