The significance of the Mongol Empire on global history

For Assignment #2, we will be looking at the significance of the Mongol Empire on global history. As we discussed in our meetings, the Mongols were significant not because they were mighty conquerors and empire builders (which was important), but because the construction of their huge empire allowed for the flow of ideas, people, technologies, trade goods, philosophies, and ideologies throughout Eurasia. As we discussed, the Pax Mongolica (the ‘Mongol Peace’) created a huge space in which transculturation accelerated, and the process of cultural exchange created new forms social and cultural developments. For this assignment, please consult our class slides and notes, as well as THIS link, ( ) which provides a brief overview of Mongol civilization and the importance of the ‘Mongol Moment’ in global history. In particular, refer to the section of the website sections titled ‘World History’ and ‘The Mongols in China’. As you review our class slides and notes, and consult this website, consider the following questions: 1. What was the ‘Pax Mongolica’, and why do you think that it accelerated the process of transculturation through Eurasia? Why was trade so important to the Mongols, and what did they do to expand it? (Discuss with reference to TWO factors). 2. How did the Mongols shape the cultural and social development of China? (Discuss THREE specific factors). 3. Many ideas, religions, technologies, cultural groups, trade goods and philosophies crossed Eurasia during the century of Mongol rule, transforming Silk Road civilizations and accelerating transculturation. Discuss TWO of these factors. (Remember that disease- the Bubonic Plague- was also something that crossed Eurasia during the period of Mongol rule.) Your response should be ONE PAGE in length, single-spaced, 12 point font. You should provide fairly equal analysis for each question. Please use only our class notes, slides, and the web link provided as sources for your answer.