Background
- 1260, all Mongol tribes united under Temujin, or Genghis Khan, and attacked and destroyed any resistance. When Genghis died, Mongols stayed united under Ogodai, and conquered most of Eurasia.
- when Mongka became ruler, the west sought his help against Muslims.
- 1258, Mongols took Baghdad, killing the last Caliph. Islamic world hasn’t had a single leader since. Mongols stopped when Mongka died, and never went further west. Egypt then forced out the last Crusaders.
- when Kublai became new Khan, he conquered China, and ruled biggest empire in history. These foreigners, or Yuan dynasty in China, were described positively by Marco Polo, who lived under their rule.
- peace swept most of Eurasia, and information spread west.
- 1330's, the Black Plague hit, killing many and breaking social orders. China revolted, Mongols ousted, and Ming dynasty formed. Wealth exploded under reforms, and China sailed east, establishing colonies throughout India, East Africa, Southeast Asia. A new emperor saw no profitability, canceled the expansions, and China turned within. Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal began exploring west.