AP WORLD HISTORY
Chapter 18 Review

OVERVIEW
Nomadic herders populated the steppes of Asia for centuries during the classical and postclassical eras and periodically came into contact and conflict with the established states and empires of the Eurasian land mass. It was not until the eleventh century, however, that the nomadic peoples like the Turks and Mongols began to raid, conquer, rule, and trade with the urban-based cultures in a systematic and far-reaching manner. While these resourceful and warlike nomads often left a path of destruction in their wake, they also built vast transregional empires that laid the foundations for the increasing communication and exchange that would characterize the period from 1000 to 1500 in the eastern hemisphere. The success of these nomadic empires in this era can be attributed to

  • Their unmatched skill on horseback. When organized on a large scale these nomads were practically indomitable in warfare. Outstanding cavalry forces, skilled archers, and well-coordinated military strategy gave these peoples an advantage that was difficult for even the most powerful states to counter.
  • Their ability to integrate vast territories through secure trade routes, exceptional courier networks, diplomatic missions, missionary efforts, and resettlement programs.

In spite of these successes and the enormous influence of these nomadic peoples, their leaders were, in general, better at warfare than administration. With the exception of the later Ottoman empire, most of these states were relatively short-lived, brought down by both internal and external pressures.

ASSIGNMENT 2: Discussion Questions
Directions: Prepare for class discussion by creating notes on the following questions. This can be done on this sheet or in Cornell format.

1. What does the story of Guillaume Boucher represent? How does it fit in with Mongol strategies for Eurasian integration?

2. How did the geography of central Asia affect the development of the nomadic cultures? How did these people adapt to their environment? What advantages did their adaptations give them?

3. Discuss the military organization, techniques, and strategies of these Asian nomads. How did these abilities make their military so formidable?

4. How did the Mongols come to conquer China? What were the key elements in their success?

5. What does the book mean when it states that most of the Mongol leaders were better conquerors than administrators? How was this evident in the various Mongol states? Were there exceptions to that rule?

6. Through what means did the Mongols integrate Eurasian cultures? List and explain at least five ways they did this.

7. Discuss the role of epidemics in the decline of the Mongol empires.

8. Who was Tamerlane, and what was his lasting legacy?

9. How did the Turks come to topple the Byzantine empire?

10. What role did religion(s) play in the nomadic empires? What generalizations can you make? What are the significant differences?

ASSIGNMENT 3: Short Answer Essays
Directions:Answer the following questions to the best of your ability in a minimum of five sentences.

1. Why do you think the nomadic peoples of Asia were so successful and influential during this period? What was different from earlier centuries? What were the limits of their success?

2. What do you think were the most significant legacies of this period of nomadic empires? How did these people change history?

3. Marco Polo's account of his travels in the thirteenth century has long been one of the most widely read and beloved sources in history. Why is this? Why is the source so valuable? Why was and is it still so popular?

ASSIGNMENT 4: Key Concepts and Terms
Directions: Create note cards for the following topics. Explain their contribution to world history.

TurksGolden Horde
Mahmud of GhanziYurts
Chinggis Khan (Temujin)Ilkhanate of Persia
Marco PoloBubonic Plague
Khubilai KhanYuan Dynasty
HuleguSaljuq Turks
Tamerlane (Timur the Lame)Sultan
OsmanManzikert
Sultan Mehmed IIKarakorum