Mongol Ideology - Why Chinggis Wanted to Conquer the World - DOCUMENTARY

Summary

This video explores the Mongol Empire's imperial ideology, examining how its leaders justified their conquests and the belief in their destined world domination. From Chinggis Khan's initial claims of divine support to the empire's expansion under his successors, the script delves into the Mongols' transformation from members of the political order to its self-proclaimed masters, emphasizing the role of military success in shaping their ideology and diplomatic interactions.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Mongol Empire's imperial ideology was rooted in the belief of divine right, with the Great Khans being seen as chosen by 'Eternal Blue Heaven' to rule over all peoples.
• 📜 The Mongol rulers used imperial seals and letters demanding submission to assert their dominance over Eurasian rulers, reflecting their pursuit of global conquest.
• 🏰 The Mongol Empire's ideology was influenced by earlier nomadic states, sharing the concept of a ruler backed by Tengri, the sky god, and the idea of qut, or divine support.
• 👑 Chinggis Khan's rule was based on personal charisma and the ability to convince followers of his divine support, manifesting in military victories and good fortune.
• 📖 The Mongol Empire's laws, codified in the Yassa, helped Chinggis Khan establish his image as a law-giver and protector, reinforcing his authority.
• 🌳 Chinggis Khan's reign coincided with a unique period of favorable climate conditions, which supported the expansion of the Mongol population and their military campaigns.
• 🔱 Chinggis Khan's initial campaigns were justified with reasons such as revenge or political order, unlike his successors who pursued conquest without the need for justification.
• 👑🌏 Chinggis Khan's successors, particularly Ögedei, solidified the imperial ideology, with Ögedei taking the title of Khaghan and building the capital Qaraqorum to signify imperial continuity.
• 💌 The Mongol Empire's diplomatic letters to other rulers demanded total submission, reflecting a shift from being part of the political order to becoming the international political order itself.
• 🏰🔨 Ögedei's destruction of the Jin Dynasty marked a transition in Mongol ideology, asserting their singular legitimacy as rulers of the world and the need to conquer all who had not submitted.
• 🌏🛡 The Mongol worldview divided the world into submitters and rebels, with military actions seen as punitive expeditions to subdue those in rebellion against Tengri's will.
• 📜 The Mongol Empire's diplomatic interactions were awkward, as they recognized no other legitimate power on earth, viewing all other states as either vassals or targets for conquest.

Q & A

What was the significance of the imperial seals of the Mongol Great Khans?

The imperial seals of the Mongol Great Khans were significant as they marked letters demanding the utter submission of rulers across Eurasia, symbolizing the authority and power of the Mongol Empire.

How did the Mongols' imperial ideology develop over time?

The Mongols' imperial ideology developed from a belief in the support of Heaven, or Tengri, for their rulership, to a belief in their destiny to conquer the world. This ideology was shaped by military successes and the expansion of their empire.

What was the role of Tengri in the Mongol Empire's ideology?

Tengri, the sky god, played a central role in the Mongol Empire's ideology as the divine force that backed the ruler and his dynasty. The ruler's legitimacy was often associated with Tengri's favor, which was believed to manifest through military victories and good fortune.

How did the Mongols justify their conquests initially?

Initially, the Mongols justified their conquests through lengthy explanations and diplomatic pretexts, such as interference in Mongolia, harboring of rivals, and perceived aggressions against them.

What was the significance of Chinggis Khan's title and how did it evolve?

Chinggis Khan's initial title was not indicative of universal rule but of a strong, fierce ruler. It is believed that he may have adopted the title of Khaghan later in life, signifying a higher status and the idea of ruling over a vast empire.

How did the Mongol Empire's perception of itself change from being part of the political order to becoming the international political order?

The change in perception was largely due to the Mongols' military successes and rapid expansion. As they conquered more territories, they began to see themselves as the masters of the world, no longer needing justifications for their conquests.

What was the role of shamans in the Mongol Empire and how did it change over time?

Shamans initially played a significant role in predicting good fortune and successful campaigns. However, after Chinggis Khan's step-brother Kokochu was killed for sowing discord, shamans were no longer allowed to rival the Khan for power, though they remained necessary for religious and ceremonial purposes.

How did the Mongol Empire's ideology and practices evolve under Ögedei Khan?

Under Ögedei Khan, the Mongol Empire solidified its imperial ideology, with Ögedei taking the title of Khaghan, Khan of Khans, and building the imperial capital of Qaraqorum. He also initiated the practice of sending letters demanding submission to rulers around the world, marking a shift towards conquest for the sake of conquest.

What was the concept of 'il' and 'bulgha' in the Mongol Empire's worldview?

In the Mongol Empire's worldview, 'il' represented peace, harmony, and submission, while 'bulgha' meant rebellion. This framework categorized the world into those who had submitted to Mongol rule and those who were in rebellion.

How did the Mongol Empire's diplomatic interactions reflect their belief in singular legitimacy?

The Mongol Empire's diplomatic interactions often involved demands for total submission and the refusal to recognize other states as equals. Even gifts from foreign leaders, like the King of France, were interpreted as signs of submission to Mongol rule.