Final answer:
The Mongols' success in conquests was facilitated by military technologies like siege engines, organization of their cavalry-based army, and construction of infrastructure like bridges and caravanserai that improved trade and control over their empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Technological Factors in Mongol Conquests
The success of Mongol conquests in the thirteenth century can be attributed to various technological and military advancements. The Mongols were adept at breaching fortified walls, thanks to Chinese engineers who taught them to construct sophisticated siege engines such as catapults, trebuchets, and battering rams. Improved siege warfare technology shifted the balance of power in favor of the attackers.
Furthermore, the Mongols' exceptional army was entirely comprised of cavalry, enabling swift and highly disciplined movements. Their military success was also aided by their organization and discipline, which included archery and combat from horseback. These factors, coupled with vast, unprotected lands, allowed for rapid territorial expansion.
The Mongol empire's infrastructure played a significant role in their empire-building efforts. They built physical bridges and caravanserai, a network of relay stations, which improved the Silk Road, enhancing trade, communication, and control over their far-reaching dominions. The use of the paiza, a tablet granting protection and exemption from duties, facilitated travel and governance across the empire.