Question

Identify and explain ONE way in which the growth of the Mongol Empire led to political change in the period 1200-1450.

Which of the following best represents a political change resulting from the growth of the Mongol Empire during the period 1200-1450?
A) Establishment of a unified, transcontinental Mongol government.
B) Implementation of a democratic system in the conquered regions.
C) Preservation of existing political structures without significant change.
D) Adoption of the feudal system in all conquered territories.

Answer 1

The Mongol Empire's growth led to the establishment of a unified, transcontinental government, integrating diverse regions under a single authority, representing a significant political change in the period 1200-1450.

Step-by-step explanation:

One way in which the growth of the Mongol Empire led to political change between 1200 and 1450 was through the establishment of a unified, transcontinental government. This period saw the Mongols create the largest contiguous land empire in history, ruled over by a series of khans who operated with a combination of political savvy, military might, and centralized authority.

Initially, under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his immediate successors, the Mongol Empire enforced their own administrative and legal systems, most notably through the yassa, which was an overarching code of law instituted by Genghis Khan himself.

However, with the rise of regional divisions and the establishment of different khanates, such as the Yuan dynasty in China, the Golden Horde in Russia, the Ilkhanate in Persia, and the Chagatai Khanate in Mongolia, the initial political unity began to fracture.

Nevertheless, at its height, the Mongol Empire facilitated a political integration of diverse regions and peoples under a single albeit fragmented authority. Therefore, the best answer that represents a political change resulting from the Mongol Empire's growth is A) Establishment of a unified, transcontinental Mongol government.