Final answer:
The Mongol conquests were a turning point in world history due to their creation of the largest contiguous empire and their impact on trade, culture, and political dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mongol conquests in the 13th century can be considered a significant turning point in world history. Under the leadership of Chinggis Khan, the Mongols created a vast empire through skilled organization and military prowess, effectively becoming the largest land-based empire in history. Their domination resulted in widespread changes including the destruction and rebuilding of societies, a surge in cultural exchanges, and a profound impact on the spread of goods, ideas, and even diseases through enhanced trade routes during the Pax Mongolica.
The Mongol invasion initiated an era of increased connectivity, bringing together disparate parts of the world, and enhancing long-distance communication, trade, and cultural exchanges. However, the brutal conquests also led to immense slaughter and destruction. In China, the Mongols caused massive upheaval, and their rule marked a transition toward foreign domination. Likewise, in the Middle East and Europe, Mongol influence had various implications not only for trade but also for political and institutional stability.
By facilitating trade and communication, the Mongols also contributed to the spread of Islam and played a role in the complex relations between the Christian church and European rulers. Yet, the instability they contributed to in the fourteenth century likely exacerbated the effects of natural phenomena like climate change, famine, and epidemic disease.