How Did Genghis Khan Impact Society

Genghis Khan, was one of the most fierce and ruthless historical figures in history, who acquired many titles. Originally known as Chinggis Khaan, the ruler is predominantly known for leading the most massive empire in the world, the Mongol Empire which conquered millions of people. It is certain that much of the world’s formation today would not be the same, if it were not for his impact on the society. Therefore, one should acknowledge his early ages, rise to power, accomplishments as not only a leader but warrior, absurd tactics, and effect on history.

The Mongolian ruler was established multiple names, one being Temujin Khan. He was born during the month of August of 1162 between what is presently known as Mongolia and Siberia. He was

the descendant of Khabul Khan, and member of the Borjigin tribe. According to Mongolian folklore, Temujin was fated to become a leader, and apparently had been born with a blood clot in his hand. At the age of 9, the young Temujin was assigned to live with the family of his future bride. However, after word spread about his father’s homicide, he retrieved home demanding to claim his role as clan chief. Due to conflict between other brothers and relatives also pursuing clan chief, rivalry evoked. This resulted in the death of his half-brother Bekhter, and position at top of the tribe in 1172. At age 19, Temujin wedded a woman of the Konkirat tribe for the intent of alliances. He later married more women, and was the father of multiple children. The events that occurred, and the experiences he obtained as a child were merely a start to the shaping of a powerful ruler.
At the age of 20, Temujin was kidnapped by a group of people called the Taichi'uts, however later escaped in circa 1177. From then on, Temujin begun to slowly build an army of 20,000 men, at an attempt to unite Mongols under his rule. Overtime he executed many tribes, one in particular being the Tatar tribe in order to avenge his father’s death. In 1206 Temujin achieved control of central and eastern Mongolia through the execution of a tribe of great status, called the Naiman tribe. Temujin strengthen his empire by not only taking into account people of high merit, but also conquered people to join alongside his men. In comparison to many other empires in the past, Mongols were not sexist in the sense that they allowed women to take part in military combat. Due to many triumphs and wars, Temujin demonstrated his outstanding and admirable abilities to the empire. Therefore in circa 1207, tribal leaders honored Temujin with the name of "Genghis Khan," which means “universal ruler.” To the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan was put on a pedestal almost equivalent to the level of “God.” Although religious practices were present in the empire, if one were to disobey the great leader, that individual would basically be defying the will of God. Being the largest and most powerful group, the Mongol Empire continued to conquer territory even after the death of Genghis in 1227. The Mongol Empire spread from the homeland in Mongolia to Caspian sea, then grew even larger due to later generations that took after the beginning ruler.
Much of Genghis Khan’s success were outcomes of his effective, and competitive military strategies.

In particular, his cavalry raids used in battle allowed for his military to move swiftly and adapt to any changes that may occur in battle. Cavalry were groups of men who carried out combat on horseback. The Mongols were known to fight upon the mongolian horse, which were fairly short-legged horses scientifically known as Equus ferus caballus. Other military tactics used were surprise attacks, hostage taking, psychological warfare, and human shields. This gave the Mongols their well-known reputation for as a merciless, and influenced many groups of people to surrender in fear. At a time that the Mongol army had grew rapidly, a shortage on food and resources occured. Genghis acknowledged that in order to gain more resources, he had to pillage more civilizations. He developed efficient tools and technologies such as the bow or gunpowder, by hiring a spy network to take ideas from other tribes. Furthermore, the Mongol bow was could reach up to 250 meters, which was twice the distance of the English bowlongs. There were various types of arrowheads that were used such as ones that were able to whistle in air, pierce through armor, or arrowheads that were dipped in naphtha and set on fire. Another device the Mongols were introduced to was gunpowder, which was utilized as an explosive, rather being used for cannons. In addition, the Mongol Empire also relied greatly on a secure network of communication, as Mongol scouts could travel up to a 100 miles a day to sort out and deliver useful information These scouts worked closely with the network of spies brought forth by Genghis. Ultimately, Mongols are distinguished for the brutal terrorizing of populations, or slaughter of men, women, and children. However, soldiers were given limitations for the amount they killed, and those murdered were not torchered

beforehand.
It can be shown that Genghis Khan was a well-known historical figure that played a significant role in the shaping of Eurasia. He developed the most skilled, strong empire that conquered millions due to Khan’s precise and potent developments. Genghis Khan was successful in many aspects and carried his legacy further after death. One should acknowledge the rulers many titles, as well as what actions was initiated to claim those titles.