Why were the mongols so successful as conquerors?

Answer 1

The Mongols were brilliant strategists and tacticians. The Mongols by nature were extremely resilient and tough people since they weren't softened by the wealthy and comfortable city life of China and other nations. They were nomadic and tribal. This means that there was much rivalry between them. However, during the High Middle Ages, a man named Temujin was able to break old traditions and unite all the Mongols. He was later titled "Chinggis Khan" meaning "Universal Ruler (of the Mongols)".

So how were they able to overthrow the wealthiest and strongest nations and kingdoms? The primary reason is their brilliant leadership, survival skills, natural toughness, and the 100% horse-based military. Every warrior in the Mongol army was a professional horse rider and archer. The Mongol bows and arrows were superior long range weapons that can kill from hundreds of yards away. While most other armies in the world during this time were infantry based, the Mongols were horse-based and that made them superior at mobilization and speed.

The toughest nation for them to conquer was Sung Dynasty China. I believe it took 40-50 years to conquer most of the land. China had the most advanced and sophisticated military at that time. They also had the first gun powder weapons which allowed the manufacture of the first bombs and cannons. After decades of intense fighting, the Mongols took China and installed the Yuan Dynasty with Chinggis Khan's grandson Kublai as the Emperor. The Mongols used then used these gunpowder weapons on their campaigns throughout the lands West of Asia therefore adding to the effectiveness of their military prowess.