This is for the Trial of Genghis Khan: My team is trying to prove that Ghengis Khan was uncivilized by proving that he was barbaric, excessively brutal and committed multiple crimes against humanity. I am on the Prosecution Team and the Defense Team's goal for cross examining me is to make Mongol rule seem very similar to the Chinese, and if they are similar to the Chinese, then that means they are sophisticated, so I have to make the two similar or make mongol rule better (aka lower taxes). I am on the Prosecution team playing the role of a Chinese Peasant. Answer these in the point of view of a Chinese Peasant.

Relevant Information:

Introduction:

Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous land empire in world history. However, to this the Mongols and their legacy continue to inspire controversy. Were Genghis Khan and the members of the Mongol ruling family civilized promoters of culture and trade, connecting East to West? Or were they bloodthirsty marauders, destroyers of cities, and slayers of the innocent? Now, we will decide this issue as Genghis Khan goes on trial before "The Court of History!"

The Indictment:

Genghis Khan and his descendants have been indicted as guilty of crimes against humanity and as uncivilized conquerors and rulers in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Case Summary:

Temujin, more commonly known as Genghis Khan was the brutal leader of the Mongol Empire. He led the Mongols to conquer most of the known world, and according to many, he left only destruction in his path. After the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, his empire was ruled by his son Ogedei. When Ogedei died, the Mongol Empire split into four sections: the Yuan dynasty under Kublai Khan, the Golden Horde under Batu, the Chagati Khanate under Chagatai, and the Il-Khanate of Persia under Hulegu. Genghis Khan and his descendants have been dincted as guilty of crimes against humanity and as uncivilized conquerors and rulers in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Applicable Laws:

• Crimes Against Humanity- In order to prove crimes against humanity, a prosecution must establish particularly odious offenses in that they constitute a serious attack on human dignity or grave humiliation or a degradation of human beings.
• Excessive Brutality- In order to prove excessive brutality, a prosecution must establish an unnecessary amount of violence and savagery in comparison to previous and future empires.
• Barbaric Warfare- In order to prove barbaric warfare, a prosecution must set the bar for inhuman warefare for future dominations.

Chinese Peasant Biography:

I am a Chinese peasant, who was conquered by Genghis Khan and the Mongols in Northern China between 1209 to 1279. They believed that the success of the peasant economy would benefit the Mongols. Genghis Khan's army and the Mongols destroyed the farmlands in a large part of Northern China, which led to a great starvation amongst us peasants who depended on the lands for sustenance, which killed many of my people. The Mongols took in wealth from pasture land, although they wanted to exterminate people. The Mongols treated us roughly, and the army, which we feared, was ruthless, but they kept some of the conquered people alive so that they could learn about our cultures and religions. The Mongols demanded payment of tribute in return for peace, they permitted local leaders to govern, and they also showed religious tolerance.

*Questions to Answer:

1. How was life before Mongol rule?

2. What was the condition of China in terms of unification before Mongol rule? What were they like after?

3. How did agriculture/administration/taxes/disciplinary systems change?

4. Is living under Mongol rule the same, better, or worse than living under the Chinese?