Prompt #1
The Mongol Empire was one of the most expansive and dangerous empires of all time — yet they did not start this way. Their regime came to control most of Asia and Eastern Europe through the influence of Genghis Khan and his descendants. Their rule was one of brutality and relentless conquest which left a great number of civilizations in utter ruin. The great territorial gain and lust for land and dominance can be compared to many other civilizations in history, yet one nation mirrors their conquest well. The British Empire at its height in the early 1900’s had swayed millions of people to conform to its rule and had territories covering nearly every continent. The Mongol Empire can be compared to the British Empire in its rapid spread, new and effective regime, and its dominance in the world scene.
During its conquest across central Asia, The Mongols used a variety of tactics and special strategies in order to gain victory over their enemies. They came from mountainous areas between China and Siberia, mainly inhabiting the plateau region of central Asia. Because their land was so harsh and poor for food and settlements, they were a nomadic people. Their main source of sustenance was livestock, goats, and other animals due to the lack of poor farming conditions. Warfare was an integral part of their society. They also raised horses and utilized them in their military conquests. Doctors were present in Mongol society and various medicines and medical treatments were practiced, primarily in response to battle wounds. The culture centered around warriors and fighting was the most esteemed art. Everyone in the civilization was either a warrior or directly supportive of one. At the height of the Mongol Empire, they controlled nearly all of Asia and a large portion of Europe, with next to no hostages or slaves. They rarely subjugated populations — they typically interbred with them or eliminated them. This is one of the major differences they have with the British.
The British Empire began humbly, as the Mongols did, on an island in Western Europe. Over a long period of expansion and colonialism, they were able to acquire territories in North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In the process of doing so, they completely wiped out a great number of populations and innocent civilians, as the Mongols did. They also employed tactics which were advanced compared to those of their enemies, also similar to the Mongols. They were easily the most influential world power during the time when their empire spanned the entire globe. They had little rivals and were defeated by unexpected enemies with forces greater than anticipated.
The Mongol Empire carries similarities to various successful empires in world history, namely the British Empire due to its expansive reach, its tactics in conquest, and its treatment of conquered peoples.
Cameron Douglas
Word count: 472
The West in the Pre-Modern World 
I appreciate your comparison of the Mongol Empire to the British Empire. It is incredibly heuristic yet not inherently obvious, making it a colorful and creative argument. The blog could be improved if it contained more supporting details of the similarities between the two expansive empires upon which the post’s position is entirely founded. The post adequately compares the land mass which each empire reached, advocating the argument that the two groups similarly spanned large portions of the globe. However, the treatment of conquered peoples by the Mongol Empire and British Empire is not sufficiently described, making it unclear whether these treatments were similar or opposing. This is also true for the tactics utilized by each empire. While these two facets of imperialistic conquest are mentioned in the deciding argument of the post, they are not abundantly supported. Overall, the argument stated provides an unique thesis and deserves a more in depth advocation.
-Meagan Stevenson
Word Count: 153
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