| Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 17M.1.BP.TZ0.1 |
| Level | Both SL and HL | Paper | Paper 1 - first exams 2017 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | What | Question number | 1 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The sources and questions relate to Case study 1: Genghis Khan c1200–1227 – Campaigns: Mongol invasion of China: attacks on the Jin dynasty; capture of Beijing (1215).
Source B
John Man, an historian specializing in Chinese and Mongolian history, writing in the biography Genghis Khan, Life, Death and Resurrection (2004).
The attack would not be easy. From a population ten times that of the Mongols, the Jin Emperor could draw cavalry and infantry numbering several hundred thousand, and his cities were well fortified.
Genghis’s invasion was carefully planned. In spring 1211 the Mongols advanced across the Gobi, well spread out and in several waves in order not to drain the scattered wells and pools. This was a huge operation: imagine something like 100 000 warriors with 300 000 horses, strung out in perhaps 10–20 groups of 5 000 to 10 000 each, each with camel-drawn carts, and all linked by fast-moving messengers as the army travelled 800 kilometres.
As the Mongol army spilled into northern China and approached the pass that led to Beijing, the Jin commander seems to have made a fatal mistake. He had a chance of launching a surprise attack when the Mongols were looting. Instead, perhaps to win time, he sent an officer to discuss peace terms. The officer promptly defected [joined the opposing side] with the information that the Jin were waiting at the far end of the pass. There the Jin cavalry, packed between ridges, was overwhelmed by arrows and a Mongol charge. Horsemen turned and trampled their own infantry.
The sources and questions relate to Case study 1: Genghis Khan c1200–1227 – Campaigns: Mongol invasion of China: attacks on the Jin dynasty; capture of Beijing (1215).
Source D
An unknown artist depicts Mongol horsemen and the conditions they faced as they battled Jin warriors in the mountains. From The Compendium of Chronicles by Rashid-al-Din Hamadani (early 14th century).
What, according to Source B, were the problems facing the Mongols in launching an attack against the Jin?
What does Source D suggest about the Mongol battles with the Jin?
Markscheme
- The Jin Emperor had sufficient manpower to assemble a large army.
- Jin cities were well fortified.
- The attack was logistically complex.
- A substantial distance had to be traversed.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [3].
- The Mongols used a range of weapons in combat.
- The Mongols used cavalry.
- Battles took place in difficult terrain.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [2].
