| Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 17N.1.BP.TZ0.01 |
| Level | Both SL and HL | Paper | Paper 1 - first exams 2017 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | What | Question number | 01 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Source A
Morris Rossabi, a professor of Chinese and Central Asian history, writing in a general history book, The Mongols: A Very Short Introduction (2012).
A fragile economy in a demanding environment and a Chinese dynasty’s denial of trade for vital products are a few of the general conditions that gave rise to the Mongol eruption [expansion] from their homeland, but the specific motivations for the Mongol assault on the rest of the world are in doubt. Their military superiority is often used as an explanation for their emergence. The toughness of steppe life, according to some scholars, compelled the Mongols to be aggressive, and their aggressiveness spilled over [developed] into attacks on neighbouring states. Other scholars assert that the Mongols’ hunger for booty [riches] inevitably caused them to raid and assault the settled civilizations. Their military advantages and circumstances certainly enabled them to succeed spectacularly in the 13th century, but they do not explain the motives for the Mongol migrations into other lands. They tell us how the Mongols conquered much of Asia, but not why.
[Source: Republished with permission of Oxford University Press, From The Mongols: A Very Short Introduction, Morris Rossabi, 2012; permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.]
Source D
Aleksandr Yezhov, an artist of historical scenes, depicts a Mongol cavalry archer and Mongol archers in an illustration for the Russian military history magazine Воин (Warrior) (2003).
[Source: “Mongol horse archers” by Giuseppe Rava; reproduced with the kind permission of the artist.]
What, according to Source A, were the factors that encouraged Mongol expansion?
What does Source D suggest about the Mongols’ military equipment and tactics?
Markscheme
• Economic factors, as reflected in an unstable economy and lack of trade, played a significant part.
• The Mongols’ military strengths and advantages encouraged attacks against neighbouring states.
• The “toughness of steppe life” made them aggressive and led them to attack neighbouring states.
• Their hunger for booty and spoils was, according to some scholars, a motivation.
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 combination of cavalry and infantry.
• Mongol soldiers were able to utilize a wide variety of military equipment.
• Soldiers were adequately clothed and protected, which allowed them to adapt to difficult climatic conditions and/or survive in battles.
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].
