Do you think Genghis Khan was vicious because he wanted to be — or because he had to be? Justify your response.
It is important to note that Genghis Khan's actions were influenced by various factors, including his personal ambitions, cultural and historical context, as well as the strategies required for survival and expansion. While it is difficult to determine his exact motivations, it is reasonable to argue that Genghis Khan's viciousness can be attributed to a combination of both his ambitions and the circumstances he faced.
One of the key factors contributing to Genghis Khan's aggression was his desire for power and conquest. Having grown up in a nomadic society that valued military prowess, Genghis Khan aspired to be a great warrior and leader. He aimed to establish a vast empire and leave a lasting legacy, which required him to conquer and subjugate other tribes and kingdoms. His ambition to be a prominent figure in history likely fueled his determination to expand his empire through forceful means.
Additionally, Genghis Khan faced a challenging geopolitical landscape. During his time, the Mongol people were surrounded by various powerful empires, such as the Jin Dynasty of China and the Khwarazmian Empire. To ensure the survival and prosperity of his people, Genghis Khan had to adopt ruthless tactics. He engaged in brutal warfare, employing strategies such as surprise attacks, psychological warfare, and scorched-earth tactics. These actions can be seen as a response to the necessity of defending and securing resources and territory for his nomadic people.
Furthermore, Genghis Khan's environment and cultural upbringing also played a role in shaping his behavior. Nomadic societies, including the Mongols, had a militaristic culture that valued strength, resourcefulness, and dominance. Genghis Khan was raised in this environment, where the survival of the tribe often depended on aggressive actions against rival groups. This cultural influence could have shaped his mindset and shaped his tendencies towards violence and conquest.
In conclusion, it is likely that Genghis Khan's viciousness resulted from a combination of personal desires for power and conquest, the challenging geopolitical landscape he faced, and the cultural values prevalent in his society. While his aspirations for greatness and personal ambitions may have motivated him, the necessity of securing resources, defending against powerful enemies, and conforming to the military culture likely played a significant role in shaping his ruthless actions.