3-5 sentences, analyze how overextension and fragmentation caused the collapse of the Mongol Empire
Overextension refers to the stretching of resources and capacities beyond sustainable limits, while fragmentation refers to the breaking up or division of a large entity. These two factors played a crucial role in the collapse of the Mongol Empire.
Firstly, the Mongols had rapidly expanded their empire, conquering vast territories from China to Eastern Europe within a short period. This created an enormous strain on their administrative, military, and logistical capabilities, leading to overextension. The vast size of the empire made it difficult for the ruling elite to effectively control and govern distant regions.
Secondly, the death of Genghis Khan in 1227 led to the division of the empire among his sons and grandsons. This caused fragmentation as power struggles and infighting ensued among rival factions, leading to the weakening of central authority. The empire became fragmented into various Khanates, each with its own rulers and interests, making it further susceptible to external invasions and internal rebellion.
These two factors, overextension and fragmentation, led to the gradual decline and eventual collapse of the Mongol Empire. The strain of maintaining such a vast empire proved unsustainable, and the lack of strong central authority weakened the unity and cohesion of the empire. Ultimately, this allowed for the rise of local uprisings and the invasion of external forces, leading to the disintegration of the Mongol Empire.