why did genghis khan invade china from the north
Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire, invaded China from the north primarily for several reasons:
1. Resources and Wealth: The northern part of China, known as the Jin Dynasty, was a prosperous region with abundant resources. Genghis Khan sought to control and exploit these resources, including agricultural lands, minerals, and trade routes, to enrich the Mongol Empire.
2. Expansion and Conquest: Genghis Khan aimed to expand his empire and establish Mongol dominance over neighboring territories. China, with its vast population and advanced civilization, presented an attractive target for conquest. Invading from the north provided a strategic advantage due to the Mongol's military effectiveness in the region's grassy steppes and plains.
3. Revenge and Retaliation: Prior to Genghis Khan's invasion, the Jin Dynasty had regularly launched raids into Mongol territories. As a retaliation for these aggressive acts, Genghis Khan invaded China to punish the Jin and avenge his people.
4. Strategic Positioning: Genghis Khan's invasion of northern China provided a strategic foothold for further territorial expansions. By capturing key cities and regions, he established a base from which to continue the conquest of other parts of China.
Overall, Genghis Khan's invasion of China from the north was driven by a combination of economic interests, thirst for power and conquest, revenge, and strategic calculations.