The Mongols rose to power adapting and improving on the existing Steppe political and military structure, couple with the incorporation of advanced and innovated conquered societies into the Mongol Hordes. Noticeable changes were, where tribal leaders once recruited and assembled groups of warriors through tribal affiliation and familial ties, Chinggis Khan assembled units into smaller cross-clan fighting units limited in size. Leadership authority granted by birth was reduced in favor of merit and deed based promotion system. This allows the “best man” to rise through the ranks by on his own actions and deeds.
In keeping with Steppe tradition, the mounted (Horseback) archers remained an important “core” in the center of the Khan’s military, the notable changes were the incorporation of new technologies and warriors from subjugated and conquered lands around this “core” of Mongols. So, “Success created Success” in every progressing campaign the Mongol’s undertook, as it added men and weapons to the army. Siege weapons were incorporated from the defeated Arabs; Projectile weapons like the trebuchet was incorporated from the Chinese. These tools and their incorporation into the Mongol Horde’s tactics created a large force with advanced weaponry to fight in smaller units, highly skilled at …show more content…
adapting to ever-changing battlefield environments with commanders and leaders on the ground in direct command small units.
2. How did technology transform naval war power and warfare?
Mastering maritime trade created opportunities for emerging empires to not only expand their realm of influence, but also increase trade with other cultures.
Trade goods and supplies could be moved easier via aquatic means, but the cost and liability of maintaining watercraft kept maritime warfare innovation modest and reactive in nature. The emergence of the “ram” aimed at splitting or capsizing an enemies boat was in essence, a reinforced and lengthened forefoot located at the bow of the ship that had existed since the development of the keeled ship, highlighting more of a tactical modification over a deliberate
innovation.
The innovation of the “oar-powered” craft was favored over the “sail powered” craft, as oar-powered (which didn’t require wind) did require more men to maintain and power the vessel, limiting the dual purposed vessel’s (shipping/warfare) ability to carry cargo. The innovation of dedicated “warships” designed to ram, board, or capsize enemy vessels. The cost of maintaining a dedicated fleet of warships was costly and most empires of the time were hesitant to dedicate the required finances to such an endeavor, formations and tactics were developed to counter larger, smaller, stronger, or faster threats while, limiting the additional cost of additional weaponry and advanced vessels. Later innovations included multiple rowing decks to increase the speed, size, and manpower of the warships. The innovation of “Greek fire” and eventually gunpowder found its way onto the maritime vessels.