Mongol Conquest : Key factors which made it possible

Mongol conquest of Asia and Eastern Europe was in thirteenth century. The united mongol army under Gengis Khan conquered most of the Asia. After his death his successors continued it to Europe and founded history's biggest empire within one century. But how could they do it in so small time and with nearly hundred percent success rate ? There were some uniqueness in mongol army. A good leaders and general like Gengis Khan just re-organised and used it wisely. The end result was astonishing.

Mongol Empire

Skill : Mongols were nomadic people from Mongolian Steppes. Because of the harsh weather conditions they were hardy people and master horsemen. They mastered another skill which played a crucial role in their conquest. They were fine horse archers. They can fire arrows from horse back while moving with precision rate. That skill played a vital role in their campaigns. They also possessed fine quality horses.

Mongol Army

Speed : Another key factor of their rapid success was their speed. Their army was super fast and they could cover a great distance in a short time. Research showed that the average speed of Mongolian army was nearly hundred miles per day. That speed was amazing even in the modern standard. Because of that speed they could appear before enemy could think or prepare themselves. Suppose the news came to enemy camp that the Mongols were 300 miles away. Enemy would think they had atleast 12 days for preparation. But within three days they found Mongols were at their gate. This lightning speed made them so successful in their campaigns.

Structure & Discipline :  The structure and discipline of Mongol army also played an important part in their success. Genghis Khan re-organised the structure of his army very well and made some crucial changes. Because of  that the discipline and effectiveness of the army increased. He formed a small unit of ten men called Arban, with Arbans or hundred men made Zuun, with ten Zuun or thousand men made a Mingghan and finally ten Mingghan or ten thousand made one Tumen. The leadership of Tumen or ten thousand was only given to the sons or capable and trusted generals. He also made a law. If one man deserted from one unit, the other nine were put to death. The transfer between armies were forbidden. This way he revolutionized the structure of the Mongol army which paid well in his later campaigns.

Mongol Horse Archers

Merit over aristocracy : Genghis Khan used merit over aristocracy. If the man was capable and good general, it didn't matter from which tribe or family he belonged. He would get his command. That also increased the effectiveness in decision making. Like we can see Jebe arguably the best Mongol general was from a humble background.

Genghis Khan

Good and capable generals : Genghis Khan himself was a fine general. But he was not the only the good general Mongols had. Jebe, Subotai, Batu, Kublai Khan all were fine generals the Mongols had in a series.

Strategy : The mongols also used good strategies to win battles. The "Feint retreat" was used effectively by them in many battles. It was a pre-planned retreat posing as rout to lure the enemy out from their defensive positions.    

Mongol Siege

Capability of adaptation  : Genghis Khan was very capable in adaptation of enemy's technology or techniques. Like during his conquest of China he used captured Chinese engineers. He understood that to conquer China he needed siege engines against fortified cities. So he used captured Chinese engineers to build the siege engines for him. He also respected and knew the  value  of writings. He was illiterate but used scribes to note down incidents or events.

These were the key factors which made Mongol army invincible and helped them to reshape the history of Asia and Europe (Like Russia was first unified under Mongol rule).