Yasukai Mongol Ep 37 | How Genghis Khan's Huge Army Invades China | Tareekh

Genghis Khan's invasion of China was a long and complex process, spanning decades and involving a combination of military genius, psychological warfare, and adaptation. It wasn't a single, sudden overwhelming attack, but rather a series of campaigns against different Chinese dynasties and states. Here's how Genghis Khan's huge army typically invaded China, highlighting their key strategies and tactics: 1. Intelligence and Preparation: Extensive Scouting and Spying: Before any major invasion, the Mongols dispatched numerous spies and scouts to gather detailed information on the target country's terrain, defenses, communication routes, and internal weaknesses. They aimed to sow dissension and create a "war of nerves" among the enemy. Detailed Planning: Operations were meticulously planned, with a clear understanding of the enemy's resources and potential movements. 2. Psychological Warfare and Deception: Terror as a Weapon: The Mongols were infamous for their ruthless massacres of resisting towns and cities. This instilled immense fear in others, often leading to swift surrender to avoid annihilation. Exaggerating Numbers: They used misinformation, feints, and visual illusions (like lighting extra campfires or stirring up dust) to make their forces appear far larger than they actually were, demoralizing the enemy before battle. Feigned Retreats and Ambushes: A hallmark Mongol tactic was the "feigned retreat." They would pretend to withdraw, luring the enemy into a pursuit, only to suddenly wheel around and unleash a devastating surprise attack. They might even drop plunder to entice the enemy to break formation and chase them. Exploiting Divisions: The Mongols were adept at exploiting internal divisions and rivalries within their enemies, turning factions against each other. 3. Unmatched Mobility and Cavalry Tactics: Superior Horsemen and Archers: The Mongol army was primarily composed of highly skilled horsemen and deadly archers, who could ride long distances rapidly and strike unexpectedly. Composite Bows: Their powerful composite bows had an accurate range of 300 meters, allowing them to outshoot most opponents. Hit-and-Run, Flanking, and Envelopment: Their mobility allowed for swift hit-and-run attacks, flanking maneuvers, and complete encirclement of enemy forces. "Mass Hunt" Maneuvers: They would fan out, form a wide ring, and then slowly contract, trapping targets with no escape – a tactic perfected in hunting. Multiple Horses per Soldier: Each Mongol soldier typically had three or four horses, enabling sustained high-speed movement and allowing them to cover vast distances quickly without being tied to slow supply trains. 4. Adaptability and Siege Warfare: Learning from the Conquered: While initially less experienced in siege warfare, the Mongols quickly learned and adopted advanced techniques from Chinese engineers. They integrated Chinese expertise in siege weapons like catapults, ballistae, and even early gunpowder artillery (including bombs and rockets). Combined Arms: They used their horse archers to soften up enemy formations with arrow storms, then their heavy cavalry would charge in for close combat. Recruiting Skilled Individuals: The Mongols valued and recruited people with specialized skills, including Chinese engineers, doctors, and scholars, to aid in their conquests and governance. 5. Army Size and Structure: Discipline and Organization: The Mongol army was exceptionally well-disciplined and organized, allowing for complex maneuvers and coordinated attacks. Promotion was strictly merit-based. Relatively Smaller Numbers (often): Despite the "horde" image, the Mongols often achieved victory against numerically superior foes due to their tactical genius and discipline. For example, in 1211, 90,000 Mongols under Genghis Khan, aided by a diversionary force of 30,000 under Subedei, faced a much larger Jin army. Toumans: The army was structured into units called "toumans" (approximately 10,000 men), which provided flexibility and allowed for broad-front advances in parallel columns. The Stages of the Invasion of China: Genghis Khan's initial focus was on Northern China, specifically the Western Xia (Xi Xia) and Jin Dynasties. Western Xia (1209 onwards): The Mongols first attacked the border settlements of the Xi Xia. While initially challenged by their fortified capital, Zhongxing, they adapted their siege tactics and eventually forced the Xi Xia into submission as a vassal state, extracting tribute and manpower. Jin Dynasty (1211 onwards): Genghis Khan declared war on the powerful Jin Dynasty in 1211. They used diversions and outflanking maneuvers to bypass the Great Wall. Although they faced initial frustrations in taking major cities, they eventually mastered siegecraft with the help of Chinese engineers. Beijing (then Zhongdhu) was a tough nut to crack, but the Mongols eventually forced the Jin to move their capital south. #GenghisKhan