DYNASTIES/CIVILIZATIONS 

Yuan

The Yuan dynasty lasted less than a century due to being over thrown. Kublai Kahn (the Yuan emperor) abandoned the steppes and moved the Yuan to China. Ther he tolerated Chinese culture, but had little in common with them. Kublai made very few changes to the government. There was a lot of heavy spending on wars, public work, and the Yuan Court. This caused resentement from the Chinese, because they were being over-taxed. After Kublai died, the Yuan period began to fade. 

 

The Yuan capital was built where present day Beijing is. Kublai Kahn had people restore the Grand Canal and extend it to present day Beijing. During this time, foreign trade rapidly grew due to Mongol peace. They traded silk, porcelain, printing, gunpowder, compass, paper currency, and playing cards. The Yuan army tried to attack + conquer Japan in 1274 and 1281 a.d. but failed both times. During those attempted attacks, they forced Koreans to build and sail and provide provisions for boats, which almost ruined Korea financially. In the 1300s, rebellions started to take place cause by years of famine, floods, disease, and economic problems.