Mix Money and Abbasids? You've Got A Falling Empire!

Extended Short Answer #3:

“How did the wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall?”

The Abbasids have ruled the Islamic Empire with great power and wealth. But sooner or later, that wealth can go into people’s heads. For example, because it had ruled many lands, it had also many riches. And part of these riches had to be paid to the political figures and representatives. The politicians had been paid a lot by the government, so they were used to the easy life. Therefore, the politicians neglected their duties and became lazy. Sadly, this also happens today, in modern politics. Because some politicians are lazy and go on the easy life, they neglect their civic duties. Also, another connection is that they like to take easy ways out of hassling government duties. Back then, they just blamed it on people or banish them, or whatever punishments they had. Nowadays, lazy politicians blame the poor and try to find loopholes. Another is that outside invaders were threatening the empires. Again, the bad political structure did not help the city, so the Fatimids got to come through the walls of the city and conquer. Today, if our political structure was as bad as the Abbasid’s, we would not have a good country today. We can learn from the Abbasids and see that wealth should not go to our heads.

The Umayyads, the Former America

How did the Umayyads maintain their rule?

The Umayyads used political, technological, and environmental strategies to rule their empire. Politically, the Umayyads organized a bureaucracy. This meant that their government was split into departments and agencies, which made it much easier. This shows how smart they were, because even today, the USA uses this system to create the FBI, environmental protection agency, department of finance, and more. Following technological aspects changed how they ruled, and it made it much simpler. They created a common coinage for trade. This made trading easier, because it unified their currency. In addition, they created a common language. This also helped communication so everyone did not need translator. Overall, these actions helped unify the Umayyads. I believe that this action impacted how Americans live today. It is said that America has races of all people. In the case that everyone spoke their own languages, America would not be unified. Finally, environmental changes helped in helped in unifying the Umayyads. The Umayyads conquered many lands spanning from Spain to Mesopotamia. All this land gave the empire more people, which in turn boosted their economy. For example, if the US was only half of its current size, then it would not be as powerful. Overall, political, environmental, and technological factors led to the Umayyads succeeding at maintaining their rule.

Powerful Mongol Rule

Was the Mongol rule good or bad for China? Explain your answer applying the PEST analysis.

The Mongol rule was a strong, powerful rule. Although, they did not have a set-up government, they adapted the government from the Chinese. They probably thought, if the Chinese had a strong empire, then we should try their style of government. This is because the Chinese had a strong empire because of the government, so they adapted their style to develop the empire. The Mongols lived in a cold, harsh weather with no money. They were fierce barbarians that were not even known, until they invaded China. Their in-combat fighting style was confusing, they would dispatch, then strike, and maybe form back together. This combat style was a bit similar to the Huns. The movie Mulan is a great example of the Huns. Even when they were not known, they rose to the top, conquering China, with their penetrating offense.

-antownknee (Anthony Mao)

How did the wealth of the Abbasid's also lead to their downfall?

Their wealth helped them gain rule by planning a fancy dinner for the Umayyads, then a little while into the dinner, they murdered them. This type of trickery is very similar to the one used during the Trojan War, where the Mycenae took in the wooden hiorse and then when they were drunk during the party, the Trojans came out of the horse and slaughtered them all. another example of this type of trickery is if Obama invited the president of Iraq to dinner and then when they were about to start eating, Obama poisoned the president of Iraq. After their victory, they began to get greedy and fight over each other for the power over the territory. This is when they started their downfall. This would be if Obama began to get greedy and raise taxes and spend all the money only on himself. Then the people of the united dates wouldn't like him, then they would overthrow him.







JUSTIN WU

Inexperienced Nomads

I believe that the Mongol rule was bad for China. The Mongols were fierce, monadic barbarians that were violent and cunning. I believe this was the source of their lack to rule. Since they were a nomadic people, they didn't have much experience with government because they never settled down in one place for a long period of time. Kublai Khan had to keep many aspects from the Chinese because they did not know how to govern well. Without the past generations, the MOngols would have gotten overthrown pretty easily because of their lack of experience. Mongol rule was bad because they were a little too violent. The Mongols were indeed fierce and strong, but they had no wisdom. If they were just a little wise, they could have been great rulers.

The Mangos... Mongos...Mongols rule on China :)

The Mongols started their rule in the 1200's after Genghis Khan conquered China and built the Yuan dynasty. Did their rule have a positive or negative impact on China? In my eyes, I believe the Mongols did well during their dynasty and helped not only the political but also economical and social culture aspects of China. Mongols managed to unite China and bring it into a time of peace and prosperity.
The Mongols increased trade and gave China a booming economy by increasing trade and following through different tactics. Even though Mongols gave Chinese officials low- ranking jobs, it aided Mongols politically and put their ideas into effect quickly. Since they traded with “outsiders” their culture blended with other empires and helped their social-cultural aspect. Also they kept the features of the former Chinese government the same since it was strong and helped the Chinese people feel connected to the government. Not only that, but Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, paved many roads and build many canals to make trade smoother. Therefore, trade became prosperous so the economical view of China was splendid. In the end, it seems the Mongols did make China a better empire than before.

Through Money, Language, and Politicians, the Umayyads Maintain Their Rule

How did the Umayyads maintain their rule?

Much like how China today has a large population to control, the Umayyads had to control a large population in their time. Because of the many peoples they had conquered, there were many different languages being spoken. This was like the Tower of Babel, where the conflicting languages confused everyone. This is also like a Chinese man yelling at a Mexican man, each not understanding what the other is yelling about. To solve the confusion in the Umayyad’s rule, Abd-al Malik made Arabic the official language. Now that everyone spoke one language, the people were more unified. However, there were more problems than language. There was also many kinds of currency. This would be like a man using ¥400 to buy a €200 item. To overcome this problem, Abd-al Malik also created a common coinage, making the economy easier to manage. In addition, the Umayyads established a beauracracy to better govern the land. With a common coinage, language, and a proper government, the Umayyads united the conquered peoples and maintained their rule.

My short-extended answer for the 1st semester comp on 7th grade History

How did the wealth of the Abbasids bring them to their downfall? Abbasid's wealth brought them to their downfall by making them greedy, lazy, sybarites. They became rich because of trading. ed the taxes. All that wanting made them into greedy It made them more laid back and wanting. Soon enough, they were fond of luxury and goods as well as soft living. They started to run low on money so they increased the tax. All that wanting has made them in to greedy people. Since they had everything they needed they started to ignore their citizens, which made them lazier. In conclusion, the wealth of Abbasid make them in to lazy, greedy, sybarites and that is how it brought them to their downfall.

USELESS BARBARIANS

In my opinion the Mongol rule was bad for China because they didn't specialize in learning the goverment system and therefore didn't know anything about govermenting. Aslo Mongols were bad for China because they attacked and killed their people and that makes them weaker. Shown by the Mongols, their weak skill ofn goverment they would have failed if not because of the previous governers that they adapted certain ways to govern from. They were just useless barbarians that did not know how to govern and were to ignorent to make their own style of goverment. Mongols paid no mind to the people and this shows that they care would only about what they want for the system and not the people because they to were greedy. Mongols treated the people as they were rats and aslo poorly. They to me don't know how to mantain control and specially can't be good at goverment.

The Abbasids Decline

The wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall because they only cared about money and living lavishly. They didn't protect the barbarians which made trade weak and more vulnerable to attacks which in result they raised taxes to keep their lavish lives going. Because trade was a money maker. Just like in our society we have great company's that support our daily lives and without those company's we would have to raise taxes to help bring in more money. The Abbasids in return revolted which caused internal problems. Then outsiders launched attacks on the Abbasids, and since they also had internal problems that made them more vulnerable to attacks.

Muslims Compared with Byzantines

How did the Muslim policy of ruling conquered peoples compare with that of the Byzantines and Persians?

Though the three empires of Muslim Empire, Byzantine Empire and Persian Empire hold to be comparable and also able to contrast, they all hold their own uniqueness in different ways. For example, the Muslim Empire openly welcomed many different societies of religions, which led them to have a diverse society of culture. It also helped them grow more populous, while many scholars, in favor of the religious freedom, came to the Muslim Empire to conduct their studies. However, the Byzantine and Persian Empires differed in their way of governing their society, For Instance, the Byzantine Empire only allowed Christianity, or Christian-related religions, but still gave Christians a much better citizenship. This had, however, given a much more common culture in which had regulated the life all over the Byzantine Empire. With this, the Byzantine Empire became much easier to govern through religion. Though they had contrasting ways of governing, there were still some positive effects that gave the empires their way in which they are unique, through the insights of their comparisons.

Mongols: Clever and good or evil and dimwitted?

Q: Was the Mongol rule good or bad for China?
A: The fierce Mongols destroyed everything that stood in their way, but was there rule good or bad for China? In my opinion, the Mongol rule was bad for China politically, but good economically. During Mongol rule, leaders were mostly Mongols, and important government jobs were taken from the Chinese and given to Mongols or trusted foreigners, even though the Chinese were more experienced and educated with their job. This showed that they were protective of their power, assigning important jobs to their fellow Mongols that weren’t experienced with the job. This wasn’t good for China, because before, the Chinese were doing pretty fine with their government, which was organized and controlled. It would be like kicking out all the experienced teachers at Whitney High School and letting the un-experienced students teach the classes. There shouldn’t be a need to take someone off the job if they were already doing a fine job. This would be bad for the school, like the Mongol rule was bad for the government.

On the other hand, the Mongol rule improved China economically. The Mongols made trade routes safer to travel on, which resulted in merchants being able to travel to other countries and China being more open to the outside world. This was good, because trade improved interaction with other countries. Merchants, able to travel safely, could bring China to other countries and improve China’s economy. Other merchants would be attracted by China, and spread the word about this great country. This showed that the Mongols, though un-experienced with government, still knew a little about what would be good for China. Like today, America is a great country that is open for others. Hearing from others all these fabulous things about this country, such as freedom and safety, people are attracted by its greatness and want to live here. There are many people, including my family members, who have arrived at America a few years ago, because they heard it was a wonderful, wealthy country with freedom and job opportunities. Safer trade definitely opened up China to everyone else. The Mongols, who seemed fierce and unreasonable, had made a great choice for the country. Though the Mongols didn’t make a good choice for the government, they did make a good choice for China economically.

Abbasids+$$$=Downfall

The Abbasid Empire was a vast and powerful empire, thriving on trade. But one important factor that lead to their downfall was their own wealth. During the Abbasids' golden age, the Abbasid caliphs grew very wealthy. As a result, the caliphs got used to a luxorious, lazy lifestyle and began to forget their responsibilities as a leader. This can be related to many things in our society today, even with people such as Ebenezer Scrooge from the story "A Christmas Carol". Scrooge was so obsessed with his money that he forgot about the true meaning of Christmas.

Soon, people under Abbasid rule began to revolt because the caliphs were not completing their duties as a leader. The Fatamids and the Seljuk Turks were two major groups that revolted against the Abbasids. This is similar to citizens protesting against a certain proposition passed by the government. After these revolts, the Abbasid empire quickly diminished and declined. Therefore, the Abbasids' wealth also lead to their downfall.

Jonathon Xue :D

an overconfident empire

The Abassids were a very powerful group of people, but even the best "fall off the wagon" sometimes. Right? Well, the Abbasids did "fall off the wagon", but not because of someone else. Through their own carelessness and recklessness, the Abbasid caliphs brought about their own downfall.

First and foremost, the government officials and caliphs grew fond of an easy living. The Abbasid rulers didn't take their responsibilities as seriously as they should have. Therefore, the empire began to decline. Nowadays, if a president starts to slack off, he usually gets back to work and doesn't slack off. That's probably why today's world is more efficient and maybe if they had more responsible rulers, the Abbasid empire could have lasted longer. The caliphs also did not help merchants trade. This led the merchants to being easy targets for robbers and bandits. As a result, merchants were not able to trade and caused a decline in the economy. Maybe if caliphs had taken more interest in what was happening to their trade, the economy would have been stronger. In today's economy, we had been declining, but because we have a good president, we are gradually growing again. Without the president's helpfulness and efforts to improve our economy, we would probably be entering the path the Abbasids did.

The Abbasids overestimated how long their empire would last and began to slack off. Because of all their power , they began to think that they were the best and nothing could make them go down. Even though they might not have known it, the Abbasids' carelessnes caused their empire to just fade into history.

Foolish, selfish (rich $$$) Abbasids!!!

Q. How did the wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall?

A. The Abbasids were very wealthy rulers that expperienced a golden age. Yet the same power and wealth that mad them rise, brought them to their downfall. The Abbasids had extreme wealth and lived luxuriously. Yet, their lavish lifestyle made them selfish by keeping and taking all items to themselves and not sharing their wealth with their people. Because of this, they were blinded from their responsibility as rulers and due to their poor efforts of benefiting the people, trade routes were soon vulnerable to and attacked by bandits. Thus, wealth decreased and furthermore, the Abbasids raised taxes. The empire grew weak and soon enough, a faction called the Fatimids who, as they proclaimed, were descended from Fatima, a daughter of Muhammad, conquered the Abbasids' rule.

Wealth distracted the rulers from responsibility, ironically, just as some of China's fallen emperors. The rulers elevated themselves way too above the people. The Abbasids didn't even attempt to protect the people and merchants by securing trade routes but simply raised taxes, burdening the citizens even more but giving the rulers a more leisure life than deserved. Because of this, we find that the Abbasids were already incapable leaders; unable to rule citizens orderly. Being too wealthy made the Abbasids selfish. If the wealth was used for the people and themselves, wealth would've continued to prosper rather than come to an abrupt and brutal end. The Abbasids were selfish and because of the secure state of their empire and the golden age, they most likely though their empire indestructable. This is why the Fatimids were able to conquer the Abbasids for the reality was that the Abbasids were actually weaker than ever before.

SOME POWER+ABBASIDS=ABBASIDS WITH MORE POWER, MORE POWER=MORE WEALTH, TOO MUCH WEALTH=OVERTHROWN STUCKUP ABBASIDS

How did the wealth that brougth the Abbasid's power also lead to their downfall?

The Ummayads had been strongly rejected by many groups but only the Abbasids successfully conquered them. The Abbasids gained much power over the years. They created a standing army to maintain control within the empire as well as protect them from invaders. This is very similar to the United States of America. Here in the USA, we have armies that serve our antion to protect us such as the Navy, Marines, and the Air Force. And to protect us from criminals close to our homes, there are police stations filled with dedicated police officers in every city and town. The Abbasids also prospered tremendously through trade, especially in the new capital, Baghdad. Trade is now used all over the world. But over the years, the concept of paper money and coins has developed. Instead of directly trading, money is used to pay for and buy items of the customers' desire. It has shown to be more convenient but also has started to make the USA decline financially. Due to the unpaid and purposely forgotten mortgages and loans, we entered a recession. Once the most wealthiest country, now one of the struggling nations that may cause so much of an impact it could start the second Depression. Just as we have, the Abbasids grew wealthy and started to live a relaxing, luxury life. And just like every other empire, the Abbasids were then conquered and later destroyed, only to be found in our history books. Even today, people become over their heads over fame and money, and it proves to be very fatal.

The Backfired Wealth

Questions: How did the wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall?

Answer: The Abbasids got their power by wealth, but they didn't know that it would bring their downfall. The Abbasids always lived as fancy life style and didn't care about their government duties. For example, when merchants were attacked by bandits. The Abbasids did little to protect them. Since merchants were attacked this weakened their trade. Trade is important throughout an empire. It brings all the Wealth an empire needs, and without it an empire, it can not fully develop. A group called the Fatimids disliked the Abbasids really much. They thought that Muslims should all live a simple life, not a fancy one liked the Abbasids. So the Fatimids went against them. This was bad since the Abbasids are dealing with many problems within, they don't have time to strengthen their empire. If the Abbasids hadn't lived a simple life, this wouldn't have happened. While they were handling problems in their empire, a group called the Seljuk Turks captured because they had many flaws in their empire. If the Abbasids hadn't live a fancy life or forget their government duties, they could have lasted longer. The Abbasids wealth brought them power but also brought them to their decline.

Muslims PWN Byzantines & Persians

How did Muslim policy of ruling conquered peoples compare with that of Byzantines and Persians:

Muslims were more tolerate of people's religion. They didnt' force people to convert unlike the Byzantines and the Persians. In my opinion, they were more sensible. Even if you forced somone to convert, they wouldn't be really converted. They may act like they believe, but inside they are still reluctant. It is just like forcing someone to like something, such as a food. Sure you can force them to eat the food, but inside, they would be revolted.The Muslims knew this, if they forced people to convert, they wouldn't be pure muslims.The only thing the Muslims could do was lead and guide them. However the coice to convert was theirs. The Byzantines and Persians just forced people to convert. If the people didnt convert, they would get killed. The Muslims were smarter than the Byzantines and Persians. Their tolerance helped them get stronger.

Mongol Rule ROCKS China!!!!!!

Was the Mongol Rule good or bad for China?

The Mongol rule was very good for China, because it not only brought improvement, but showed the other countries what China has to offer.

When Kublai Khan was emperor, he kept many aspects of Chinese Culture. Therefore, letting the other countries to sail around the world to China to visit the great wonders. Many sailors from near and far traveled to China. Kublai showed the world about China's riches when he allowed trade and contact with foreigners. Kublai did an amazing job for China because he made the world want to come see China for it themselves. Even Marco Polo came and stayed and associated with Kublai Khan. Kublai transformed China into a well formed empire when he was at the throne.

The Mongol Rule helped China in every way strength of China. The Mongols just added more to China's achievement. Kublai Khan's trade allowing was the main reason why China became so great today. It was the trade and foreign contact that brought other countries like Europe and America to sail because without the help, no one may ever know the great and superior all the way to China.

Hence, the Mongol rule gave China a good reputation and improved many China's work. That is why Mongol Rule is terrific for china.

A Roller Coaster Ride!

• How did the wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall?

The wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall because of poor leadership, Fatimid revolt, and the Seljuk Turks. The Abbasids were fond of easy living. They were selfish from the beginning of their rule. They wanted to be the only ones to rule. Therefore, they ignored their government responsibilities. They also did little to protect merchants from attacks by bandits, which badly hurt trade, a big source of the caliph's wealth. The Abbasids then raised taxes and the people were tired of the Abbasids selfish behavior.

The Fatimid revolt also brought the Abbasids to their downfall. The Abbasids had a very fancy life style and the fatimids thought that Muslims should live more simply. From the beginning they were very wealthy and that is how the Abbasids took control. The Fatimids then drove the Abbasids out of power. This is an example of how the Abbasids' wealth brought them to their downfall.

Personnaly, I think the Abbasids rule was more like a roller coaster ride then anything else. They were rising up and up and up with their weath and power until they finnally got to the very top and then went down. Just like a roller coaster ride. You go up and up and up to the top of the roller coaster and then you droppppppp! Aghhhhh!

MoNgOL rULe: Good or Bad?

I believe the Mongol rule was good, rather than bad for China. It contributed to the economic, political, and technological aspects of the empire. When the Mongols added China to their vast empire, they made the journey from east to west, or through Asia to China, safe for merchants, traders, explorers and dignitaries. This raised the demand for Chinese products in the West and expanded trade. I believe this was a good thing because the economy went up and and China began to prosper. Also, many more people became artisans as and effect of this. Seeing that the next time after Mongol rule that a person could travel freely on land to China would be in the 1900s, I'd say that the Mongols achieves a great thing for China. When the Mongols rulers such as Kublai Khan opened the Chinese borders, they made a strategic move of inviting Western Explorers such as Marco Polo to China. This helped spread Chinese influence onto the rest of the world. Without the Mongols, it would have taken many more centuries of researching and studying until the Chinese invented items like gunpowder and the compass, which would reach Europe. All in all, I think that the Mongol rule in China had a very positive effect on the Chinese Empire.

How the Umayyads Maintained Their Rules

The Umayyads maintained their rules in political, technological, and environmental ways. First, the Umayyads had bureaaucracy, which is a system of departments and agencies that carry out the work of the government. Bureaucracy helped the caliphs rule the empire from the capital of Damascus. This is similar to the Justinian code that Justinian 1, the emperor of the Byzantine Empire. The Justinian Code helped Justinians to serve the Byzatine Empire for 900 years. The second way of maintaining their rules was technology. Abd al-Malik, who became caliph in 685, made common coinages. Because the Muslims spoke different languages, the coinage made people to communicate with each other in other regions more easily. This is just like the aquaducts of Rome. The aquaduct was constructed to make people get water ealily. The third way of maintaining their rule was by conquering more lands to gain power. For example, the Umayyads expanded their empire to west into the Iberian Peninsula. This is similar to Genghis Khan, who had conquered all of central Asia for power.

Destructive Wealth

The Muslim Empire

Key: Green= Analysis

Q: How did the wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall?

A: Wealth is a very wanted and important item today, and it was in the past, too. The Abbasids received power and overthrew the Umayyads to capture the Islamic Empire. Do you know how the Abbasids received that power? From wealth, of course! Although the wealth gave the Abbasids control over the empire, it also lead to their downfall. It was because other groups, such as the Fatimids, did not like the way that they Abbasids lived a fancy, rich life. They thought that Muslims should live a life simply. So, the Fatimids conquered the western area of the Muslim Empire. I think that it was the Abbasids' own actions that lead to their decline because since they are Muslim, they should live according to their rule, which was to live simply. But they lived elaborately, which was not the Muslim rule, so that gave the Fatimids a reason to oppose and conquer the Western area of the Muslim Empire.

I think that it wasn't wealth that was the main reason of the Abbasids' decline. After the Fatimids took control of an area in the Muslim Empire, the Abbasids could have just conquered more land and keep the empire strong. In my opinion, the Abbasids were weak from the beginning so they didn't make any more advances. It is a fact that when the Abbasids overthrew the Umayyads, they were with other joined forces. If the Abbasids were alone, they wouldn't have been able to conquer the Muslim empire. But because they had help and WEALTH, they took over the empire.

In conclusion, wealth brought the Abbasids to their decline because the factions didn't like that the Abbasids lived a wealthy life. And so they were overthrown of some of the areas in the Muslim Empire, and that made the Abbasids weaker then they were.

So you can see that although wealth is important today as it was in the past, it is not always an item of positivity and good purpose. Wealth could destroy you, just like it did to the Abbasids.

Umayyads Rulez!!! ^.^

How did the Umayyads maintain their rule?
As the Umayyads came to power, they changed many things helping the empire expand, but also continued to maintain their rule. However, they maintained their rule for quite a long time. Going with political, economical, and technological aspects, they expanded the empire while making it stronger. First and foremost, the Umayyads expanded the empire to the west. By 710, they controlled the whole of North Africa from the Nile River to the Atlantic Ocean. The following year, they moved northward across the Mediterranean Sea into the Iberian Peninsula. Using military force and treaties, they took control of nearly all of the peninsula. The way the Umayyads had expanded the empire could be both good and bad. Positive reactions could include more people coming into the empire and trade developing meaning more money can come it making the empire richer. Yet, the empire may be too big to handle being uncontrollable and all fall apart. In this case, their move was on the correct path. Because of the peace treaties, goverments may have reunited with each other instead of being against each other. If thy did, more peace would be able to go out through the land instead of wars and fights.
Furthermore, the Umayyads patterned their goverment on the bureacracy used in the lands they won from the Byzantine Empire. This is somewhat like what the Romans had in their empire and republic. Also, here in the United States of America, we also pattern our goverment on a bureaucracy which is the same thing they used many, many centuries ago.
To rule the different provinces of the empire, the caliphs appointed Muslim governors called emirs or also known as "goverment officials". Working with local leadership helped the Umayyads win support in lands far from Damascus. Because of the vast size of the Umayyads's empire, they had needed help controlling and with that, the emirs were able to have a job or respnsibility, as well. As you can see, because of the actions of the Umayyads, they made the empire better and stronger while still being able to maintain their rule

1. Explain the significance of each: Primary sources, Secondary sources, and Oral History/How did the Ummayads maintain their rule?~♀♪♫☼►

1. Explain the significance of each: Primary sources, Secondary sources, and Oral History. How is each source significant to historians?

Primary sources gave complete concrete detail of what had happened. This can be a painting, diary, or even a notebook. Historian use these as evidence to support their theories. Secondary sources provide insight that the person himself would never had realized. For example, in a newspaper (a secondary source), it would tell you that Columbus never made it to Asia, a fact that he himself did not know. Oral history is significant to many historians because of the fact that they give the historian insight on what the culture understood, or thought they understood, of the world during their time. It also tells them about what the culture thought of the life around them.

2. How did the Umayyads maintain their rule. Apply the STEEP analysis.

The Umayyads waintained their rule over Rome through various means. Firstly, they developed common coinage and language. These coins also had Arabic inscribed on them to help the people get used to Arabic. Common coinage helped develop trade and helped the people commerce. Common language took away one of the main barriers from unifynig the empire under them. The Umayyads also used a bureaucracy taken from the Romans. This bureaucracy allowed them to rule from their capital city, Damascus, without having to actually travel throughout all of the empire. This also ensured that their orders were carried out. This is how the Umayyads maintained their rule.

Maintaining power; the Umayyads

By: ty Boll

HOW DID THE UMAYYADS MAINTAIN POWER?

The Umayyads maintained their rule by setting up a bureaucracy and by setting up a common coinage and language system. The bureaucracy helped them maintain control of their government. This was important because their ruler couldn't always have time to deal with problems related to the people. The common language and coinage helped make trade easier. Because trade was easier, more money was coming into their cities. I think that this was important because without it, they wouldn't have had all their success. These things affect us today because we don't have a single person in charge of everything, instead we have also set up a bureaucracy. We also have common language and coinage. Though now we see English instead of Arabic and paper money instead of coins, they still serve the same purpose they had before.

The Abbasids gold. Wealth. POWER! UP! UP! Downfall!!!

Question: How did the wealth that brought the Abbasids power also lead to their downfall?
The Abbasids grew rich and and wealthy, their wealth brought them to their power. Unfortunately their great wealth lead to their decline. With all the Abbasids wealth, they started living the easy life, a life of luxury. The caliphs were enjoying the luxury. They started to grow lazy and ignore responsibilities of the government. The merchants were being attacked by bandits. The Abbasids did little to protect their merchants. This badly hurt their trade, the source of the wealth. The Abbasid caliphs started to raise taxes. They beacame greedy. The Abbasids went all the way up to power and became ignorant on top of that arrogant. They ignored the importance of their job and hurt their own wealth.
People grew tired of their overly selfish behavior. The Fatimids, who especially disliked the fancy lifestyle, challenged the Abbasid rule. On top of that they were attacked from the inside by the Seljuk Turks. The Seljuk leader became ruler, but kept the Abbasid caliph as religous leader. Later that Abbasid caliph was killed. The Abbasids could have been better rulers. They should have payed more attention to their jobs. Maybe the Abbasids could have had a longer rule. What if our president ignored his job, we would be having a hard time right? You cannot ignore your job to be a good leader.

Renovating or Destroying China?

Q:Was the Mongol rule good or bad for China?



In this case, the Mongol rule for China was both good and bad. When the Mongols conquered China using brutal force and power, a lot of things changed. China, once a beautiful elegant country was now being ruled by the strong ruler of Mongolia, Kublai Khan.

Much changed once Kublai came into rule. For one thing, China's government had changed greatly. Instead of having the experienced Chinese scholars as government officials, Kublai kicked them off and directed the Mongols to take their place. From there, government became very weak. I think this was bad because their government was quite weak without the former scholars. A strong government is needed in all kinds of civilizations to make the country strong and powerful. The Mongols didn't know how to rule and were guided by the Chinese. This may seam okay, but the Chinese didn't have a job now and became poor. This is very unfair to the Chinese because you can't just give someone the job. If that person is not fit for the job, why would you give it to him/her? That is just wrong.

Even though China slightly suffered under this point, they had a "golden age" under the economic point. Kublai allowed China to be open to the world and that's especially good because China could experience new things. From the other countries they could learn to use different goods and most importantly trade! This is very good because they could earn money and do so much more!

This was good because the villagers were able to follow and listen to the Mongol ruler. That way the villagers wouldn't be overly frightened and were willing to listen. In all, I think the Mongol rule was both good and bad. China got to experience new things that helped them evolve into a stronger country.



~ daphne chiang <3

The Long Lasting Umayyads

Question: How did the Umayyads maintain their rule??
The Umayyads accomplished many things. One of the things were to maintain their rule. When they had control, they started conquer new lands.Under the Umayyads, the Muslim Empire expanded. With the empire bigger, it may have been frightening for people to even try to attack it. The Umayyads built the common language and coinage.The trade would now became easier throughout the lands. By doing that, it helped people interact and it might be even easier for the emperors to understand the citizens. The common language and coinage really helped a lot for maintaining their rule. Soon, the Umayyads took control most of Central Asia. The Umayyads now expanded the the Muslim empire to the west. Withouth the Umayyads, the empire will be small and look tempting for the opposing groups to attack it. The Umayyad leaders were invited to a meeting to talk about peace. When the Umayyads got there, they were killed. Luckily, Abd-al-Rahman survived and reestablished the Umayyad dynasty. The meeting could have ended their anger about one another but the Abbasid chose to use it as a bait. It would have been better if they didn't kill the Umayyads because they could have straightened the religious and political differences. With Abd-al-Rahman, the Umayyads can still defeat the opposing groups.

-Michelle Cuatrona

Yay, the Umayyads were good leaders for many reasons

The Umayyad family kept a strong rule over thier empire. They had made a common coinage and language, so that trade and the spread of news would be easier throught the lands. Also, the beaureucracy that was set up kept the governing system organized and efficient. The beaureucracy system also helped to unify the area as well , to make sure that everything was running smoothly in all parts of the empire.

Today in America, we too have made common language and currency, which helps everyone financially and socially. If the common language was not present, trade and shopping would be difficult to manage. The Umayyad beaureucracy relates to America because we have one as well. The beaureucracy system helps the U.S because it takes everyone's votes(or mostly everyone's) into consideration when deciding on someting for our republilc. We are represented by governers, who report to senaters, and the president. By keeping all of these things possible, the Umayyad family controlled their land very well.

By Kaili Hamada!!! <3

Why the Muslims???

How did the Muslim policy of ruling conquered peoples compare with that of the Byzantines and the Persians???

I personally think that the Muslim's way of ruling conquered people was better than that of the Byzantines and the Persians. When the Muslims had newly conquered people, they never forced them to convert to Islam, they only persuaded. Even though they raised taxes to non-Muslims, they never persecuted people if they didn't convert to Islam. Any other people, like the Byzantines and the Persians, would have used force and would have killed a person if the person refused to convert to the religion that they wanted them to. They also would have killed a person if they found out that they were practicing a different religion secretly. The Muslims would have done none of those things. If I were living at that time, and the city that I was lving in was conquered, I would rather it be by the Muslims. They would never have killed me, even if I was Christian and refused to convert to Islam. The Muslims would have let me be, whereas if I were being ruled by some other people who didn't like Christians, they would have killed me. The Muslims never used force which is why i think that they has a better system of ruling conquered people.

This picture shows that the Muslims would have accepted any people.

One Rule to Rule them ALL. The Muslims.

Question: How did the Muslim policy if ruling compare with that of the Byzantines and Persians?

My belief was that the Muslims had a superior rule over the Byzantine and Persian empires. The way they allowed people to believe in their own religions, such as Christians and Buddhists. This allowed many people to live and flourish in the empire, whilst also making friends, not enemies. The fact that they allowed free religion showed a peaceful bond between all people, and a more of a calm empire than a tyrannous one.
Another trait that helped them flourish was the fact they were centered on trade, which allowed them to flourish with the items and goods they gained. Also, they were a religious empire, so not many people dared to attack such a calm empire.
All of this lead to the Muslims being a more effective empire.

~Ben Espejo

Was Mongol rule good or bad for China? Fierce Warriors But Good Rulers

Mongol rule was very bad for China. One of the reasons was Mongol rulers would only let Mongols be part of the government. This would lead Chinese officials with no jobs and probaly make many people revolt. Also Mongols do not have many experience in the area of government. This is like having a random person becoming the President. Another reason Mongols rule is harsh and do not like to trade which means no money. No money means people will not get paid. Most Mongols are just warriors and don't do anything else. This probaly means they don't follow a religion or belief system. As you can see Mongol rule did not work out.

How did wealth that brought Abbasides power also lead to their downfall?

Abbasids' Greediness Leads to Their Downfall?

The Abbasids had a similar rule to the Umayyads. They extended their borders and their trade also expanded. This led to a variety of foods and others besides that. People from half a world away would even sell their products at the Abbasids' capital, Baghdad. As they grew with riches and power, I thought that they were going a little bit over board. They were soon careless and was ignoring those troubles of the people. As they were laughing with luxury and rose taxes, there was one specific part they were not aware of, trade routes. As the trade routes became more dangerous of bandits and stolen goods, no one would probably go to Baghdad to trade anymore. The Fatimids including Muhammad's daughter, Fatima, revolted the Abbasids as they were thrown off the throne. Soon, the Seljuk-Abbasids would rule the empire. That is why one should not become as greedy as the Abbasids were.

This is a photo of the Abbasid Dynasty as they are enjoying luxury and the man is drinking a cup of wine from a gold goblet.