Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World is a book written by a professor of anthropology at Macalester College in Minnesota and is divided into three parts. The story centers around Temujin, the man before Genghis Khan, and his life as he establishes the Mongol Empire and puts him and the Mongols in a more positive light than mainstream media does.
The first part of the book is called “The Reign of Terror on the Steppe”. It begins by generally describing the political and social life in Mongolia. Then it centers on the birth of Temujin. Temujin and his family had been outcast from their tribe, and life was hard. Slowly and surely, he started rising in the ranks, and with this trouble follows. When he got married his wife was abducted, though he managed to save her, he made many enemies. He also formed alliances with powerful warlords and it was during this time he changed his named to the famous Genghis Khan.
The second part of the book is where Genghis tries expanding the Mongolian powers and borders, as well as changing the Mongol customs and traditions. Genghis manages to defeat the kingdom of Manchuria, the Central Asian empire of Khwarazm and conquers them, though he doesn’t manage to conquer the Sung dynasty of China. After the death of Genghis, his sons take over after their father and continues expanding the country. Several generations pass. This part of the book is called “The Mongol World War”.
The last section, “The Global Awakening”, tells the ending of the Mongolian empire. When it reaches its greatest territorial extent, it the empire begins to change from its origins. During the Black Death the empire is thrown into utter chaos as different social aspects of the world changes. It finally collapses during the rebellions in Persia, which left the Mongol nation in small states.
In the epilogue ancient historical text is translated, analyzed, and explained, showing more of the story than many may already know. It not only discussed the story of Genghis alone, but also details the changes in the empire after his death and its collapse. Weatherford argues how the history of this empire is reflected and has affected the modern world today.
