Introduction: This article narrates the rise of the Yuan Dynasty. After the Mongols broke their promise to the Song, Kublai Khan embraced Han governance to rule Central Plains. He won the Mongol succession war, founded the Yuan in 1271, built Dadu (Beijing) as capital, and prepared to conquer the Southern Song.
Introduction: This article records the fall of the Jin Dynasty. Besieged by Mongol armies, the Jin made a fatal mistake by attacking the Southern Song. The Song allied with the Mongols out of hatred, jointly destroying the Jin in 1234. This short‑sighted partnership removed the Jin buffer, soon exposing the Song to Mongol conquest.
–Mao Zedong, February 1936 Behold the northern land’s grand view:A thousand leagues locked in ice and frost,Ten thousand leagues where snowflakes lostIn whirling flight the sky bestrew.Great Wall stretches far, beyond and near;One vast white waste alone appears.The Yellow River’s mighty tideFrom source to sea is stilled, dried.Mountains like silver serpents glide;Plains like waxen…