-The Mongols were united by a strong leader, Genghis Khan. -They were used to the hardships required of empire builders, for example, living the nomadic life, spending long hours on horseback, and so on. -Genghis was a brilliant organizer who created a mighty fighting force. -Genghis was a gifted military strategist who ably exploited the enemy's weaknesses and the Mongols' strengths. -Genghis eagerly adopted the weapons and technology of the peoples he conquered. -The Mongols used cruelty as a weapon of intimidation. Those who did not give in to them were slaughtered. -The Mongols were able to maintain control of their vast empire by dividing it into four khanates. -After conquering their empire, the Mongols imposed peace and stability and encouraged trade
