Chapter 8, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 8: The Asian World, 400–1500
"Kublai Khan's China"

Introduction
Because the Mongols used force to gain power, it would be natural to assume that they relied primarily on force to rule. In this activity you will discover otherwise by reading about Marco Polo's observations in the court of Kublai Khan.

Destination Title: Marco Polo at the Court of Kublai Khan

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Directions

Start at the Marko Polo & Korcula Web site.

Scroll down to and click on At the Court of Kublai Khan.
Create a two-column table on a sheet of paper.
As you read, use the first column of the table to list 15 to 20 of Kublai Khan's policies and projects as ruler of China. You'll need to return to your list later.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. How did Kublai Khan's postal system function? How extensive was the system?

2. How did Kublai Khan treat subjects who were poor or destitute?

3. What was Marco Polo's role in the court of Kublai Khan?

4. What city in the empire did Marco Polo find especially impressive? Provide a brief description of the city.

5. Return to your list of 15 to 20 of Kublai Khan's policies and projects. In the second column, indicate whether each policy or project seems designed primarily to benefit Kublai Khan or his subjects. For each policy or project, write 1 to 2 sentences supporting your answer.