Background and Causes of the Invasions
- Expansion of the Mongol Empire
- Under Kublai Khan, the Yuan Dynasty sought to expand into Japan to complete Mongol control of East Asia.
- Diplomatic Demands
- In the early 1270s, Kublai Khan sent envoys to Japan demanding tribute and recognition of Mongol authority.
- Refusal by Japan
- The Kamakura Shogunate, led by the Hōjō regents, rejected these demands, angering the Mongols.
- Strategic Motivation
- Japan’s position near Korea and China made it a potential naval and trading base for Mongol expansion.
- Cultural Divide
- The Mongols viewed Japan’s refusal as defiance, while Japan saw resistance as a defense of honor and sovereignty.
Definition
Kublai Khan
- Mongol emperor of the Yuan Dynasty who attempted to invade Japan.
Definition
Tribute
- Payment or acknowledgment of submission demanded by a stronger power.
The Two Mongol Invasions
- First Invasion (1274)
- Around 25,000 Mongol, Chinese, and Korean soldiers landed on Kyushu, using advanced weapons and coordinated tactics.
- Samurai Resistance
- Japanese samurai, used to one-on-one combat, struggled at first against Mongol mass formations and explosives (gunpowder bombs).
- Retreat and Storm
- After two days of fighting near Hakata Bay, a sudden typhoon destroyed much of the Mongol fleet.
- Second Invasion (1281)
- Kublai Khan returned with a larger force of about 140,000 troops in two fleets, attacking from Korea and southern China.
- Kamikaze Storm
- After weeks of fierce battle, another massive typhoon struck, sinking most Mongol ships. The Japanese named it the kamikaze or “divine wind.”
Definition
Kamikaze
- “Divine wind”; the typhoons that destroyed the Mongol fleets, believed to have been sent by the gods to protect Japan.
Case study
The First Mongol Invasion (1274)
Events and Tactics
- Mongol forces, with superior numbers, used gunpowder weapons and composite bows, shocking Japanese defenders.
- The Mongols fought as organized units, unlike the samurai, who fought individually for honor.
- The Japanese defense centered on Hakata Bay, where fierce hand-to-hand combat occurred.
- A storm destroyed the invaders’ ships as they retreated to their bases in Korea.
- The shogunate celebrated this as divine protection and strengthened coastal defenses.
Consequences
- The Hōjō government ordered the construction of stone walls along Kyushu’s coast to prepare for future invasions.
- Samurai began adapting their warfare, forming groups for collective defense.
- The invasion boosted the reputation of the shogunate as Japan’s protector.
- The event deepened Japan’s belief in divine favor and national unity.
- It also strained the economy, as the government could not pay samurai properly for their service.
Consequences of the Mongol Invasions
- Economic Strain
- The wars were expensive; because Japan gained no new land, samurai were not rewarded with estates, causing resentment.
- Military Reforms
- The Kamakura Shogunate improved coastal defenses and expanded the samurai system of service without direct payment.
- Rise of National Identity
- The kamikaze storms became a symbol of divine protection and Japanese exceptionalism.
- Decline of Kamakura
- Growing debt, unpaid warriors, and weakened leadership led to internal instability and eventual downfall in 1333.
- Cultural Legacy
- The invasions reinforced the ideals of sacrifice, discipline, and faith that shaped samurai culture for centuries.
Definition
Divine Protection
- The belief that Japan was under the spiritual safeguard of the gods, strengthened by the kamikaze storms.
Case study
The Second Mongol Invasion (1281) and the Kamikaze Storms
Events and Defense
- The second invasion brought the largest naval force Japan had ever faced.
- Japanese defenders, led by samurai clans in Kyushu, used fortified walls to repel repeated attacks.
- Mongol armies struggled to coordinate between their two fleets due to weather and supply issues.
- After weeks of fighting, a typhoon struck, destroying most of the fleet and killing thousands of Mongol soldiers.
- Survivors were captured or executed, preventing any further invasion attempts.
Symbolism and Legacy
- The kamikaze storm became legendary, interpreted as proof of divine protection (Shinto belief).
- Japan saw itself as a sacred nation shielded by the gods, boosting national pride.
- The shogunate gained temporary prestige but was left financially weakened.
- The Mongols never tried to invade Japan again, marking the end of their eastward expansion.
- The story of the “divine wind” reappeared in later centuries, including in WWII propaganda, as a symbol of Japanese resilience.
Common Mistake
- Assuming Samurai Were Unified: Many students forget local clans often acted independently during the invasions.
- Overcrediting the Storm: The typhoons were crucial, but Japanese defenses and preparation also played a major role.
- Ignoring Economic Impact: The invasions weakened the shogunate financially, leading to its decline decades later.
Exam technique
- Use Both Invasions: Always explain differences between 1274 and 1281 to show understanding of progression.
- Connect Military and Economic Consequences: Link defense success to long-term political instability.
- Include Symbolism: Mention how the kamikaze storms shaped Japan’s religious and cultural identity.
Theory of Knowledge
- How do myths shape national identity?
- The kamikaze story shows how historical events can become powerful symbols of divine destiny and cultural pride.
Self review
- Examine the causes and consequences of the Mongol invasions of Japan (1274 and 1281).
- To what extent did the kamikaze storms shape Japanese national identity and religious belief?
- Assess the political and economic impact of the Mongol invasions on the Kamakura Shogunate.
