1. On the contrary, decadence is a recurring issue here and, since this was brought up, is not taken lightly by the concept of the mandate of heaven.unnamednewbie13 wrote:
1a. All governments suffer internal decadence to some extent, and it all contributes to the lessening if not outright downfall of a nation's potential.
1b. Speaking of what we were discussing, I would say that the Mongols were a significant factor in pre-Eurocolonialism foreign intervention in the minds of the Chinese of the time.
2. The Mongols wanted the world, but were smart enough to know that they just didn't have enough resources to claim it in its entirety. Expending too many resources in a campaign against the whole of Europe would've left them open to assault from entities closer to home. It was hoped that if the Middle East could be stabilized as a solid ally, that it may be used as a base of operations to wage war against the west.
3. As I said. Why continue to press a point that has been conceded in the very post it was written?Bubbalo wrote:
But why would you? This whole thread consists of generalisations either in jest or seriousness (i.e. "Asians are teh uber-smart).
unnamednewbie13:
1a) It was not, however, appreciable or notable.
1b) Uh.....no. The Mongolians took power (from the Manchus, IIRC), and then expanded. Prior to that, China had been an empire. In fact, what is referred to as the Mongolian Empire could just as easily be called the Chinese Empire during the Manchu Dynasty.
2) Except that there was no huge need for Mongolian troops back home: they were protected by the Celestial Mandate.
2. What would a celestial mandate/mandate of heaven have to do with protecting a failed leader? A "god-appointed" ruler wouldn't very impressive if significant expeditionary materiel is expended, lost or captured. There's alot of history involving "god-rulers" being overthrown, and not just Asian. On a related note, around 300 BC a certain concept was introduced into celestial mandate, stating that if such is not fulfilled and a ruler acts irresponsibly, then loyalty to him should be abandoned and forced removal is justified.
On topic, the game will probably result in whatever rigged finale the audience prefers.
Last edited by unnamednewbie13 (2006-09-21 06:39:31)