Yuan
Dynasty
Kublai Khan was the fifth Khagan (Great Khan) of the Mongol Empire (Ikh Mongol Uls), reigning from 1260 to 1294 (although due to the division of the empire this was a nominal position). He also founded the Yuan dynasty in China as a conquest dynasty in 1271, and ruled as the first Yuan emperor until his death in 1294.
Kublai was the fourth son of Tolui (his second son with Sorghaghtani Beki) and a grandson of Genghis Khan. He succeeded his older brother Möngke as Khagan in 1260, but had to defeat his younger brother Ariq Böke in the Toluid Civil War lasting until 1264.
​Kublai's real power was limited to China and Mongolia, though as Khagan he still had influence in the Ilkhanate and, to a significantly lesser degree, in the Golden Horde.
The yuan dynasty's government was mainly controlled by mongolian leaders. It also consisted of other chinese scholars that had been appointed by kublai khan. Kublai khan was a good ruler with specific laws and tolerant leaders. He allowed new ways and different custom into their government. Because of their acceptance, foreigners from outside of china were very comfortable in coming to the yuan dynasty. The government officials had the grand canal rebuilt and expanded from northern to southern china to increase trade and food. The government also brought upon the imperial library, the social exam system, taxation, granaries, and paper money. The government was able to function very well due to the fact that they were well organized, civilized, and inviting.
Power and rule:
The yuan power and rule in china began in 1279 and lasted until 1368. It was a time first ruled by the great emperor kublai khan. During his rule, many chinese people grew angry because khan did not like them; therefore he did not allow them to have certain political positions, such as judges and governors. Khan did not trust the chinese people and as a result he allowed foreigners to have power and assist him in his rule. During khan's rule, he developed a caste system which didn't settle well with most people. He also established the imperial capital of dadu, which is now known as beijing. Another huge contribution during his rule was when he decided to hire marco polo as an official. This led to great communications and trade with the european countries, which then resulted in more money for china. Kublai khan's rule was not long; however it changed people's ways of thinking and expanded their ideas for the future of china.