Genghis Khan Wasn't So Bad

                Everybody has hear of Genghis Khan. The ruthless barbarian who tore across Asia in the mid 1100's with his fearsome Mongol hoard. He raped, pillaged, then ate everything that crossed his path. He was an image of animalistic rage.

He was also really good at Polo. 

                 It turns out that you might have been grossly mislead. Think less "oriental viking on meth," and slightly more "nationalist/political activist." 

Pretty much like an intelligent version of George Bush.  Actually, not at all like
George Bush. Except he really liked his country. 

               You see, before Genghis Khan showed up, the Mongolia was just a bunch of scattered nomadic tribes that roamed around and fought each other. Khan unified the tribes peacefully, in just a couple of short decades. And he accomplished this politically rather than violently. He convinced the tribes that life under him would be way more awesome than their boring nomadic life. He even allowed defeated enemies join, allowing them to share in the spoils of war. He also based his commanders promotions on merit rather than politics. Soldiers had never been treated that well by their higher-ups, and really have not since. 

..........

                So once Khan amassed this massive amount of devout followers, he figured that his people would get antsy if they were left idle. So what was he to do? He arranged activities to keep them organized. Like massive hunts, the invention of several board games, and conquering the mainland of Asia. His invasions were really nothing more than a giant team-building exercise. 

Like this, but only with more rape and murder.