Who was born in the 12th century, elected supreme khagan in 1206, and began the Mongols rise to world power?

• A. Chinggis Khan
• B. Batu
• C. Ögedei Khan
• D. Kublai Khan

Answer: (A)

Chinggis Khan embodies the moment when the Mongol world united under a single strong leader and began its expansion into a true empire. Born in the 1160s, he forged alliances, reorganized the Mongol tribes, and introduced reforms that created a disciplined, mobile army built on merit. In 1206 he was chosen supreme khagan, signaling the unification of all Mongol peoples and the start of an era of rapid conquests. From that point, campaigns against the Jin Dynasty and then broader campaigns spread Mongol power far beyond the steppes, laying the groundwork for the world-power status the Mongols would achieve. The other leaders listed would rise to prominence later, but none began the rise to global power in 1206.