Mongol invasions of Japan

in 1274 and in 1281 were major military events in Japanese history.Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005).    "Genkō" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 238.  Kublai Khan twice tried to conquer the Japanese islands; and his armies failed both times. 

The two failed invasion attempts are important because they were defining events in Japanese history.Web Chronology Project,  "Early Japan: 552-1281"; retrieved 2012-4-29. 

The attempts show the limits of Mongol (Yuan Dynasty) ability to expand the Chinese empire.Cultural China (Shanghai News and Press Bureau),  "Mongol invasions of Japan - Major Military Invasions Undertaken by Kublai Khan" ; retrieved 2012-4-29.

Timeline
 2 November 1274: Yuan forces attacked Tsushima Island and defeated the local defenders under Sō Sukekuni.
 14 November 1274: The Yuan fleet attacked Iki Island, where Taira Kagetaka tried to defend the island with a small force.
 19 November 1274 (Bun'ei 11, 20th day of the 10th month): Kublai Khan sent a fleet and an army to invade Japan. Some military forces landed near Fukuoka in Kyūshū; however, a storm sank many of the ships.  The major part of the invading army is drowned. The invaders retreat to Korea.Davis, Paul K. (2001).  100 decisive battles: from ancient times to the present, p. 147.  During the brief fighting, the Hakozaki Shrine was burned to the ground.Turnbull, Stephen R. (2003).  Genghis Khan & the Mongol Conquests 1190–1400, p. 66.  This is called the  or the "Bun'ei War".Nussbaum, "Bun'ei no eki" at p. 90.
 1281 (Kōan 4): There was a second Mongolian attempt to invade Japan. This is called the  or the "Kōan War".Nussbaum, "Kōan no Eki" at p. 535.

Consequences
After the destruction of the Mongol invaders, Japan's independence was guaranteed.  A power struggle within Japan led to the growth of military governments and less Imperial power.Davis,  p. 146.

Related pages
 Kamikaze
 Kamakura shogunate

References

Other websites 

 Fukuoka/Hakata Tourist Information,  "Historic spots of Genko (Mongol invasion of Japan)" 
 Bowdoin,  Mongol Invasions of Japan 

Category:Wars involving Japan
Category:Wars involving China
Category:Mongol Empire
Category:13th century in Japan
Category:1274
Category:1281