During the 1206 political rise of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire created by Genghis Khan and his allies share its western borders with the Tanguts' Western Xia Dynasty.

To its east and south is the Jin Dynasty, founded by the Manchurian Jurchens, who rule northern China as well as being the traditional overlords of the Mongolian tribes for centuries.Genghis Khan organizes his people, army, and his state to first prepare for war with Western Xia, or Xi Xia, which is close to the Mongolian lands.

He correctly believes that the more powerful Jin Dynasty's young ruler will not come to the aid of Xi Xia.

When the Tanguts request help from the Jin Dynasty, they are refused.

In the ensuing war of attrition, the Mongol forces ravage the countryside so thoroughly that the Xi Xia rulers seek peace terms and acknowledge Mongol suzerainty, freeing Genghis Khan to move against the Jin and plan for further expansion to the west.

Despite initial difficulties in capturing its well-defended cities, Genghis Khan forces the surrender of Western Xia by 1209.