The Great Wall of China was primarily built to protect against which group?

The Great Wall of China was primarily constructed to protect against the Mongols, a nomadic group from the north known for their horseback riding and military prowess. During various periods of Chinese history, especially during the Ming Dynasty, the Mongol tribes posed a significant threat to Chinese settlements and the stability of the empire. The wall served as a formidable barrier, built to deter invasions and raids by these groups, thus safeguarding agricultural lands and urban areas from Mongol incursions.

While other groups, such as the Manchus, did eventually breach the Wall, its original and main purpose was rooted in the conflicts with the Mongols. The Japanese and Russians, while they presented their own challenges at different points in history, were not the primary focus of the Wall's construction when it was built. The strategic military architecture of the Great Wall reflects the historical context of defending against northern invasions, particularly from the Mongol tribes.