AP World History: Unit 3 - Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Overview

• Focus on land-based empires during 1450-1750.
• Key aspects: Expansion, administration, and belief systems.

Definition

• Land-Based Empire: An empire with power derived from territorial holdings.

Key Empires

1. Ottoman Empire

• Founded in the 14th century and expanded rapidly.
• Gunpowder weapons were crucial in expansion.
• Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renamed it Istanbul.
• Utilized Christian slaves as elite military force, Janissaries.

2. Safavid Empire

• Established in the early 16th century in the Middle East.
• Expanded using gunpowder and an enslaved army.
• Notable difference: Shia Islam majority vs. Ottoman Sunni.

3. Mughal Empire

• Emerged in South and Central Asia in the 16th century.
• Overthrew the Delhi Sultanate with gunpowder weapons.
• Akbar’s reign noted for religious tolerance and administrative skills.

4. Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

• Followed the fall of the Ming Dynasty.
• Expanded using gunpowder weapons.
• Ethnically different from the Han Chinese population.

Conflicts and Comparisons

• All empires expanded rapidly using gunpowder.
• Mughals and Safavids had territorial conflicts in Afghanistan.
• Religious differences heightened tensions: Safavids (Shia) vs. Mughals (Sunni).

Administration of Empires

Methods of Power

• Large bureaucracies:
  • Example: Ottoman Devshirme system.
• Military professionals:
  • Example: Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire.

Legitimization and Consolidation

• Religious ideas, art, and monumental architecture:
  • European divine right of kings.
  • Qing Emperor Kangxi’s portraits.
  • Inca Sun Temple of Cusco.
  • Palace of Versailles by Louis XIV.
• Tax collection systems:
  • Mughal Zamindar system.
  • Ottoman tax farming.
  • Aztec tribute lists.

Belief Systems

Christianity

• Corruption in the Catholic Church led to the Protestant Reformation.
• Martin Luther’s 95 Theses challenged Catholic practices.
• The Catholic Counter-Reformation attempted internal reforms.

Islam

• Sunni-Shia split intensified due to Safavid and Ottoman rivalry.
• Safavid Imposition of Shia Islam deepened the divide.

Sikhism

• A blend of Hindu and Islamic doctrines in South Asia.
• Retained belief in one God and reincarnation.
• Discarded gender hierarchies and caste system.

Resources

• AP World History Heimler Review Guide for further study and exam preparation.
• Individual topic videos for detailed information.