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Empires of Power: Consolidation and Legitimization

Apr 30, 2025

Heimler's History: AP World History Unit 3 Overview

Key Theme

  • How land-based Empires gained and maintained power (1450-1750):
    • Consolidation of power
    • Legitimization of power

Major Empires (1450-1750)

  • Manchu Empire: Chin Dynasty (China)
  • Mughal Empire: South and Central Asia
  • Ottoman Empire: Southern Europe, Middle East, North Africa
  • Safavid Empire: Middle East

Consolidation of Power

Centralization of Bureaucracy

  • China: Reinstitution of the Civil Service Examination (Chin Dynasty)
  • Ottomans: Devshirme system (enslaving Christian boys)
  • Songhai Empire: Control through trade, alliances, military, and court rituals
  • Aztec Empire: Tribute system (less central bureaucratic power)

Tax Collection

  • Mughal Empire: Zamindars as tax collectors based on land/production
  • Ottomans: Tax farming system
  • Aztec Empire: Tribute lists specifying goods and people (human sacrifice)

Military Support

  • Eurasian Empires: Gunpowder-based weapons
  • Americas: Fierce military without gunpowder
  • Elite Soldiers:
    • Ottomans: Janissaries (enslaved Christians)
    • Safavids: Guls (enslaved minorities)
    • Aztecs: Elite enslaved soldiers (blood tax)

Legitimization of Power

Use of Religion

  • Islamic Empires: Title of Caliph
  • Europe: Divine right of kings
  • Songhai Empire: Conversions to Islam
  • Religious Conflict:
    • Protestant Reformation (Catholic vs. Protestant)
    • Ottoman-Safavid conflict (Sunni vs. Shia)

Art and Architecture

  • China: Emperor portraits
  • Europe: Patronage of artists
  • Monumental Architecture:
    • Mughal Empire: Taj Mahal (tomb for Shah Jahan's wife)
    • France: Palace of Versailles by Louis XIV

Conclusion

  • Understanding these methods of consolidation and legitimization provides a framework for analyzing how historical empires maintained control.
  • Key to achieving high marks in AP World History exams.

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