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

Overview

• Time period: 1450 to 1750
• Focus: Expansion, administration, and belief systems of land-based empires
• Definition: Land-based Empire - An empire whose power comes from the extent of its territorial holdings

Key Empires to Know

Ottoman Empire

• Founded in the 14th century
• Key expansion method: Adoption of gunpowder weapons
• Major Achievement: Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, renamed Istanbul
• Policies: Enslaving and converting Christians in the Balkans to form the elite Janissary corps
• Religion: Sunni Islam

Safavid Empire

• Founded in the early 16th century
• Key expansion method: Military buildup including gunpowder weapons
• Similar to Ottomans: Enslaved Christian forces from Caucasus region
• Religion: Shia Islam
• Difference with Ottomans: Shia vs. Sunni Islam tension

Mughal Empire

• Established in early 16th century by Babur
• Defeated the Delhi Sultanate
• Expanded using gunpowder weapons
• Notable Ruler: Akbar - known for religious tolerance
• Religion: Muslim minority ruling over Hindu majority

Qing Dynasty

• Replaced the Ming Dynasty in the first half of the 17th century
• Ethnically Manchu ruling over Han Chinese
• Expansion through military conquest using gunpowder

Expansion and Conflict

• All empires expanded rapidly using gunpowder
• Ethnic and religious differences led to conflicts
• Example: Safavid-Mughal wars over Afghanistan (religious, territorial)

Administration of Empires

• Legitimization and Consolidation of Power:
  • Bureaucracies: E.g. Ottoman devshirme system
  • Military Professionals: Janissary corps
  • Religion, Art, Architecture:
    • Divine Right of Kings in Europe
    • Qing Dynasty Imperial portraits
    • Sun Temple of Cusco (Inca)
    • Palace of Versailles (Louis XIV)
  • Tax Collection Innovations:
    • Zamindar system (Mughal)
    • Tax Farming (Ottoman)
    • Tribute lists (Aztec)

Belief Systems

Christianity in Europe

• Corruption in Catholic Church led to Protestant Reformation
• Martin Luther's 95 Theses challenged church practices
• Catholic Counter-Reformation: Council of Trent

Islam

• Sunni-Shia Split intensified by political rivalries
• Safavid Empire enforced Shia Islam, antagonizing Sunnis

Sikhism in South Asia

• Syncretic blend of Hindu and Islamic doctrines
• Retained beliefs in one God and reincarnation
• Rejected gender hierarchies and caste system

Resources and Study Aids

• AP World History Heimler Review Guide for comprehensive study
• Individual topic videos available for detailed understanding