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

Definition

• Land-based Empire: An empire whose power is derived from its territorial holdings.

Expanding Land-based Empires

• Time period: 1450-1750
• Expansion of major empires using gunpowder weapons.

Key Empires to Know

1. Ottoman Empire

• Founded in the 14th century; rapid expansion via gunpowder weapons.
• Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renamed it Istanbul.
• Utilized enslaved Christian fighters, the Janissaries.
• Expanded into Eastern Europe.

2. Safavid Empire

• Founded in the early 16th century by Shah Ismail.
• Expansion through gunpowder weapons.
• Created an enslaved army from the Caucasus region.
• Religion: Shia Islam vs. Ottoman Sunni Islam causing tension.

3. Mughal Empire

• Established in the 16th century by Babur after defeating the Delhi Sultanate.
• Expansion via gunpowder weapons.
• Akbar's rule known for religious tolerance.

4. Qing Dynasty

• Founded by the Manchu in the 17th century after Ming Dynasty.
• Expansion with gunpowder weapons.

Major Conflicts

• Safavid-Mughal Conflict: Territorial and religious conflict over Afghanistan.

Administration of Empires

• Rulers legitimized and consolidated power through:
  • Bureaucracies: Example, Ottoman Devshirme system.
  • Military Development: Janissaries in Ottoman Empire.
  • Religious Ideas, Art, and Architecture
    • Divine Right of Kings in Europe.
    • Qing Dynasty's portraits.
    • Inca's Sun Temple of Cusco.
    • Palace of Versailles by Louis XIV.
  • Innovative Tax Collection Systems
    • Mughal Zamindar system.
    • Ottoman tax farming system.
    • Aztec tribute lists.

Belief Systems

Christianity

• Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther's 95 Theses led to a split in Catholic Church.
• Catholic Reformation: Council of Trent addressed corruption.

Islam

• Sunni-Shia Split: Intensified by Safavid's adoption of Shia Islam.

Sikhism

• Emerged in South Asia as a syncretic blend of Hindu and Islamic doctrines.
• Discarded gender hierarchies and caste system.