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

Overview

• Focus on land-based empires, their expansion, administration, and belief systems.
• Time period: 1450 to 1750.

Definition

• Land-based Empire: An empire whose power comes from extensive territorial holdings.

Key Empires

Ottoman Empire

• Founded: 14th century.
• Expansion: Rapid, aided by gunpowder weapons.
  • Conquered Constantinople (renamed Istanbul) in 1453, crucial for expansion into Eastern Europe.
• Military: Utilized enslaved Christians (Janissaries) from the Balkans.
• Religion: Sunni Islam.

Safavid Empire

• Founded: Early 16th century in the Middle East.
• Expansion: Rapid expansion using gunpowder weapons despite lack of natural barriers.
• Military: Enslaved Christians from the Caucasus region.
• Religion: Shia Islam, leading to conflicts with Sunni Ottomans.

Mughal Empire

• Founded: First half of the 16th century in South and Central Asia.
• Origin: Emerged after Babur overthrew the Delhi Sultanate.
• Expansion: Rapid, using gunpowder weapons.
• Religion: Sunni Islam, ruled over a Hindu majority.
  • Akbar's tolerance of different religions led to prosperity.

Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

• Founded: 17th century, succeeded the Ming Dynasty.
• Expansion: Used gunpowder weapons.
• Ethnicity: Manchu rulers over Han Chinese subjects.

Comparison of Empires

• All were land-based and expanded rapidly using gunpowder.
• Ethnic differences: Qing and Mughal rulers over different ethnic subjects.
• Religious differences: Sunni Ottomans vs. Shia Safavids.

Conflicts

• Safavid-Mughal Conflict: Series of wars over Afghanistan, influenced by religious differences (Sunni vs. Shia).

Administration of Empires

1. Bureaucracies
   • E.g., Ottoman Devshirme system.
2. Military Professionals
   • E.g., Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire.
3. Religious Ideas, Art, and Monumental Architecture
   • Divine Right of Kings: Europe.
   • Imperial Portraits: Qing Dynasty's Emperor Kangxi.
   • Monumental Architecture: Inca's Sun Temple of Cusco.
   • Palace of Versailles: Used by Louis XIV to consolidate power.
4. Tax Collection Systems
   • Zamindar System: Mughal Empire.
   • Tax Farming: Ottoman Empire.
   • Tribute Lists: Aztec Empire.

Belief Systems

Christianity

• Reformation: Led by Martin Luther, challenging Catholic doctrines.
• Counter-Reformation: Catholic Church's response to reform its practices.

Islam

• Sunni-Shia Split: Intensified due to political rivalries, particularly in the Safavid Empire.

Sikhism

• Origin: Syncretic blend of Hindu and Islamic doctrines.
• Key Features: Retained belief in one God and reincarnation, dismissed gender hierarchies and caste system.

For further study, consider exploring the AP World History Heimler Review Guide for comprehensive reviews and additional resources.