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

Overview

• Focus on land-based empires: their expansion, administration, and belief systems.
• Period: 1450 to 1750.
• Key concept: Expansion of land-based empires, similar to 'growing tight in their sweatpants.'

Key Empires

Ottoman Empire

• Founded in the 14th century; expanded significantly by adopting gunpowder weapons.
• Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renamed it Istanbul.
• Key military strategy: Enslavement and conversion of Christians in the Balkans to form the Janissary elite forces.

Safavid Empire

• Founded in the early 16th century in the Middle East.
• Expanded under Shah Ismail, utilized gunpowder weapons.
• Emphasized Shia Islam, leading to conflict with Sunni neighbors.

Mughal Empire

• Established in South and Central Asia by Babur in the early 16th century after defeating the Delhi Sultanate.
• Expanded under Akbar, who was known for religious tolerance.
• Utilized gunpowder weapons.

Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

• Followed the Ming Dynasty; established by the Manchu in the early 17th century.
• Expanded using gunpowder weapons, although ethnically distinct from the Han Chinese they ruled.

Empire Expansion and Administration

Methods of Administration

1. Bureaucracies:

   • Example: Ottoman Devshirme system trained Christians to serve in the government.

2. Military Professionals:

   • Example: Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire.

3. Religious, Artistic, and Architectural Legitimization:

   • Divine right of kings in Europe.
   • Qing Emperor Kangxi's portraits promoted Confucian wisdom.
   • Inca Sun Temple of Cusco demonstrated divine kingship.
   • Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles consolidated power by keeping nobility close.

4. Innovations in Tax Collection:

   • Mughal Empire's Zamindar system.
   • Ottoman tax farming system.
   • Aztec tribute lists.

Changes and Continuities in Belief Systems

Christianity in Europe

• Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther in 1517 against corruption in the Catholic Church.
• The Catholic Church responded with its Counter-Reformation, maintaining continuity in doctrine.

Islam

• Intensified Sunni-Shia split, notably due to Shah Ismail's declaration of Shia Islam in the Safavid Empire.

Sikhism in South Asia

• Emerged as a syncretic religion blending Hindu and Islamic elements.
• Retained concepts like monotheism and reincarnation, but discarded gender hierarchies and caste systems.

Conflicts Between Empires

• Example: Safavid-Mughal conflict over territory in modern-day Afghanistan.
• Religious tensions exacerbated conflicts, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Conclusion

• All empires discussed were characterized by rapid expansion through the use of gunpowder and other strategies.
• Understanding the methods of administration and belief systems is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of this period.