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

Introduction to Land-based Empires

• Land-based Empires derive power from territorial holdings.
• Key period: 1450 to 1750 marked by rapid expansion of these empires.
• Big idea: Empires expanded and consolidated power during this period.

Key Empires to Know

1. Ottoman Empire

   • Founded in the 14th century.
   • Expansion through gunpowder weapons.
   • Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renamed it Istanbul.
   • Utilized enslaved Christians (Janissaries) to bolster military.
   • Sunni Muslim empire.

2. Safavid Empire

   • Founded in the early 16th century in the Middle East.
   • Expanded rapidly under Shah Ismail.
   • Used gunpowder weapons and built up military under Shah Abbas.
   • Utilized enslaved Christians, primarily from the Caucasus region.
   • Shia Muslim empire.

3. Mughal Empire

   • Established in the early 16th century in South and Central Asia.
   • Founded by Babur after defeating the Delhi Sultanate.
   • Expanded under Akbar who was known for religious tolerance.
   • Muslim empire ruling over a primarily Hindu population.

4. Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

   • Established in China in the 17th century after fall of the Ming Dynasty.
   • Used gunpowder weapons for territorial expansion.
   • Manchu ethnically different from the Han majority.

Comparison of Empires

• All were land-based and expanded rapidly using gunpowder.
• Notable conflicts: Safavid-Mughal conflict over Afghanistan.
• Ethnic and religious differences led to internal and external conflicts.

Administration of Empires

Legitimization and Consolidation of Power

• Bureaucracy: Empires established large bureaucracies to enforce laws and policies.
  • Ottomans used the Devshirme system.
• Military Professionals: Development of elite military units (e.g., Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire).
• Religious Ideas, Art, and Architecture:
  • European Divine Right of Kings.
  • Qing Dynasty used Imperial portraits for legitimacy.
  • Inca sun temples as monumental architecture.
  • Palace of Versailles as a means to consolidate power in France.
• Tax Collection Systems:
  • Mughal Zamindar System: Elite landowners taxed peasants.
  • Ottoman Tax Farming: Right to collect taxes awarded to highest bidders.
  • Aztec Tribute Lists: Conquered regions required to send goods.

Belief Systems: Continuity and Change

Christianity in Europe

• Protestant Reformation: Initiated by Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.
• Catholic Counter-Reformation: Reform to address corruption, Council of Trent.

Islam

• Sunni-Shia Split Intensified: Political rivalries between Safavid (Shia) and Ottoman (Sunni) Empires.

Sikhism

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

For further study and detailed help, refer to the review guides and topic videos.