AP World History Unit 3: 1450-1750 Overview

This unit focuses on land-based empires, their expansion, administration, and belief systems during the period 1450 to 1750.

Land-Based Empires

• Definition: Empires whose power is derived from territorial holdings.
• Expansion: Major empires expanded significantly during this period using gunpowder weapons.

Key Empires

Ottoman Empire

• Founded: 14th century.
• Expansion: Rapid expansion using gunpowder weapons.
• Key Event: Conquest of Constantinople in 1453; renamed Istanbul.
• Military: Utilized Janissaries, elite soldiers formed by converting enslaved Christians from the Balkans.

Safavid Empire

• Founded: Early 16th century.
• Expansion: Rapid growth under Shah Ismail using gunpowder.
• Military: Enslaved army from the Caucasus region, similar to the Ottomans.
• Religion: Shia Islam, causing conflict with Sunni Ottomans.

Mughal Empire

• Founded: 1526 by Babur after defeating the Delhi Sultanate.
• Expansion: Rapid expansion with gunpowder.
• Notable Ruler: Akbar, known for religious tolerance and masterful administration.

Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

• Origins: Overthrew the Ming Dynasty, established by the Manchu people.
• Expansion: Used gunpowder for military conquest.

Comparison of Empires

• All were land-based and expanded rapidly with gunpowder.
• Ethnic differences: Qing and Mughal rulers were ethnically different from their subjects.
• Religious differences: Sunni Ottomans and Shia Safavids.

Conflicts

• Safavid-Mughal Conflict: Wars over Afghanistan territory; religious tensions between Shia Safavids and Sunni Mughals.

Empire Administration

Legitimization and Consolidation of Power

• Large Bureaucracies: Ensured laws were kept; e.g., Ottoman devshirme system.
• Military Development: Use of elite military forces like Janissaries.
• Religious Ideas, Art, and Architecture:
  • Divine Right of Kings: European monarchs' legitimacy.
  • Imperial Portraits (Qing Dynasty): Legitimized rule.
  • Monumental Architecture: Inca Sun Temple, Palace of Versailles.

Tax Collection Systems

• Mughal Zamindar System: Landowners collect taxes.
• Ottoman Tax Farming: Right to collect taxes auctioned off.
• Aztec Tribute Lists: Conquered regions provided goods.

Belief Systems

Christianity in Europe

• Corruption and Reformation:
  • Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther's 95 Theses.
  • Catholic Reformation: Council of Trent, addressing corruption.

Islam

• Sunni-Shia Split: Intensified by political rivalries, especially under the Safavid Empire.

Sikhism

• Development: Syncretic blend of Hindu and Islamic doctrines.
• Beliefs: Combined elements of both religions while discarding certain hierarchical practices.

Summary

• This unit emphasizes the growth and administration of land-based empires with a focus on military, political, and religious strategies.
• Understanding the differences and conflicts between empires, as well as changes in belief systems, is crucial for this period.