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

Overview

• Focus on land-based empires: expansion, administration, belief systems.
• Time period: 1450 to 1750.
• Definition: Land-based empire is one whose power comes from territorial holdings.

Key Empires

1. Ottoman Empire

   • Origin: Founded in the 14th century, expanded rapidly using gunpowder weapons.
   • Key event: Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, renamed Istanbul.
   • Military: Used enslaved Christians as Janissaries.

2. Safavid Empire

   • Location: Middle East, founded in the early 16th century.
   • Expansion: Rapid expansion using gunpowder and military innovations.
   • Religion: Shia Islam, conflict with Sunni Ottomans.

3. Mughal Empire

   • Location: South and Central Asia, established in the 16th century.
   • Key figure: Akbar, known for administrative skill and religious tolerance.
   • Military: Expansion with gunpowder weapons.

4. Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

   • Origin: Manchu people established Qing after the fall of the Ming Dynasty.
   • Strategy: Expanded using gunpowder weapons.

Comparative Summary

• All empires were land-based and expanded rapidly using gunpowder.
• Ethnic and religious differences played a significant role in administration and conflict.

Conflicts

• Safavid-Mughal Conflict: Territorial disputes in Afghanistan, driven by religious differences (Sunni vs. Shia).

Administration of Empires

• Legitimization and Consolidation of Power
  • Formation of large bureaucracies (e.g., Ottoman devshirme system).
  • Development of military professionals (e.g., Janissaries).
  • Use of religious ideas, art, and architecture.
    • Divine Right (Europe), Qing portraits, Inca Sun Temple, Palace of Versailles.
  • Innovations in tax collection (Mughal zamindar, Ottoman tax farming, Aztec tribute lists).

Belief Systems

• Christianity in Europe

  • Corruption in the Catholic Church led to the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther.
  • Catholic Reformation (Council of Trent) aimed to address corruption.

• Islam

  • Sunni-Shia split intensified by Safavid policies under Shah Ismail.

• Sikhism

  • Syncretic religion combining elements of Hinduism and Islam.
  • Rejected gender hierarchies and the caste system.

Study Resources

• Mentioned the AP World History Heimler Review Guide for further study.