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

Overview

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

Definition

• Land-Based Empire: An empire whose power is derived from territorial holdings.

Key Empires

1. Ottoman Empire
2. Safavid Empire
3. Mughal Empire
4. Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

The Ottoman Empire

• Starting Point: 14th century
• Expansion: Rapid growth, especially after adopting gunpowder weapons.
• Key Event: Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renamed Istanbul.
• Military: Utilized enslaved Christians turned into elite fighters called Janissaries.

The Safavid Empire

• Starting Point: Early 16th century
• Expansion: Rapid growth using gunpowder weapons under Shah Ismail and Shah Abbas.
• Military: Enslaved army from the Caucasus region (Christians).
• Religion: Shia Muslims, leading to conflicts with Sunni Muslims (Ottomans).

The Mughal Empire

• Starting Point: First half of the 16th century
• Founder: Babur, who conquered the Delhi Sultanate.
• Expansion: Rapid growth using gunpowder weapons.
• Administration: Akbar's tolerance of Hinduism led to prosperity.
• Religion: Muslim rulers over a majority Hindu population.

The Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

• Starting Point: First half of the 17th century
• Rise: After the fall of the Ming Dynasty (ethnically Han).
• Expansion: Used gunpowder to expand and consolidate power.

Comparison of Empires

• All were land-based and expanded significantly.
• All used gunpowder to achieve expansion.
• Ethnic differences between rulers and subjects in Qing and Mughal Empires.
• Religious differences (Sunni vs Shia) between Ottomans and Safavids.

Conflicts

• Safavid-Mughal Conflict: Over regions in modern-day Afghanistan, compounded by religious differences (Shia vs Sunni).

Administration and Power

Methods of Legitimization and Consolidation

1. Bureaucracies:
   • Example: Ottoman Devshirme system.
2. Military Professionals:
   • Example: Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire.
3. Religion, Art, and Architecture:
   • Divine Right of Kings in Europe.
   • Imperial Portraits in Qing Dynasty.
   • Monumental Architecture: Inca Sun Temple, Palace of Versailles.
4. Tax Collection Systems:
   • Zamindar System in Mughal Empire.
   • Tax Farming in the Ottoman Empire.
   • Tribute Lists in Aztec Empire.

Belief Systems

Christianity in Europe

• Corruption: Simony, sale of indulgences.
• Reformation: Martin Luther's 95 Theses led to Protestant Reformation.
• Catholic Reformation: Addressed corruption and maintained doctrinal continuity.

Islam

• Sunni-Shia Split: Intensified by political rivalries, especially the Safavid decision to enforce Shia Islam.

Sikhism in South Asia

• Syncretic Religion: Blend of Hindu and Islamic doctrines.
• Continuity: Retained belief in one God, reincarnation.
• Change: Discarded gender hierarchies and caste system.

Resources: For more detailed study, explore the AP World History Heimler Review Guide and individual topic videos.