AP World History: Unit 3 Overview (1450-1750)

Key Focus: Land-based Empires

• Defining Land-based Empires: Empires with power derived from territorial holdings.
• Expansion: Empires expanded and grew significantly during this period.

Major Land-based Empires

1. Ottoman Empire

   • Expansion: Utilized gunpowder weapons to expand.
   • Notable Achievements: Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renamed Istanbul.
   • Military and Policies: Enslaved and converted Christians into an elite force called the Janissaries.
   • Religious Aspect: Sunni Muslim.

2. Safavid Empire

   • Location: Middle East.
   • Expansion: Rapid growth through military power and gunpowder.
   • Military Composition: Enslaved Christian soldiers from the Caucasus region.
   • Religious Aspect: Shia Muslim; conflict with Sunni Ottomans.

3. Mughal Empire

   • Location: South and Central Asia.
   • Notable Leadership: Founded by Babur, expanded under Akbar.
   • Religious Policy: Muslim rulers over a Hindu majority; Akbar was known for religious tolerance.
   • Military: Utilized gunpowder weapons.

4. Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

   • Background: Followed the Ming Dynasty, established by the Manchus.
   • Expansion: Military expansion using gunpowder.

Comparison of Empires

• Commonalities:
  • All were land-based and expanded rapidly using gunpowder.
  • Examples of ethnic differences between rulers and subjects.
  • Religious divides: Sunni Ottomans vs. Shia Safavids.

Empire Administration

• Legitimization and Consolidation of Power:
  • Bureaucracies: Ensured Empire-wide enforcement of rules (e.g., Ottoman devshirme system).
  • Military Professionals: Elite forces ensured control and expansion.
  • Religion, Art, and Architecture:
    • Religious: Divine Right in Europe, Confucian symbolism in Qing portraits.
    • Architecture: Sun Temple of Cuzco, Palace of Versailles for power display and control.
  • Tax Collection:
    • Systems like zamindars in the Mughal Empire, tax farming in the Ottoman Empire, and Aztec tributary lists.

Belief Systems: Changes and Continuities

1. Christianity in Europe

   • Reformation: Martin Luther’s 95 Theses led to Protestant Reformation.
   • Catholic Response: Counter-Reformation via the Council of Trent.

2. Islam

   • Sunni-Shia Split: Intensified by Safavid-Ottoman rivalry; significant due to political and religious conflicts.

3. Sikhism

   • Development: Syncretic blend of Hinduism and Islam.
   • Beliefs: Retained elements like monotheism and reincarnation but rejected gender hierarchies and caste.

Use these notes as a study guide to understand the key elements of land-based empires during 1450-1750, focusing on their expansion, administration, and the evolution of belief systems.