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Land-Based Empires Overview (1450-1750)

Apr 30, 2025

AP World History Study Guide: Unit Three - Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Empires Expand

  • The period from 1450 to 1750 marked significant expansion of land-based empires, often referred to as the "Gunpowder Empires."
  • Expansion was largely facilitated by the use of gunpowder, cannons, and advanced weaponry.
  • East Asia:
    • The Manchu ethnic group overthrew the Ming Dynasty to establish the Qing Dynasty.
  • Islamic Empires:
    • Mughal Empire: Dominated South Asia.
    • Safavid Empire: Controlled large areas in the Middle East.
    • Ottoman Empire: Spanned Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
  • Conflicts arose due to religious and political rivalries, such as the Safavid-Mughal rivalry and the Songhai Empire's conflict with Morocco.

Empires: Administration

  • Methods to legitimize power and maintain control varied:
    • Ottomans: Used the devshirme system to recruit soldiers and bureaucrats.
    • Japan: Developed a professional military with salaried samurai.
    • Constructed monumental structures, like the Incan Temple of the Sun in Cuzco and the Taj Mahal by the Mughals.
  • Europe:
    • Promoted the divine right of kings; built palaces like Versailles as power symbols.
  • Revenue Collection:
    • Empires implemented systems to collect taxes and revenue.
    • South Asia: Zamindars collected taxes for the Mughal Empire.
    • Ming Dynasty: Collected hard currency and agricultural products.

Empires: Belief Systems

  • Major religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism continued to dominate.
  • Europe:
    • Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther.
    • Catholic Counter-Reformation reshaped Christian practices.
  • Islamic World:
    • Sunni and Shia divisions deepened, particularly in Ottoman and Safavid empires.
  • South Asia:
    • Intermingling of Hindu and Muslim cultures led to the development of Sikhism.

Key Figures and Structures

  • Martin Luther: Initiated the Protestant Reformation.
  • Taj Mahal: An example of Mughal architecture symbolizing religious dedication.