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

Overview

Focus on land-based empires, their expansion, administration, and belief systems.
Defines land-based empires as those deriving power from territorial holdings.

Founded in the 14th century, grew rapidly due to gunpowder weapons.
Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renaming it Istanbul, significant for expanding into Eastern Europe.
Enslaved and converted Balkan Christians into janissaries, an elite military force.

Founded in the early 16th century under Shah Ismail, expanded with gunpowder weapons.
Lacked natural defensive barriers and built a strong military under Shah Abbas including enslaved soldiers from the Caucasus.
Shia Islam as state religion, leading to conflict with Sunni Ottomans.

Established in the first half of the 16th century by Babur after defeating the Delhi Sultanate.
Expanded under Akbar, known for religious tolerance and efficient administration.
Became a prosperous empire due to inclusive policies towards the Hindu majority.

Established by the Manchus in the 17th century after the weakening of the Ming Dynasty.
Expanded using gunpowder weapons despite being ethnically different from Han Chinese subjects.

Common traits: rapid expansion, use of gunpowder, and complex military and administrative systems.
Mughal-Safavid conflict: wars over territory in Afghanistan due to both religious (Sunni vs Shia) and territorial disputes.

Bureaucracies: Managed laws and administration via large government structures.
- Ottoman Devshirme System: Recruited Christian youth to be highly trained bureaucrats.
Military Professionals: Janissaries (Ottomans), and other elite forces helped maintain control.
Religious Ideas, Art, and Architecture: Used to legitimize rule and display power.
- Divine Right of Kings (Europe): Monarchs claimed to be appointed by God.
- Imperial Portraits (Qing): Emperor Kangxi used art to gain legitimacy.
- Monumental Architecture:
  - Sun Temple of Cusco (Inca): Demonstrated power and religious significance.
  - Palace of Versailles (France): Louis XIV used the palace to control the nobility.

Zamindar System (Mughal): Elite landowners taxed peasants.
Tax Farming (Ottoman): Rights to collect taxes were auctioned off, enriching the highest bidders.
Tribute Lists (Aztec): Conquered regions listed goods for tribute, ensuring steady revenue.

Protestant Reformation: Initiated by Martin Luther's 95 Theses, challenging corruption in the Catholic Church.
Catholic Counter-Reformation: Reforms at the Council of Trent to address corruption and reaffirm doctrines.

Intensified Sunni-Shia split due to political rivalries and policies, especially under Shah Ismail of the Safavid Empire.

A syncretic religion blending Hindu and Islamic principles; retained belief in one God and reincarnation but rejected gender and caste hierarchies.

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