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Overview of Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Apr 20, 2025

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

Key Themes

  • Land-based Empires: Expansion, administration, and belief systems.
  • Time Period: 1450 to 1750.

Important Empires

1. Ottoman Empire

  • Foundation: Founded in the 14th century.
  • Expansion: Rapid expansion due to the adoption of gunpowder weapons.
  • Conquest of Constantinople: In 1453, marked significant expansion into Eastern Europe.
  • Military: Utilized janissaries, elite soldiers converted from enslaved Christians.

2. Safavid Empire

  • Foundation: Early 16th century in the Middle East.
  • Expansion: Utilized gunpowder weapons; lacked natural barriers, which led to rapid expansion.
  • Military: Enslaved Christians from the Caucasus region formed an elite army.
  • Religion: Shia Islam, leading to conflicts with Sunni Ottomans.

3. Mughal Empire

  • Foundation: Established in the early 16th century by Babur in South Asia.
  • Expansion: Rapid due to strong military and gunpowder weapons.
  • Religion and Governance: Akbar’s tolerance of Hindu majority led to prosperity.

4. Qing Dynasty

  • Foundation: Established by Manchus in the 17th century after conquering the Ming.
  • Expansion: Used gunpowder weapons to expand control.

Conflicts

  • Safavid-Mughal Conflict: Territory disputes, influenced by religious differences (Shia vs Sunni).

Administration of Empires

Methods of Power Consolidation

  • Bureaucracies: To administer and enforce laws.
    • Example: Ottoman devshirme system.
  • Military Professionals: Development of elite military units.
  • Using Religion, Art, and Architecture:
    • Divine Right of Kings in Europe.
    • Imperial Portraits in Qing Dynasty for legitimacy.
    • Monumental Architecture: Inca Sun Temple, Palace of Versailles.
  • Taxation Systems:
    • Zamindar System: Mughal Empire's elite landowners collected taxes.
    • Ottoman Tax Farming: Private individuals collected taxes on behalf of the government.
    • Aztec Tribute Lists: Conquered regions sent goods as tribute.

Religious Changes and Continuities

Christianity

  • Protestant Reformation: Initiated by Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.
  • Catholic Reformation: Council of Trent reforms.

Islam

  • Sunni vs Shia Split: Intensified by Safavid policies under Shah Ismail.

Sikhism

  • Development: A syncretic religion blending Hindu and Islamic beliefs, emphasizing monotheism and reincarnation.

Additional Resources

  • AP World History Review Guide: Contains detailed videos and practice materials for exam preparation.

These notes summarize the key points from the lecture on land-based empires, their expansions, and the role of belief systems from 1450-1750. They cover the major empires of the period, their methods of administration, and the significant religious changes of the era.

Full transcript