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

Key Concepts

• Land-Based Empires: Empires whose power is derived from the extent of their territorial holdings.
• Time Period: 1450 to 1750, characterized by the expansion, administration, and belief systems of land-based empires.

Significant Land-Based Empires

1. Ottoman Empire

• Expansion: Rapid growth in the 14th century with the help of gunpowder weapons.
• Key Achievements: Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, renamed Istanbul.
• Military: Utilized Janissaries, an elite military force comprised of enslaved Christians from the Balkans.
• Religious Tensions: Sunni Muslims.

2. Safavid Empire

• Emergence: Founded in the 16th century by Shah Ismail.
• Military Expansion: Used gunpowder weapons and established an enslaved army from the Caucasus.
• Religious Aspect: Shia Muslims, leading to conflicts with Sunni Muslims, particularly the Ottomans.

3. Mughal Empire

• Foundation: Established by Babur in 1526 after defeating the Delhi Sultanate.
• Governance under Akbar: Known for religious tolerance and administrative skill, leading to prosperity.
• Religious Diversity: Ruled a primarily Hindu population but under a Muslim regime.

4. Qing Dynasty

• Origin: Established by the Manchu people in the 17th century after the fall of the Ming Dynasty.
• Military Strength: Expanded using gunpowder weapons.
• Cultural Integration: Used art and architecture to assert legitimacy and authority.

Empire Administration

• Legitimization and Consolidation of Power:
  • Bureaucracies: Used to enforce laws and maintain control (e.g., Ottoman devshirme system).
  • Military Development: Establishment of elite forces like the Janissaries.
  • Religious and Cultural Strategies: Divine Right of Kings in Europe, art and architecture (Kangxi’s portraits, Inca Sun Temple, Palace of Versailles).
  • Innovative Tax Systems: Mughal zamindar system, Ottoman tax farming, and Aztec tribute lists.

Belief Systems

• Christianity in Europe:
  • Protestant Reformation: Initiated by Martin Luther, leading to a split with the Roman Catholic Church.
  • Catholic Reformation: The Council of Trent aimed at reforming practices and affirming beliefs.
• Islam:
  • Sunni-Shia Split: Intensified by political rivalries, notably Shah Ismail's declaration in the Safavid Empire.
• Sikhism:
  • Development: Syncretic religion blending Hindu and Islamic doctrines, discarding gender and caste hierarchies.

Conclusion

• The period saw significant territorial expansions using gunpowder weapons.
• Empires employed various strategies to legitimize and consolidate their power.
• Religious and cultural changes were both divisive and syncretic during this period.