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

A land-based Empire derives its power from the extent of its territorial Holdings, making it land-based. This concept is fundamental to understanding unit 3 of AP World History, which covers the time period 1450 to 1750.

During the time period 1450 to 1750, land-based Empires experienced significant expansion, growing larger and consolidating their power. This expansion was a key characteristic of the era, with Empires expanding their territorial control and influence.

Four important land-based Empires during this period include the Ottoman Empire, the Safavid Empire, and others. Understanding these Empires is crucial for grasping the dynamics of power and expansion in the 15th to 18th centuries.

The Ottoman Empire played a crucial role during the 1450-1750 period, with its expansion and influence shaping the geopolitical landscape. Known for their adoption of gunpowder weapons, the Ottomans rapidly expanded their control over Southwestern Europe and Anatolia.

Founded in the 14th century, the Ottoman Empire quickly expanded its territories, culminating in the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. This victory, achieved with gunpowder weapons, marked a significant milestone in the Empire's growth and paved the way for further expansion into Eastern Europe.

The conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453 was a pivotal moment, as it opened the door for the Empire to expand into Eastern Europe. Constantinople, the former heart of the Roman Empire, provided strategic advantages and resources for the Ottomans to strengthen their military and territorial control.

The Safavid Empire, established in the Middle East in the 16th century, experienced rapid growth under leaders like Shah Ismail. Similar to the Ottomans, the Safavids utilized gunpowder weapons and strategic military tactics to conquer neighboring territories and expand their influence.

Facing a lack of natural defensive barriers, the Safavid Empire under Shah Abbas focused on building a strong military, including the adoption of gunpowder weapons. Additionally, the Safavid cavalry's reluctance to use firearms led to the establishment of an enslaved Army to bolster their military capabilities.

The Ottomans and Safavids, both Muslim empires, shared similarities in their humble beginnings, rapid expansion using gunpowder, and elite enslaved military forces. However, a significant difference arose due to their religious beliefs: the Ottomans were Sunni Muslims, while the Safavids were Shia Muslims. This difference in sects led to conflicting views on the rightful successors of Muhammad, causing potential problems between the two empires.

The Mughal Empire, established in the first half of the 16th century in South and Central Asia, emerged under the leadership of Babur. Babur's campaigns led to the downfall of the Delhi Sultanate, paving the way for Mughal rule. Like other empires, the Mughals expanded rapidly through a well-equipped military using gunpowder weapons. Under Akbar's leadership, known for his tolerance of diverse beliefs, the Mughal Empire flourished and became the most prosperous empire of the 16th century.

The Qing Dynasty, also known as the Manchu Empire, succeeded the Ming Dynasty in the first half of the 17th century. Ethnically Han Chinese, the Qing Dynasty replaced the weakening Ming Dynasty. They bolstered their military strength and expanded through conquests, utilizing gunpowder weapons. The Qing Dynasty's rise marked a shift in power dynamics in China, emphasizing ethnic Han rule and territorial expansion.

All four empires - Ottomans, Safavids, Mughals, and Qing - shared common traits of rapid land-based expansion during this period, utilizing gunpowder technology for military conquests. While the Mughals and Qing were ethnically different from their subjects, the Ottomans and Safavids differed in religious sects, with the former being Sunni and the latter Shia. The convergence of these powerful empires inevitably led to conflicts and clashes as they vied for dominance in the region.

A series of wars were fought over territory in what is now Afghanistan between the Mugal and the Sophitz. The Mugal initially controlled the territory but the Sophitz took advantage of their absence to claim it. The conflict was intensified by religious differences, with the Savids being Shia Muslims and the Mugal being Sunni. Despite the religious element, no clear victory emerged after the wars.

Rulers of land-based Empires focused on legitimizing and consolidating their power through various means. This included the establishment of large bureaucracies to enforce laws and maintain control. Bureaucracies consisted of government officials spread throughout the Empire to ensure compliance. The Ottomans, for example, used the dev sheer system to staff their bureaucracy with trained individuals who were loyal to the sultan.

Rulers legitimized their power by establishing their authority through methods like forming large bureaucracies. Consolidating power involved transferring power from other groups to themselves. The Ottomans utilized the dev sheer system to maintain control and loyalty within their bureaucracy. This system ensured wise administrators who were also loyal to the sultan.

Rulers administered their Empires by developing military professionals like the Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire. These military elites played a crucial role in maintaining control and expanding the Empire's influence.

Rulers utilized religious ideas, art, and monumental architecture to legitimize their power. For example, European monarchs promoted the divine right of kings to assert their authority. In the Ching Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi used art, such as hanging Imperial portraits, to legitimize his rule over the Han population.

The Sun Temple of Cusco in the Americas was a monumental architectural marvel where the walls were once covered with gold sheets and the courtyards adorned with golden statues. High religious festivals were held within this temple, associating Inca rulers with the gods to legitimize power.

Louis the 14th's Palace of Versailles in France served as a symbol of power and authority, where the French nobility were required to reside part of the year, consolidating power under Louis. This architectural masterpiece communicated who was in charge and facilitated the transfer of power to the ruler.

Rulers administered their empires through innovative tax collection systems. Examples include the zamindar system in the Mughal Empire, the Ottoman tax farming system, and Aztec tribute lists. These systems helped maintain control, consolidate power, and generate revenue for the empires through various taxation methods.

During this period, belief systems underwent changes while retaining some core aspects. In Europe, the Roman Catholic Church faced corruption issues like simony and indulgences. Martin Luther's 95 Theses in 1517 sparked the Protestant Reformation, challenging the church's practices and interpretations of salvation, leading to a significant split in Christianity.

The Roman Catholic Church did not disappear but continued as a dominant expression of Christianity in Europe. The Council of Trent initiated a Reformation to address corruption, leading to a split with Protestants. Despite cleaning up corruption, the Church reaffirmed its doctrine of salvation, resulting in a permanent split between Catholicism and Protestantism.

Political rivalries intensified the Sunni Shia split, notably when Shah Ismail declared the Safavid Empire's adherence to Shia Islam. This decision aggravated and intensified the split between Sunni and Shia branches, leading to conflicts and public slaughters of Sunni Muslims who resisted. The split was further exacerbated by ritual cursing of the first three caliphs, intensifying political rivalries among Islamic empires.

Sikhism emerged as a syncretic blend of Hindu and Islamic doctrines in South Asia, retaining beliefs in one God and reincarnation while discarding gender hierarchies from Islam and the caste system from Hinduism. This blending of religions resulted in a new belief system that demonstrated continuity with both Hinduism and Islam while introducing significant changes.