Expansion and Administration of Land-Based Empires

Ottoman Empire Expansion

The Ottoman Empire expanded starting in the 14th century by enslaving Christians from the Balkans, converting them to Islam, and turning them into the elite fighting force, the Janissaries.

Safavid Empire Expansion

The Safavid Empire expanded starting in the 16th century by raiding and conquering neighboring territories using gunpowder weapons.

Difference between Ottomans and Safavids

The difference that led to problems between the Ottomans and Safavids began as a political divide over who should rule after the death of Muhammad.

Mughal Empire Expansion

The Mughal Empire expanded starting in the 16th century when Babur defeated the Delhi Sultanate, utilizing gunpowder weapons.

Safavid-Mughal Conflict

The Safavid-Mughal Conflict was about lands in modern Afghanistan originally controlled by the Mughals, which the Safavids took control of, leading to a political and religious dispute.

Legitimizing Power

Legitimizing power refers to the methods rulers use to establish their authority.

Consolidating Power

Consolidating power is the method rulers use to transfer power from other groups to themselves.

Bureaucracies

Bureaucracies include thousands of government officials who ensure laws are kept throughout the empire.

Devshirme System

The Devshirme system was used by the Ottomans to staff their bureaucracy, beginning with the enslavement and conversion of Christian boys from the Balkans.

Janissaries

The Janissaries were an elite fighting force created from enslaved Christians who were converted to Islam and trained by the Ottomans.

Shah Abbas

Shah Abbas built up the military of the Safavid Empire with gunpowder weapons and created an enslaved army composed of Christians from the Caucasus region.

Religious Tolerance

Religious tolerance is a religious idea used by rulers like Emperor Akbar to legitimize their rule by showing acceptance towards the Hindu majority.

Political and Religious Disputes

The rivalry between the Ottomans and Safavids intensified the split between Sunni and Shi'a Islam, leading to political and religious disputes.

Military Professionals

The development of military professionals was a method used by rulers to consolidate their power.

Centralized Control

The use of bureaucratic elites became more common among rulers who wanted to maintain centralized control over their populations and resources.

Elite Positions

Those who were seen as the brightest in the Devshirme system were appointed to elite positions in the Ottoman bureaucracy.

Education in Istanbul

The Devshirme system included education and training in Istanbul for the Christian boys who were enslaved and converted.

Ottoman Bureaucracy

The extensive education of those in the Devshirme system led them to be excellent and loyal bureaucrats in the Ottoman bureaucracy.

Conflict over Land

The Safavid-Mughal Conflict illustrates how territorial disputes can have underlying religious aspects.

Gunpowder Weapons

The adoption of gunpowder weapons was crucial for the expansion of empires like the Ottomans and Safavids.

Political Divide

The political divide between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims originated from disagreements over leadership succession after Muhammad's death.

Religious Aspect of Conflicts

Religious aspects often accompanied political disputes, as seen in the conflicts between the Safavids and Mughals.

Consolidation of Power

Rulers consolidated their power through various methods, including military and bureaucratic strategies.

Caucasus Region

The Caucasus region was a source of Christian soldiers for the Safavid Empire's military.

The Divine Right of Kings

The idea that kings were God's representatives on Earth, which helped to legitimize their rule.

Qing Dynasty Art

The Qing portrayed themselves in portraits with books to suggest Confucian wisdom, appealing to the Han Chinese population.

Inca Sun Temple of Cuzco

Built with walls covered in gold and courtyards filled with golden statues to associate rulers with the gods.

Palace of Versailles

Built by Louis XIV to show his power and to keep the French nobility under his watch.

Zamindar System

A system used by the Mughal Empire where elite landowners were given authority to tax peasants on behalf of the imperial government.

Tax-farming

A system used by the Ottomans where the right to collect taxes was sold to individuals.

Aztec Tribute Lists

A method where conquered regions were forced to send goods as tribute, which were specifically listed.

Protestant Reformation

A movement that marked a break with existing Christian traditions and led to the creation of Protestant churches.

Simony

The practice of buying Church offices, which contributed to the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church.

Indulgences

The practice of selling forgiveness for sins, which became widespread before the Protestant Reformation.

95 Theses

A list of grievances created by Martin Luther against the practices of the Catholic Church.

Catholic Reformation

An initiative by the Catholic Church to address corruption, initiated with the Council of Trent.

Safavid Empire

An empire where Shah Ismail declared it a Shi'a Islamic state, intensifying the split between Sunni and Shi'a Islam.

Sikhism

A syncretic religion that blends Hindu and Islamic doctrines, promoting radical equality and rejecting the caste system.

Religious Warfare

Conflicts often justified by religious differences between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims during this era.