Key Empires and Rulers of the Early Modern Period

Emperor Qianlong

Qing ruler, poet, integrated Chinese culture.

Gutenberg's Printing Press

Revolutionized book production, increased literacy rates.

Ivan IV

Expanded Russia, known as Ivan the Terrible.

Gunpowder Empires

Multiethnic states using firearms for expansion.

Ottoman Empire

Largest Islamic empire, peaked under Suleiman I.

Safavid Empire

Lacked navy, conquered Persia, proclaimed Shah.

Ming Dynasty

Overthrew Yuan Dynasty, restored Chinese rule.

Manchu

Established Qing Dynasty, centralized power in China.

Qing Dynasty

Manchu-led dynasty with unique ruling aspects.

Kangxi

Longest-reigning emperor of Qing Dynasty, stabilized China.

Mughal Empire

Richest state under Akbar, flourishing trade.

Divine Right of Kings

Belief that kings ruled by God's will.

Absolute Monarchy

One source of power, complete authority.

Louis XIV

Sun King, absolute ruler of France.

Romanov Dynasty

Took control of Russia post-Ivan IV.

Peter I

Peter the Great, modernized Russia.

Devshirme

Selection system for military and government staff.

Janissaries

Christian boys trained for military and politics.

Tokugawa Shogunate

Centralized governance in feudal Japan.

Askia the Great

Promoted Islam, made pilgrimage to Mecca.

Tax Farmers

Local officials collecting taxes, often corrupt.

Zamindars

Soldiers managing land and tax collection.

Taj Mahal

Architectural achievement built by Shah Jahan.

Versailles

Palace of Louis XIV, political control over nobles.

Boyars

Upper aristocracy and ruling elite in Russia.

Still learning (6)

You've started learning these terms. Keep it up!