AP World History Unit 3 Review (1450-1750)

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Unit 3 of AP World History, focusing on land-based empires and their characteristics between 1450 and 1750.

Land-Based Empire

An empire whose power derives from territorial expansions.

Ottoman Empire

A major Islamic empire that expanded significantly using gunpowder weapons, controlling much of Southeastern Europe and Anatolia, eventually conquering Constantinople in 1453.

Janissaries

Elite military units of the Ottoman Empire, often formed by enslaved Christian youths who converted to Islam.

Safavid Empire

A prominent Islamic empire founded in the 16th century, characterized by rapid expansion and the use of gunpowder weapons.

Shia Muslims

Followers of a branch of Islam that believe only blood relatives of Muhammad can be considered legitimate leaders.

Mughal Empire

An Islamic empire in South and Central Asia established in the 16th century that expanded significantly under leaders like Akbar.

Gunpowder Weapons

Military technology that played a key role in the expansion of empires like the Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals.

Qing Dynasty

The last imperial dynasty of China, established by the Manchus, following the Ming dynasty.

Divine Right of Kings

The belief that monarchs are God's representatives on Earth, legitimizing their authority.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement initiated by Martin Luther that led to a split in the Catholic Church.

Zamindar System

A system in the Mughal Empire where local landowners collected taxes on behalf of the imperial government.

Tax Farming

A system used by the Ottomans where the right to collect taxes was auctioned to the highest bidder.

Council of Trent

A series of meetings held by the Catholic Church to reform itself in response to the Protestant Reformation.

Sikhism

A syncretic faith that emerged in South Asia, combining elements of Hinduism and Islam.

Simony

The practice of buying or selling positions of authority within the Catholic Church.