WHAP 3.1 Vocab (Empires Expand)

Gunpowder empires

Large Islamic empires that expanded using gunpowder weapons (esp. cannons & muskets).

Sig: Explains how land empires expanded so fast + centralized power (Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal).

Ottoman Empire

Major Muslim empire based in Anatolia; controlled SE Europe, Middle East, N Africa.

Sig: Strong example of a centralized land empire; controlled trade routes + key cities; used devshirme/janissaries

Safavid Empire

Persian empire in modern Iran; officially Shia Islam.

Sig: Major example of religion shaping empire identity; constant rivalry with Ottomans (Sunni vs Shia).

Mughal Empire

Muslim-ruled empire in India founded by Babur.

Sig: Blended Persian & Indian culture; big example of ruling diverse populations; peak under Akbar.

Akbar

Most famous Mughal emperor (r. 1556-1605), known for tolerance & strong administration

Sig: KEY example of how empires maintained control through religious tolerance & bureaucratic reforms.

Suleiman I (Suleiman the Magnificent)

Ottoman ruler during its height (r. 1520-1566).

Sig: Strengthened laws & military; shows Ottoman “golden age” & effective centralization.

Mehmed II (The Conqueror)

Ottoman sultan who conquered Constantinople in 1453.

Sig: Turning point - ends Byzantine Empire; makes Istanbul major imperial capital; boosts Ottoman legitimacy.

Shah Abbas I (Abbas the Great)

Powerful Safavid shah who strengthened the empire (r. 1588-1629).

Sig: Modernized military, expanded trade, moved capital to Isfahan—example of state-building.

Caste

Social hierarchy system in India (varna/jati), tied to Hinduism.

Sig: Major example of continuity in social structures; affected Mughal rule & later policies.

Ming Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (1368-1644) that restored Han Chinese rule after Mongols

Sig: Rebuilt centralized bureaucracy, promoted Confucianism, sponsored major projects (Great Wall repairs).

Qing Dynasty

Manchu dynasty (1644-1912) that expanded China.

Sig: Major land empire expansion; ruled a diverse population; maintained Confucian bureaucracy while being outsiders.

Kangxi

Qing emperor (r. 1661-1722), strong and successful ruler.

Sig: Stabilized Qing rule & expanded territory; example of effective imperial governance.

Emperor Qianlong

Qing emperor (r. 1735-1796) who oversaw huge expansion and prosperity.

Sig: Height of Qing power; also shows later stagnation/resistance to Western trade demads.

Gutenberg Printing Press

1450s European invention using movable type to mass-produce books.

Sig: Spreads knowledge & literacy; helps Reformation & scientific thinking; part of cultural transformation in Europe.