Land Based Empires (1450-1750)

Flashcards about the expansion, administration, and belief systems of land-based empires during the time period 1450-1750.

What is a land based empire?

An empire whose power comes from the extent of its territorial holdings.

Name three major land-based empires during the period 1450-1750.

The Ottoman Empire, the Safavid Empire, the Mughal Empire.

What was the chief reason for the Ottoman Empire's rapid expansion?

Adoption of gunpowder weapons.

In what year did the Ottomans conquer Constantinople?

1453

What did the Ottomans rename Constantinople?

Istanbul.

Who were the Janissaries?

An elite fighting force formed from enslaved Christians in the Balkans.

Who led the Safavid Empire's early expansion?

Shah Ismail

Who built up the Safavid military, including the adoption of gunpowder weapons?

Shah Abbas

What is the key difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

Sunni Muslims believed that the rightful successor of Muhammad could be anyone spiritually fit for the office, while the Shia believed that only blood relatives of Muhammad were his legitimate successors.

Who founded the Mughal Empire by conquering the Delhi Sultanate in 1526?

Babur.

Which Mughal ruler was known for his tolerance of all kinds of belief systems?

Akbar