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Empires, Dates, All you'll need
Unit 3
Land Based Empires (1450-1750)
Centralized vs. Decentralized Powers
Centralized Empires provided a central function in the day to day lives of citizens, while decentralized Empires could be far off in the distance, controlling the territory for the sake of collecting taxes
Bureaucracies
State hires local officials to administrate the functions of the government. Allowed for a much more centralized Empire.
Examples of Bureaucracies between 1450-1740?
The Ottomans lived under the Sultan’s rule, and under him were local groups that made a more centralized Empire.
What is EERR for Empires?
Establishment date
End date
Religion
Region
________ allowed weapons and war tactics to be upgraded, and helped in the conquering of other nations and territories.
Gunpowder
What were the gunpowder empires?
Empires whose expansion heavily relied on the use of gunpowder for military and trade means
ex: Ottomans, Safavids, Mughals
Ottoman Empire
Established: in 1299 (late 13th Century)
Ended: in 1922 (early 20th century)
Religion: Sunni Islam
Region: Surrounded most of Mediterranean sea (Balkans, Northern Africa, Central Asia)
Lead by a Sultan*
Osman I
First leader of the Ottomans in 14th Century.
Were the Ottomans religiously tolerant?
Not necessarily. They allowed non-muslims to practice their religions, but taxed them and did not allow them to join the military.
What were Janisaries?
Enslaved soldiers (often of different religions) who were allowed to build wealth and status in military combat/work.
What is a Caliphate? Example?
Rule or reign by a caliph (chief muslim ruler)
Ex: Ottoman Caliphate
Where the Ottomans ethnically diverse?
Yes! Many different ethnicities were apart of the Ottoman Empire. The Empire stretched from the Balkans, to Northern Africa, to Asia.
Mehmed II (the conqueror)
Conquered the Byzantine Empire’s capital city Constantinople in the 15th Century, turning it into Istanbul.
Did so with the use of gunpowder (cannons)
What led to the decline, and eventual collapse, of the Ottoman Empire?
The Balkan War in 1912-1913 led to the serious loss of Ottoman territories. Also, the Ottomans supported the Central Powers in WW1 (1914), and lost lots of its land to the Allied Powers. Eventually, the Sultan title was no longer acknowledged, and led to the creation of the Republic of Turkey in 1922.
Safavid Empire
Established: 16th Century (1501)
Ended: In 18th Century (1722)
Religon: Shia Islam
Region: Asia, specifically Iran
Lead by a Shah*
Were the Safavids religiously tolerant?
No. The Safavids believed that all other religions were heresy, and used their strong military force to force their Shi’ism to neighboring territories.
Was the Safavid Empire ethnically diverse?
The Safavids were ethnically diverse, primarily due to their mixed race origins, and the different territories that made up the Empire.
What is theocracy? Example?
A government formed and ruled by religious beliefs and rulers. Ex: Safavid Empire
Shah Ismail
Considered the first ruler of the Safavids. Lived during the 15th and 16th Century. Freed the Persians from Ottoman Empire
Shah Abbas the Great
Lived in the 16th and 17th Century. Said to be the greatest Emperor (Shah) of the Safavids. Strengthened the position of the Emperor, expanded trade, built architecture, and ruled over Safavids in an era of prosperity.
What lead to the decline, and eventual collapse, of the Safavid Empire?
The era of prosperity under Shah Abbas the Great came to an end when the Empire collapsed in the 18th Century. The Safavids saw economic crisis, famine and disease, and were eventually invaded by the Afghans.
What tensions arose between the Ottomans and the Safavids?
The Ottomans (and Mughals) were Sunnis, while the Safavids were Shias. They did not see eye to eye, and often opposed each other because of this.
Sunni Muslims
Are opposed to the belief of political succession based on Mohammed’s bloodline
Shia Muslims
Believe that political succession should be based on Mohammed’s bloodline
Mughal Empire
Established: 16th Century (1526)
End: 19th Century (1858)
Religion: Sunni Islam
Region: Indian Subcontinent
Babur
Lived in the 15th and 16th Century
Founder of the Mughal Empire
Akbar The Great
Lived in 16th and 17th Centuries.
Consolidated Mughal Power and increased trade through conquest and brought wealth to India
Was the Mughal Empire ethnically diverse?
Very! The Mughal Empire ruled over many ethnics and religious backgrounds, and promoted ethnic cohesion.
How did Akbar create cohesion within his empire?
-Appointed members of the Hindu majority to high positions within his government
-Married a Hindu Bride
-Hosted religious debates between many religions
What led to the decline, and eventual collapse, of the Mughal Empire?
In the 18th Century, India was in political and economic crisis. Regional leaders started to refuse to pay taxes and separate from Mughal rule. Great Britain offered military support to these rulers, but eventually in the 19th century, the rulers revolted. Great Britain intervened, and replaced company rule with direct colonial rule.
Sikhism
Indian monotheistic religion, based on teachings of Guru Nanak.
Practiced in India under the rule of Mughal leader Punjab
Guru Nanak
Founder of Sikhism, lived in the 15th-16th century
Songhai Empire
Established: 15th Century
End: 16th Century
Religion: Sunni Islam
Region: Western Africa, in the Gao region (Modern day Nigeria)
Lead by a Sunni/Askia*
Sunni Ali
Lived in the 15th century
Consolidated and militarized the Songhai Empire, and protected the Empire from invasions. The Empire was very prosperous during his rule.
Askia Muhammed
Lived in the 15th-16th Century
Divided the Songhai Empire into provinces, that were overseen by governors.
What led to the decline and eventual collapse of the Songhai Empire?
In the 16th Century, the Songhai fell victim to military conflict, and were beaten by the Moroccans. The Songhai had inferior spears an arrows, while the Moroccans used firearms (gunpowder). Songhai became part of the Moroccan territory.
Qing Empire (Dynasty)
Established: 17th Century (1644)
End: 20th Century (1912)
Religion: Confucianism
Region: China
Confucianism
Founded by Confucius in 500 BC
Philosophy based on correct behavior, obedience to hierarchy, and ethics
Who were the Manchu?
An ethnic minority from the Manchuria region of China. Ruled over the Han Chinese (majority in china at the time)
The last Imperial Dynasty of China
Emperor Shunzhi
Second Emperor of the Qing, but the first to rule over all of China.
Lived in the 17th Century
Emperor Qianlong
Lived in the 17th Century
During his reign, China was the most wealthiest and populous country in the entire world.
What led to the decline, and eventual collapse of the Qing Empire?
Internal conflicts (revolts) against the Qing led to the fall of the dynasty.
What was the Taiping Rebellion?
A revolt against the Qing Dynasty in the late 19th Century, over regional economic conditions (religious undertones)
Was the Qing Empire ethnically diverse?
Yes. This ethnic diversity alter became a problem, leading to the Boxer Rebellion of 1900.
Boxer Rebellion of 1900
Started by peasants and was eventually supported by the government. A campaign to remove all foreigners from China.
Russian Empire
Established: 18th Century (1721)
Ended: 20th Century (1917)
Religion: Mainly Christian Orthodox
Peter the Great
Lived in the 17th and 18th Centuries
Founder of the Russian Empire (Tsardom)
Ruled during the expansion of Russia Eastward
Catherine the Great
Lived in the 18th Century
Empress of Russia who expanded its borders westward
What led to the decline, and the eventual collapse, of the Russian Empire?
During WW1, Russia allied itself with the Allied Powers against the Central Powers, which led to famine and poverty for peasants. Eventually, citizens began to want a constitutional monarchy. Nicholas II (last Czar of Russia) ignored these demands, eventually giving rise to uprising. These revolts were the fall of the Russian Empire. The fall of the Empire gave rise to the Soviet Union.
French Revolution
Lasted from 1789-1799 18th Century
Citizens did not agree with the Estate system. Poor classes revolted against the 1st and 2nd Estates.
Who made up the three Estates?
1st Estate- Clergy
2nd Estate- Nobility
3rd Estate- Poor people (had less money but paid majority of taxes)
First French Empire
Established: 19th Century (1804)
End: 19th Century (1814)
Religion: Catholic Church
Region: France
Napoleon Bonaparte
Lived in 18th and 19th centuries
Leader of the First French Empire
What led to the fall of First French Empire?
Defeat of Napoleon in the Napoleonic Wars, last fought in the 19th Century (1815).
Second French Empire
Established: 19th Century (1852)
End: 19th Century (1871)
Religion: Catholic Church
Region: France
Emperor Napoleon III
Led the Second French Empire
Lived in 19th Century
What led to the fall of Second French Empire?
France’s defeat by Prussia. Prussia set up a Republic
English Empire
Established: 16th Centuries
End: 21st Century (1999)
Religion: Protestant Christians
Region: Great Britain
Protestant Reformation
A religious reform movement that swept through Europe in the 1500s. It resulted in the creation of a branch of Christianity called Protestantism (refers to the many religious groups that separated from the Roman Catholic Church due to differences in doctrine)
Martin Luther
Lived in the 15th-16th century. Opposed the Catholic church’s use of indulgence (paying to have less punishment in hell). He wrote 95 theses on the matter. These theses heavily contributed to the protestant reformation. He faced much persecution for these thoughts.
Unit 4
Transoceanic Interconnections
How did the compass begin to help Europeans? Where was it first developed?
The Compass helped Europeans navigate even when it was cloudy or night time. It was developed in China during the Han Dynasty.
How did the Astrolabe begin to help Europeans? Where was it first developed?
The Astrolabe gave explorers an idea of how far away they were from the Equator. It was developed in Greece, and later improved on by Muslims.
How did the lateen sail begin to help Europeans? Where was it first developed?
The lateen sail was a triangular sail rather than square. It was developed by muslim explorers and traders.
What is the caravel?
Ship developed by the Portuguese, which was faster and more navigable. Used lateen and square sails.
What is the fluyt?
Ship developed by the Dutch (Netherlands). This ship was made specifically for trade
What is state-sponsored exploration?
Exploration paid for in full by a government
Why did states sponsor exploration?
Main 4 reasons:
-extremely expensive, and only states could afford to
-spread religion (mainly christian)
-mercantilism
-rivalries between other countries
What is mercantilism?
An economic idea that promoted governmental regulation of a nation’s economy
-based on belief that a nation’s wealth was best served by increasing exports, and limiting imports via tariffs
-replaced the feudal system in Europe
Prince Henry the Navigator
Portuguese explorer that lived in the 14th and 15th centuries. He was committed to exploring the Atlantic Ocean.
Bartholomew Dias and Vasco de Gama
Portuguese explorers whose sailings were sponsored by Prince Henry.
Ferdinand Magellan
Spanish explorer who lived during the 15th and 16th century. Led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.
Christopher Columbus
Italian explorer who sailed for Spain. Made the Americas known to Europe.
Sailed to the Americas in 4 different voyages.
What is the northwest passage?
British, Dutch, and the French all desired a faster route to the Americas once they discovered that the globe could be circumnavigated.
John Cabot
Italian navigator who sailed under the English flag in the 15th Century. Looked for the NW passage, but did not find it. Instead claimed territory for the English in the Americas.
Jacques Cartier
French navigator in the 15th and 16th centuries who sought the NW passage, but did not find it. Instead claimed what would come to be known as Canada.
Henry Hudson
Dutch navigator who likewise could not find the NW passage.
Indian Ocean Trade
Area of trade that was hyperactive during this time (15th and 16th centuries).
Countries sought to have the most influence in this area.
What was Portugals influence in Indian Ocean Trade?
Portugal was the leader in maritime exploration during this time period. Attempted to monopolize the spice trade by building a trade post empire. They built trade ports and port cities, but because the small country did not have a large enough labor force, the empires eventually fall apart, only lasting for a few decades.
What was Spanishes influence in Indian Ocean Trade?
Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain on his voyage to circumnavigate the globe. The Philippines became a trade center for Spanish trade.
The Spanish had colonies in the Americas, and silver from these colonies fueled trade in the Indian ocean for the spaniards.
What was Frances influence in Indian Ocean Trade?
The french established trading posts, where they made a profit trading fur.
Had the most “positive” relationship with the natives relative to the other European countries.
What was Britain and the Netherland’s influence in Indian Ocean Trade?
The British and Dutch established settler colonies in the Americas. The resources proved to be very lucrative for their trade in the Indian ocean.
What was the Columbian Exchange?
The movement of people, plants, animals, and diseases between the Western and Eastern Hemispheres between the 15th and 16th centuries.
What are some examples of crops from the new world that traveled to the old world (west → east)
-Potatoes
-maize
-tomatoes
-tobacco
What were the effect of these crops in the Eastern Hemisphere (Old world)
-Growth in population due to more food and a diverse diet
-Increased cultural characteristics (ex: Italy and tomatoes)
-Increase in profit for countries trading these items
What are some examples of crops that moved from the Old world to the new world (east → west)?
-Sugar
-Coffee
-Rice
-Okra
What were the effect of these crops in the western hemisphere?
-Development of cash crop system
-Coerced labor
-Deforestation (environmental effects)
B/c of the Columbian Exchange, what animals were new to the western hemisphere?
-Horses
-pigs
-chicken
-cattle (cows)
What was the effect of these new animals in the Old world?
Overgrazing (soil erosion)
Reshaped indigenous cultures (foods with animals)
Helped spread disease
How did the Europeans spread disease to the Americas?
Europeans carried diseased rats and mosquitoes over with them on their boats.
Smallpox
An airborne disease common in the 15th and 16th century. Europeans built immunity to it due to centuries of exposure, while the Natives had just been exposed to it for the first time.
What killed more Natives…disease or European warfare?
Disease! Disease was responsible for the death of over half of indigenous peoples in the Americas
What forms of coerced labor did maritime empires use?
Mit’a
Hacienda
Ecomienda
Indentured Servitude
(really only need to know 2 good examples)
Mit’a
form of tribute to the crown, but paid with labor rather than money
Hacienda
system where indigenous people lived on landowners land, and in exchange worked the land
Encomienda
food, shelter, and protection were granted to indigenous if they gave labor….but the living conditions were terrible
Indentured servitude
Domestic and field work done for an agreed period of time. Once completed the worker received free travel to Europe
Under these forms of coerced labor, natives were able to escape from the Europeans. How?
The Natives knew the land better than the new Europeans
How did the Europeans solve the perceived “issues” with the Native Americans?
They turned to Africa to get slaves.
Slavery was not new in this time period, and had existed for centuries now. However, the Transatlantic slave trade created a new form of hereditary slavery.
Note 
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