AP World Unit 3 (copy)

Gunpowder Empires

Empires that gained power and expanded through the use of gunpowder weapons.

Ottoman Empire

The most significant Islamic Empire of the period, founded in the 14th century, known for controlling the Dardanelles and expanding due to gunpowder weapons.

Mehmed II

Sultan of the Ottoman Empire who transformed Constantinople into Istanbul, using gunpowder weapons to conquer the city in 1453.

Safavid Empire

Islamic Empire established in the early 1500s, known for its adherence to Shia Islam and conflicts with Sunni empires.

Babur

Founder of the Mughal Empire who utilized gunpowder cannons and guns to expand his territory.

Akbar

Third Mughal Emperor who was known for his religious tolerance and administrative skills.

Qing Dynasty

Dynasty established by the Manchus after the decline of the Ming dynasty, known for its extensive campaigns of conquest.

Safavid Mughal Conflict

A series of wars fought in the 17th century between the Safavid and Mughal Empires primarily over religious rivalry.

Zamindar System

A system in the Mughal Empire where local landowners collected taxes for the emperor, consolidating imperial authority.

Devshirme System

Ottoman recruitment system of Christian boys who were converted to Islam and trained for military or bureaucratic roles.

Bhakti Movement

A movement in Hinduism that encouraged devotion to a personal god, paralleling Sufi practices in Islam.

Sikhism

A new religious faith that emerged in South Asia blending elements of Islam and Hinduism, with beliefs in one god and reincarnation.

Counter-Reformation

Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation that included reforms to address corruption.

Indulgences

Payments made to the Catholic Church for forgiveness of sins, leading to widespread corruption and discontent.

Martin Luther

A German theologian whose 95 Theses criticized the Catholic Church, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

Manchus

Non-Chinese elites who invaded China to establish the Qing Dynasty.

Boyards

Russian elites who held significant power and influence in the feudal hierarchy.