Unit 3 Land Empires (1450-1750) Vocabulary

Flashcards covering the expansion, administration, and decline of land-based empires like the Ottomans, Mughals, and Russians between 1450 and 1750.

Major Land Empires (1450-1750)

The Russians, Qings, Mughals, Safavids, and Ottomans.

Nobles

The social group that European leaders tried to control between 1450-1750.

King Louis XIV

French leader who consolidated power by claiming divine right and using the Palace of Versailles.

Ivan IV (Ivan the terrible)

Russian leader who expanded the empire significantly using gunpowder weapons and spread East Orthodox Christianity.

Qing Dynasty

The dynasty that took over China after the Ming dynasty.

Emperor Qianlong

A leader who expanded China but caused problems by cutting off trade with the Brits.

Conscription

A method of forced service used by gunpowder empires to establish power.

Harem politics

A factor involving women's rights within the Safavid empire used to establish power.

Boyars

The Russian noble class used by the empire to consolidate power through authoritarian and militaristic policies.

Devshirme System

An Ottoman system where Christian boys were stolen and forced to serve in the government and military.

Jannissanics

The staff of the military and government in the Ottoman Empire composed of boys taken through the Devshirme system.

Ottoman and Safavid Religious Difference

The Ottomans followed Sunni Islam, while the Safavids followed Shia Islam.

Zamindars

Bureaucratic elites used by the Mughals to help centralize control of India.

Jizya tax

A tax used in the Mughal Empire as a method for centralizing control.

Akbar

The Mughal leader who established a strong centralized government in India.

Decline of Gunpowder Empires

The result of warfare, internal political strife, political fragmentation, and spending beyond their means as Europe dominated trade.

Triple Entente

An alliance mentioned in the notes alongside the Russian civil war.