AP world

Gunpowder Empires

Empires powered by gunpowder and canons, including the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires.

Ming Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (1368-1644) founded by Emperor Hongwu, known for centralization and the emphasis on Confucianism.

Zheng He

Chinese Muslim Eunuch who led massive maritime expeditions during the Ming Dynasty from 1405-1433.

Janissaries

Elite soldiers of the Ottoman Empire who were loyal to the Sultan and not the state.

Encomienda System

A system where Spanish settlers were granted the right to extract labor from natives in exchange for protection and conversion to Christianity.

Mercantilism

Economic policy where the government encourages exports and controls trade to accumulate wealth, primarily gold and silver.

Columbian Exchange

The transfer of crops, animals, diseases, ideas, and people between the New World and the Old World following Columbus' voyages.

The Little Ice Age

A period of cooler temperatures that affected global climate and agriculture from 1300-1850.

Tokugawa Shogunate

The ruling dynasty in Japan from 1600-1868, known for consolidating power and establishing a period of peace.

The Castas System

Social hierarchy in the Spanish colonies characterized by mixed-race populations and fluid racial categories.

Suleiman the Magnificent

Sultan of the Ottoman Empire known for significant expansion and legal reforms.

The Great Dying

Massive population decline of Indigenous peoples in the Americas due to disease brought by Europeans.

Zamindars

Local tax collectors in the Mughal Empire who paid in land and often created their own mini-kingdoms.

Dejima

The only place where Europeans were allowed to trade in Japan during its isolation, specifically with the Dutch.

Potosí Silver Mine

A major source of silver during the colonial era, accounting for 60% of global silver production.

Ming Isolationism

The policy of the Ming Dynasty to limit foreign trade and discourage travel abroad, leading to a decline in global influence.

Devshirme

A tribute system in the Ottoman Empire where Christian boys were taken and trained for military service.

Mughal Empire

An empire in India (1526-1857) known for its wealth, cultural achievements, and the rule of Emperor Akbar.

Portuguese Trading Post Empire

An empire established by Portugal to control trade routes by establishing armed trading posts.

Spanish Conquest of the Americas

The conquests led by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century that resulted in significant territorial and cultural changes.