Unit 3: Land-Based Empires (1450-1900)

The Ottoman Empire (c. 1299–1922)

• Conquered Constantinople in 1453 under Sultan Mehmed II — a major turning point that ended the Byzantine Empire

• Controlled key trade routes between Europe and Asia, giving them enormous economic leverage

Devshirme System

Christian boys taken from the Balkans, educated, and trained as elite

soldiers (Janissaries) or administrators

Millet system

non-Muslim communities (Jews, Christians) allowed to govern their own internal

affairs

Tanzimat Reforms

attempts to modernize the military and bureaucracy

Janissaries

elite infantry corps loyal to the sultan; early adopters of gunpowder weapons

Jizya Tax

a historical, annual per-capita tax levied by Muslim rulers on non-Muslim subjects (dhimmis) living under Islamic law

The Safavid Empire (1501–1722)

• Constant conflict with the Ottomans (both religiously and territorially); defeated at the Battle of Chaldiran (1514)

• Persian language and Shia Islam became defining features of Iranian identity

The Mughal Empire (1526–1857)

• Founded by Babur (descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan) after the First Battle of Panipat (1526)

• Combined Persian cultural traditions with Islamic governance in South Asia

Zamindars

local tax collectors who served as intermediaries between the central government

and the peasant population

Mansabdari system

ranked officials (mansabdars) given land grants in exchange for military

service

Akbar the Great

pursued a policy of religious tolerance; abolished the jizya (tax on non-Muslims)

Aurangzeb

reimposed the jizya, led to widespread rebellions and weakened the

empire

The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912)

• Founded by the Manchu people from Manchuria — NOT Han Chinese; maintained ethnic Manchu identity while adopting Chinese governance structures

• Required Han Chinese men to wear the queue (braid) as a sign of submission

• Maintained the civil service exam system and Confucian ideology

Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)

• Restored Han Chinese rule after the Mongol Yuan dynasty

• Built the Great Wall (in its current form); built the Forbidden City in Beijing

Zheng He’s voyages (1405–1433)

massive treasure fleets explored SE Asia, India, Arabia,

East Africa — later discontinued due to Confucian conservatism

tributary system

Neighboring states paid tribute to China in exchange for trade rights

and recognition

Peter the Great (1682–1725)

• Westernization campaign: traveled to Western Europe; brought back technology, customs, experts

• Built St. Petersburg as a new capital, a & window to the West &; Modernized the military and navy; introduced Western dress and customs

• Expanded into the Baltic Sea region; fought the Great Northern War against Sweden