Chapter 17 & 18: The Islamic World and European Expansion – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms about the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires and European expansion (1500–1750).

Janissaries

Elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire formed from Christian boys converted to Islam through the devshirme system.

Devshirme

System by which Christian boys were recruited, converted to Islam, and trained for service as soldiers or officials in the Ottoman Empire.

Sultan

Supreme ruler of the Ottoman Empire.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Iconic example of Ottoman architecture (built during Suleiman the Magnificent’s era).

Ottoman Empire

Multi-ethnic, multi-religious empire (1300–1800) that controlled key trade routes between Europe and Asia and was renowned for architecture.

Safavid Empire

Persia/Iran empire that made Shi’a Islam official and was known for Persian carpets and art; weakened by constant rivalry with the Ottomans.

Shi’a Islam

Official religion of the Safavid Empire, contrasting with Sunni Ottomans.

Mughal Empire

Indian empire noted for Akbar’s religious tolerance, Taj Mahal, and flourishing art/economy; later rulers like Aurangzeb were less tolerant, causing unrest.

Akbar the Great

Mughal emperor who promoted religious tolerance and blending of Hindu and Islamic cultures.

Aurangzeb

Mughal emperor whose strict policies reduced tolerance and contributed to unrest.

Taj Mahal

Mughal architectural masterpiece symbolizing the empire’s wealth and cultural achievements.

Big Picture (Islamic Empires)

The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires were multi-ethnic and multi-religious, thriving on trade and culture, but weakened by internal rivalries and European expansion.

Martin Luther

German monk whose 1517 Ninety-Five Theses sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Protestant Reformation

Religious reform movement in Europe leading to Protestant churches and challenging Catholic authority.

John Calvin

Theologian who promoted predestination and stricter Protestant discipline.

Catholic Counter-Reformation

Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation, including the Council of Trent and the Jesuits.

Thirty Years’ War

Religious-political conflict in 17th-century Europe; involved persecutions and witch hunts, reshaping Europe.

Absolutism

Political doctrine in which the monarch holds centralized, unrestricted power.

Louis XIV

French king who centralized power, built Versailles, and declared 'I am the state'.

Spain’s Decline

Decline due to debt and silver inflation, weakening Spain’s power in the 17th century.

Peter the Great

Russian tsar who westernized Russian society and built a strong military.

Glorious Revolution (1688)

Event in England that established a limited/constitutional monarchy.

Limited/Constitutional Monarchy

Monarchical system where the king/queen’s powers are restricted by a constitution or Parliament.

Mercantilism

Economic theory that colonies supply raw materials to enrich the mother country.

Atlantic Slave Trade

Massive forced migration of millions of Africans; had enormous demographic and cultural impacts.