Land-Based Empires and Belief Systems

Flashcards reviewing key characteristics, administration, and religious impacts of land-based empires (1450-1750).

What is a key characteristic of land-based empires?

Power derived from territorial expansion, often driven by gunpowder technology.

Name four major land-based empires during the period discussed.

Ottoman Empire, Safavid Empire, Mughal Empire, and Qing Dynasty.

What was a significant achievement of the Ottoman Empire in 1453?

The Sack of Constantinople, which was renamed Istanbul.

Under which leader did the Safavid Empire declare itself a Shia Muslim state?

Shah Ismail.

What was a primary cause of conflict between the Safavid and Ottoman Empires?

Religious differences (Shia vs. Sunni).

Which leader significantly expanded the Mughal Empire and was known for religious tolerance?

Akbar.

Who established the Qing Dynasty?

The Manchu people.

What dynasty did the Qing Dynasty replace?

The Ming Dynasty.

What was the primary cause of the Safavid-Mughal Conflict?

Territorial ambitions and religious rivalry (Shia vs. Sunni).

What factor facilitated the Moroccan invasion of the Sonnai Empire?

Gunpowder weapons.

What is a bureaucracy?

A collection of government officials ensuring laws are upheld.

Describe the Ottoman Empire's Devshirme system.

A system that recruited enslaved Christian boys for administration and military roles.

Who were the Janissaries?

Elite military professionals in the Ottoman Empire formed from the Devshirme system.

How did European monarchs legitimize their rule?

They claimed Divine Right to rule.

What was the purpose of the Palace of Versailles?

To symbolize Louis XIV's power and consolidate authority by housing the nobility.

How did the Inca Sun Temple in Cusco legitimize rulers?

By presenting rulers as descendants of gods through grand architecture.

Explain the Mughal Empire's Zamindar system.

Local landowners collected taxes, extending imperial authority.

What was tax farming in the Ottoman Empire?

Allowed the highest bidder to collect taxes, providing reliable income while enrishing tax farmers.

What was the dominant religion in Europe since the 4th century?

Christianity.

What were some corrupt practices of the Catholic Church by 1500?

The sale of indulgences and simony.

Who initiated the Protestant Reformation?

Martin Luther.

What was the Counter-Reformation?

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, reaffirming key doctrines while addressing some corrupt practices.

What caused the split in Islam?

Disagreement over the rightful successor to Muhammad.

What was the Bhakti movement?

A movement emphasizing mystical experiences and bridging Hinduism and Islam, particularly with Sufism.

Describe Sikhism.

A belief system combining elements of both Islam and Hinduism, promoting belief in one God and rejecting the caste system and gender hierarchies.