Unit 3: Land-Based Empires

France

A country located in Western Europe known for its historical expansion and monarchy.

Capetian Kings

French kings who absorbed lands through relationships with lords and established justice throughout the realm.

Palace of Versailles

A magnificent architectural site used by King Louis XIV to showcase wealth and entertain nobles.

Divine Right to Rule

The belief that monarchs' authority to rule came directly from God.

Direct Taxation

French kings imposed taxes on peasants to consolidate power and fund a permanent army.

Protestant Reformation

A movement that challenged the Catholic Church's authority and led to the creation of multiple branches of Christianity.

Martin Luther’s 95 Thesis

A document rejecting the selling of indulgences and practices like simony.

Jesuit Missionaries

Highly educated Catholic missionaries effective in spreading Christianity globally.

Inca Empire

A civilization in western South America known for its vast territory and military expansion under Pachacuti.

Cuzco

The capital of the Inca Empire, showcasing wealth and resources through its extravagant architecture.

Aztec Empire

A Mesoamerican civilization known for its military conquests and tribute system.

Triple Alliance

An alliance between the Aztecs, Texcoco, and Tlacopan that increased their power.

Songhai Empire

A West African empire that expanded through military campaigns and controlled key trading cities.

Askia the Great

A ruler who promoted Islam and used it to legitimize authority in the Songhai Empire.

Qing Dynasty

The dynasty that replaced the Ming Dynasty in China, expanding its territory and consolidating power.

Forbidden City

A political and ritual center in China that exemplified the wealth and power of the Qing Dynasty.

Safavid Empire

A Persian empire that expanded through gunpowder technology and promoted Twelver Shiism.

Ottoman Empire

A vast empire that utilized gunpowder technology for expansion and established a complex administrative system.

Devshirme System

A method used by the Ottomans to recruit young Christians into their military and bureaucracy.

Mughal Empire

An empire in the Indian subcontinent known for its religious pluralism and architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal.

Akbar

A Mughal ruler known for his religious tolerance and efforts to reduce tensions between Hindus and Muslims.

Sikhism

A syncretic religion founded by Guru Nanak that emphasizes gender and caste equality, blending beliefs from Islam and Hinduism.

St. Petersberg

A city founded by Czar Peter I that symbolized Russia's wealth and modernization during its expansion.