Unit 3: Land-based empires 1450-1750

Focuses on the expansion, administration, and belief systems of land-based empires.

How did land-based empires expand during this time period?

Through the use of gunpowder weapons!!

Why was conquering Constantinople important for the Ottoman Empire?

Conquering Constantinople (later renamed Istanbul) allowed the Ottomans to continue expanding into Eastern Europe.

What was the Devshirme System in the Ottoman Empire?

Christian boys were forcibly recruited and converted to Islam. They were trained to serve as soldiers known as Janissaries.

What were Janissaries?

The elite fighting force in the Ottoman Empire.

What was the Ottoman Empire’s belief system?

Sunni Islam

What was the Safavid Empire’s belief system?

Shi’a Islam

What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’a Islam?

Sunni’s believed Muhammads rightful successor could be anyone spiritually fit for office.

Shi’a believed that only blood relatives of Muhammad were his legitimate successors.

What did Babur’s conquests do?

End the Delhi Sultanate and create the Mughal Empire.

What was the Mughal Empire’s belief system?

Sunni Islam

Way was Akbar important to the Mughal empire?

• Further expanded the empire

• Was tolerant of other belief systems

• Led to the golden age of the empire

What were Zamindars?

Paid government officials that represented duties like taxation in the Mughal empire.

What is the importance of the Tag Mahal?

Combined Islamic and local styles to show power.

Who set up the Qing Dynasty?

Manchu people (outsiders)