WHAP Units 3-4 (DBQ??)

Military Expansion of Gunpowder Empires

refers to the territorial growth of empires such as the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires that utilized gunpowder technology to enhance their military capabilities, leading to conquests and increased regional dominance.

Devshirme

a system used by the Ottoman Empire to recruit boys from Christian families, converting them to Islam and training them as government officials or elite soldiers.

Janissaries

elite military units of the Ottoman Empire, formed from the Devshirme system, known for their loyalty to the Sultan and significant role in the empire's military campaigns.

tax farming

a revenue collection system practiced by the Ottomans, where tax rights were auctioned to private collectors who paid a fixed amount to the government while keeping the excess revenue.

Zamindars

landowners in the Mughal Empire who were responsible for collecting taxes from peasants and maintaining law and order in their regions.

mansabdars

military and administrative officials in the Mughal Empire, assigned ranks that determined their responsibilities and pay.

civil service exam

a test used in Imperial China to select candidates for the state bureaucracy, emphasizing Confucian teachings and administration skills. Brought into Qing China

Manchu elites vs. Han population

The Manchu elites were a ruling class in Qing China, maintaining power over the majority Han population. This resulted in tensions and policies that often favored Manchu identity over Han rights.

Absolutism (Louis XIV)

A political system in which a ruler holds total power, exemplified by Louis XIV of France, who centralized authority and expanded royal control to dominate the state.

royal taxation systems

methods used by monarchies to collect revenue from subjects, often to fund wars and royal expenditures.

Sunni Islam

a major branch of Islam that believes in the legitimacy of the first four caliphs and emphasizes the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Ottoman religion

caliphate claims (Ottoman)

the assertion of authority by the Ottoman sultans as both political and religious leaders, claiming the title of caliph as a continuation of the Islamic leadership established after Muhammad's death.

Divine Faith

a syncretic religious doctrine promoted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, aiming to blend Hindu and Islamic beliefs to foster unity among his subjects.

Shi’a Islam as a unifying force

a major branch of Islam that emphasizes the family lineage of Muhammad and the leadership of the Imams, seen as the rightful successors to Muhammad. Safavid religion

Divine Right of Kings

the doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, justifying their rule and limiting the accountability to subjects.

state-sponsored Christianity

a form of Christianity supported and promoted by the government, often intertwining religious beliefs with political authority.

mercantilism

an economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, promoting trade and accumulation of wealth through a favorable balance of exports over imports.

joint-stock companies

business entities where investors buy shares to fund and manage ventures, sharing profits and risks.

tribute systems

methods employed by empires to extract resources and labor from conquered peoples, often through taxation or required tribute payments.

British East India Company

a joint-stock company established to trade with the East Indies, playing a crucial role in British colonial expansion and trade.