Day 66

Overview of the Early Modern Period (1450-1750)

  • Transition from the post-classical period.

  • Focus on two main regions: Land-Based Empires and Maritime Empires.

  • Timeline emphasis: December to 1450 (Post-Classical), 1450-1750 (Age of Empires).

Structure of Units

  • Unit Three: Land-Based Empires

  • Unit Four: Maritime Empires

  • Coverage over the next ten days, focusing on key empires.

Key Land-Based Empires

Major Empires to Know

  1. Russia

  2. China

  3. Ottoman Empire

  4. Safavid Empire

  5. Mughal Empire

  6. Others to note: Aztecs, Incas, Tokugawa Japan, Songhai Empire

    • These are important but not the central focus of the curriculum.

Russia

Historical Significance

  • Ivan the Great: Crucial figure in Russian history.

    • Defeated the Mongols, marking a pivotal moment in Russian independence.

    • Married the heiress of the Byzantine Empire, positioning Russia as the "Third Roman Empire."

    • Adopted the title of Tsar, emphasizing his authority.

  • Peter the Great: A prominent successor of Ivan.

    • Known for the Grand Embassy to Western Europe, especially the Netherlands and England.

    • Initiated the Westernization of Russia, modernizing its society and institutions.

Key Concepts

  • Russia is part of Europe but not classified as a Western nation.

  • Caution against focusing too much on Russia; it's better to focus on the Ottomans and Mughals, which are favored by the College Board.

China

Dynastic Changes

  • Ming Dynasty (last half):

    • Achievements included maritime expeditions (Admiral Zheng Yi).

    • Faced challenges such as a silver crisis, natural disasters, and crop failures due to climate issues.

  • Qing Dynasty (first half):

    • Established by the Manchus after the decline of the Ming Dynasty.

    • Significant because it is the Last Chinese Dynasty (continues into the 20th century).

    • Invasion of China involved great violence and cultural integration.

    • Governed under a neo-Confucian framework, utilizing the Diarchy system to include both Manchu and Chinese officials.

Cultural Aspects

  • The Manchu promoted the Q hairstyle as a means of cultural integration and identity.

    • Mandated for all men, distinguishing loyal subjects from troublemakers by their hairstyle.

Summary

  • Focus on understanding the dynamics of these empires, their key figures, and how they interacted with traditional and emerging global powers.

  • Prepare for future discussions regarding maritime empires and how they influenced world history after 1750.