Unit 3 AP World History Notes: Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Ottoman Empire: Initially small, expanded rapidly, controlling the Dardanelles, and utilized gunpowder weapons. Sacked Constantinople in 1453, renaming it Istanbul.
Safavid Empire: Established in the Middle East as a Shia Muslim state, causing conflict with Sunni Ottomans.
Mughal Empire: Located in South and Central Asia, ruled over largely Hindu populations, prospered under Akbar in the 16th century.
Qing Dynasty: Initiated by the Manchu after invading a fractured Ming dynasty in 1636, conquering former territories.
Conflicts: Safavid-Mughal wars in the 17th century due to expansion and religious differences. Songhai Empire: Weakened by internal issues, fell to Moroccan invasion due to gunpowder weaponry deficiencies.