AP World History Unit 3 Review Notes

Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Definition

• Land-based empires derive power from territorial control.

Safavid Empire

• Expanded rapidly due to leadership of Shah Ismail.
• Military expansion was facilitated by gunpowder technology.
• Lacked natural defensive barriers.
• Shah Abbas improved the military by adopting gunpowder weapons.
• Conflict with the Mughal Empire:
  • The Safavids seized territory from the Mughals while they were occupied elsewhere.
  • The Mughals attempted to reclaim the territory but failed.
  • The conflict was intensified by religious differences: Safavids were Shia Muslims, while Mughals were Sunni Muslims.
  • Both empires sought dominance, but the conflict ended without a clear victor.

Administration of Land-Based Empires

• Rulers needed to legitimize and consolidate power to maintain control over vast territories.
  • Legitimizing power: Methods used by a ruler to establish their authority.
  • Consolidating power: Methods used to transfer power from other groups to themselves.

Methods of Legitimation and Consolidation

1. Formation of Large Bureaucracies:
   • Bureaucracies consist of government officials who enforce laws.
   • Example: Ottoman Empire used the devshirme system, enslaving Balkan Christians.
   • Converts to Islam were educated and trained in Istanbul.
   • Top performers were appointed to elite positions in the Ottoman bureaucracy, ensuring loyalty to the Sultan.
2. Legitimizing Rule Through Religion and Art:
   • European monarchs used the divine right of kings to legitimize their power.
     • The divine right of kings means monarchs claimed to be God's representative on earth.
   • Qing Dynasty (Emperor Kangxi) used portraits to legitimize rule.
3. Monumental Architecture:
   • Example: Louis XIV of France constructed the Palace of Versailles to demonstrate power and control over the nobility.
     • Nobles were required to live at Versailles, reducing their power and increasing the king's.
4. Innovations in Tax Collection Systems:
   • Empires require revenue to function.
   • Examples:
     • Ottoman Empire employed tax farming.
       • Tax collection rights were auctioned off to the highest bidder.
       • Winners could collect taxes from people, this allowed them to enrich themselves.
     • Aztec rulers used tribute lists.
       • Conquered regions sent goods as tribute to communicate subordination.
       • This ensured a steady flow of goods to the empire.

Belief Systems

• Belief systems often influenced and legitimized political rule.

• Examples:

  • The Protestant Reformation challenged the Catholic Church's authority.
    • The Catholic Church sold indulgences (forgiveness of sins) for money.
    • Martin Luther opposed these practices, as they were not in the Bible.
    • This led to the split in the Catholic Church and the rise of Protestantism.
  • The Sunni-Shia split intensified conflicts, particularly in the Safavid Empire.
    • Shah Ismail declared Shia Islam the state religion, leading to persecution of Sunni Muslims.
    • A division of the Safavid military even required members to ritually curse the first three caliphs who succeeded Muhammad.