Exam Study Notes: 1450-1750 Empires and Religious Changes

1450-1750: Empire Expansion and Changes

  • General Overview:
    • This period (1450-1750) is characterized by expanding empires, particularly the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires.
    • A defining feature of these empires was the use of gunpowder weapons.

Ottoman Empire

  • Expansion and Conquest:
    • Expanded, did not start, during the 1450-1750 period.
    • Known for its use of gunpowder weapons (originating in China).
    • Conquered Constantinople and renamed it Istanbul.
    • Constantinople represented the last vestige of the Roman Empire.
    • Expanded into European territories.
    • Enslaved Christians.
    • Established the Janissaries (elite infantry units).

Safavid Empire

  • Rise and Expansion:
    • Began expanding in the early 16th century using gunpowder technology.
    • Shah Abbas strengthened the Safavid military and employed enslaved soldiers.
    • The Safavids were Shi'a Muslims, differentiating them from the Sunni Ottomans.

Mughal Empire

  • Location and Military:
    • Located in the territory formerly controlled by the Delhi Sultanate.
    • Utilized gunpowder weapons and developed a strong military.
    • The Mughal rulers were Muslim.
  • Religious Tolerance:
    • Akbar was known for his tolerance of all religions.
  • Prosperity:
    • The Mughal Empire became prosperous under Akbar's rule.

Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

  • Succession of Dynasties:
    • The Mongols initially took over and established the Yuan Dynasty.
    • The Ming Dynasty followed, representing a return to ethnic Chinese rule and a rejection of outsiders.
    • The Manchus then came to power, establishing the Qing Dynasty.
  • Military Technology:
    • The Qing Dynasty also used gunpowder weapons.

Religious Differences

  • Safavid vs. Mughal:
    • The Safavid Empire adhered to Shi'a Islam, while the Mughals were Sunni.
    • This difference contributed to conflicts and tensions between the empires.

Legitimizing and Consolidating Power

  • Legitimize Power:
    • Methods rulers use to establish authority.
  • Consolidate Power:
    • Methods rulers use to transfer power from other groups to themselves.
  • Examples of Methods:
    • Devshirme System:
      • Staffed bureaucracy.
      • Top performers were selected for elite positions.
    • Development of professional militaries.
    • Art and legitimate religion (e.g., the Divine Right of Kings).
    • Sun Temple in Inca and religious festivals.
    • Palace of Versailles.

Innovations in Tax Collection

  • Zamindar System:
    • Employed by the Mughal Empire.
    • Zamindars were elite landowners with the authority to tax peasants on behalf of the government.
  • Tax Farming:
    • Used by the Ottomans.
    • The right to collect taxes was auctioned off.
    • Whoever won the bid could collect taxes from anyone they wanted.
  • Tribute Lists:
    • Used by the Aztecs.

Changes in Religion

  • Christianity:
    • Simony: Buying positions of power within the church.
    • Indulgences: Paying money to have sins forgiven.
    • Martin Luther:
      • Challenged practices not found in the Bible.
      • The Catholic Church felt threatened.
      • Utilized the printing press to disseminate his ideas and gain support.
    • Protestant Reformation:
      • A period of religious change and schism in Europe.
    • Continuity of Catholicism:
      • The dominance of Catholicism persists despite the Reformation.

Islam

  • Shi'a Islam:
    • Shah Ismail declared that the Safavid Empire would adhere to Shi'a Islam.
    • This decision put the Safavids at odds with Sunni Muslim empires in the region.
    • Aggravated the division between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

Sikhism

  • Syncretic Faith:
    • Combines elements of both Hinduism and Islam.
    • Maintained a belief in one god and reincarnation.
    • Retained traditional gender roles.