AP World History Unit 3 Review (1450-1750)

Overview of Land-Based Empires

• Definition of Land-Based Empire

  • Power derived from territorial holdings.

  • Expansion characterized by significant territorial growth.

• Key Concept

  • Between 1450 and 1750, land-based empires expanded significantly.

Major Empires to Know

1. Ottoman Empire

• Foundation and Expansion

  • Founded in the 14th century; rapid expansion due to gunpowder weapons.

  • Conquered Constantinople in 1453, renaming it Istanbul, marking a pivotal moment in their expansion.

• Military Structure

  • Utilized gunpowder weapons to control much of Southwestern Europe and Anatolia.

  • Enslaved Christians from the Balkans were converted to Islam and formed the elite Janissaries.

2. Safavid Empire

• Foundation and Expansion

  • Established in the early 16th century under Shah Ismail.

  • Expanded through military conquests and the adoption of gunpowder weapons.

• Military Structure

  • Lacked natural defenses; Shah Abbas built a strong military, including an enslaved army of Christians from the Caucasus.

• Religious Differences

  • Sunni (Ottomans) vs. Shia (Safavids) led to significant tensions and conflicts.

3. Mughal Empire

• Foundation and Expansion

  • Established in the early 16th century by Babur after defeating the Delhi Sultanate.

  • Expanded rapidly under Babur and his grandson Akbar, utilizing gunpowder weapons.

• Religious Tolerance

  • Akbar promoted religious tolerance, improving relations with the Hindu majority and leading to prosperity.

4. Qing Dynasty (Manchu Empire)

• Foundation and Expansion

  • Established in the 17th century after the decline of the Ming Dynasty.

  • Manchu rulers expanded the empire using gunpowder weapons.

• Ethnic Dynamics

  • The Qing were ethnically different from the Han Chinese subjects, leading to unique governance challenges.

Comparative Summary of Empires

• Common Features

  • All empires were land-based and expanded rapidly using gunpowder technology.

  • Both Qing and Mughal empires were ethnically distinct from their subjects.

  • The Safavid and Ottoman empires were both Muslim but adhered to different sects (Shia vs. Sunni).

Conflicts Between Empires

• Safavid-Mughal Conflict

  • Series of wars over territory in present-day Afghanistan.

  • Mughals initially controlled the territory but were unable to reclaim it from the Safavids.

  • Religious rivalry intensified the conflict, with both empires claiming to be the true representatives of Islam.

Conclusion

• The period from 1450 to 1750 was marked by the expansion of significant land-based empires, characterized by military innovations, territorial conquests, and complex inter-empire relations influenced by religious