Units 3

Study Notes for Early Modern Era and Major Empires

Overview of Upcoming Study Plan

• Final Review Date: May 7

• Exam Date: May 8

• Study Materials: Continue using videos and study guides available on Google Classroom.

Key Concepts in Unit 3: Early Modern Era (1450 - 1750)

• Focus: Asia and the five major empires.

Five Major Empires to Study

1. Ottoman Empire

   • Homeland: Present-day Turkey.

   • Expansion:

     • Toward the Middle East: Including modern-day Iraq (region where Islam originated).

     • Into North Africa.

     • A portion of Europe (Balkan states).

   • Significance: Considered the largest empire in the context of this study.

2. Safavid Empire

   • Region: Present-day Iran, historically known as Persia.

   • Characteristics: Known for its significant cultural developments and conflicts with the Ottomans.

3. Gunpowder Empires: Refers to the empires that utilized gunpowder technology in their military strategies, including the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires (not detailed in the transcript but implied).

   • Turkic Peoples: Nomadic groups that settled and established control over these areas after the collapse of the Mongol Empire.

   • Mughal Empire: Focus on the Indian Subcontinent, characterized by integration of Turkic peoples into the region.

4. China (Qing Dynasty)

   • Rulers: The Manchu, an outsider group that took control of China.

   • Historical Context:

     • Previous dynasties included the Yuan dynasty (Mongols).

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     • Han Chinese rule was prevalent before Manchu invasion.

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   Russia

   • Expansion: Described as a large entity that gradually expanded into regions such as Scandinavia and Siberia during this period.

   • Noteworthy: Russia evolves into an empire during the timeline of unit three.

Comparative Analysis of Empires

• Common Features:

  • All five empires demonstrate characteristics of expansion, trade, and military consolidation.

• Differences:

  • Examine the cultural, religious, and political influences unique to each empire.

• Group Activity: Work in groups to analyze and compare these empires, drawing comparisons to previous discussions on LEQ (Long Essay Question).

Conclusion

• Emphasize the significance of understanding the context of these empires in relation to trade, culture, and geographical influence during the early modern period. Engage with provided maps and visual aids to enhance comprehension.