Unit 3: Land-Based Empires (c. 1450 to c. 1750) Flashcards
Absolute Monarchy/Absolutism
16th to 18th century Weastern Europe Absolute Monarchy/Absolutism was a system of government where a monarch hold the power, and it was often justified by the divine right of kings. Absolute Monarchy/Absolutism had resulted in centralized power, stronger militaries, rapid legislation, and often, increased social control centralized power, a strong emphasis on royal authority, and the weakening of traditional institutions like the nobility
Akbar the Great
1450-1750 India One of the most powerful and tolerant rulers of the Mughal Empire. Known for expanding the empire, promoting religious tolerance, and strengthening central rule. Promoted religious tolerance through policies like eliminating the jizya tax on non-Muslims. Religious and Ethical Systems
Aurangzeb
1658 to 1707 Mughal Empire, covering much of South Asia, including modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh Aurangzeb was the sixth and last major emperor of the Mughal Empire. He expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, ruling over nearly the entire Indian subcontinent. However, he is best known for his strict adherence to Islamic law, his reversal of the empire’s prior religious tolerance, and his reimposition of the jizya (tax on non-Muslims). His reign marked a significant shift in imperial policy and deepened religious divisions. Aurangzeb’s policies led to growing unrest among non-Muslim populations, particularly Hindus and Sikhs, and sparked various resistance movements, including the rise of the Marathas. His military campaigns and religious intolerance strained the empire’s resources and administrative structure. After his death, the Mughal Empire began to fragment, paving the way for regional powers to rise and eventually for British colonization. His rule is often seen as both the peak and the beginning of the decline of Mughal power. State/Empire Building, Religion/Belief Systems, Legitimization
Divine Right of Kings
16th to 17th century Europe The divine right of kings was like a political statement that asserts monarches derive there power from god Divine roght of kings had justified absolute rule, legitimizing laws and policies, and quashing opposition, ultimately contributing to political instability and revolutions Clamming they got power from god religous and political
Gunpowder Empires
1450-1750 SOuth asia, Middle east and Europe Term for three powerful Islamic empires—Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal—that used gunpowder weapons (cannons, muskets) to expand and maintain control. Used military innovation to conquer and consolidate power. Cultural Developments and Interactions
Janissaries
1450-1750 Eurasia An unique military system that provided the empire with loyal fightibg force and influencing governance and social structure during the period 1450-1750 An elite military corps within the Ottoman Empire orginally form for christian boy that were converted to Islam and trained to serve the Sultan. Religion/Belief Systems
Land-Based Empire
1450-1750 CE Globally An empire primarily controlled through land-based military power and administration. Characterized many historical empires, influencing regional power dynamics and political organization. Imperialism and Empire Building
Mughal Empire
16th-19th centuries Indian subcontinent A vast empire in India known for its blend of Persian and Indian cultures and significant artistic achievements. Left a lasting impact on Indian art, architecture, and culture, eventually succumbing to British colonial influence. Imperialism and Empire Building
Ottoman Empire
1299–1922 (focused on 1450–1750 for this unit) Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe A strong Muslim empire that ruled a large area and lasted for centuries. Known for powerful leaders, military strength, and big cities like Istanbul. Controlled major trade routes, used gunpowder weapons, and had a mix of cultures and religions. Gave some religious freedom through the millet system. State/Empire Building, Religion/Belief Systems, Trade Networks, Political Ideologies
Ottoman Tax Farming
1444-1481 Ottoman Empire/ South Eastern Europe Governments utilized tax farming as a way to ensure immediate cash flow without needing to invest heavily in bureaucratic structures for tax collection. The ottoman empire would use this taxation practice to aution off land and immediatly get money Taxation
Palace of Versailles
1660-1682 France A royal house built for King Louis XIV and it is used to symbolize monarchy and authority Controlled the nobility and influenced European culture but also drained finances, contributing to the French Revolution. Political ideology, social hierarchy,
Religious Tolerance
1450-1750 Land Based Empires The acceptance and allowance of different religious beliefs and practices within a society, which promoted a society of peaceful coexistance amond diverse faiths. Religious tolerance in land-based empires often led to increased trade and cultural exchange. Empires or states included multiple religious communities which led to policies that created harmony and minimized conflict, during the rise of empires, religious tolerance was essential for maintaining order. Governments that practiced religious tolerance typically found it easier to manage and govern their multi-religious populations. Religion/Belief Systems
Russian Empire
1721-1917 Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, and parts of Central Asia influential state that was marked by extensive territorial expansion The expansion boosted Russia’s economy, spread Orthodox Christianity, and increased its power in Europe and Asia. Religion/Belief Systems
Safavid Empire
1501-1736 took place in what is now iran “The Safavid Empire was a significant Persian state that existed from 1501 to 1736, renowned for establishing Twelver Shi’ism as the state religion and marking the height of Persian culture and influence. This empire played a crucial role in the expansion of land-based empires, fostering cultural developments and political stability through its governance.
“ The Safavid Empire, a major Iranian dynasty, ruled from 1501 to 1736, establishing Twelver Shia Islam as the state religion and unifying Iran, leaving a lasting impact on Iranian identity, culture, and religion. the establishment of Shi’a Islam as the state religion, military conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, and significant cultural and architectural achievements, particularly in Persian art and architectur
Safavid-Mughal Conflict
early 17th century, with major clashes around 1622–23 Primarily in Central and South Asia, focused on the region of Kandahar (modern-day Afghanistan) The Safavid-Mughal conflict was a series of territorial and political disputes between the Safavid Empire (Shi’a, Persia) and the Mughal Empire (Sunni, South Asia). The most famous conflict occurred when the Safavids, under Shah Abbas I, captured Kandahar from the Mughals. This region was strategically important as a gateway between Persia and India. The conflict was significant because it highlighted the religious, political, and imperial rivalries between two major Islamic empires. These conflicts reflected the sectarian divide between Shi’a Safavids and Sunni Mughals, though politics and control of trade routes were just as important as religion. Control over Kandahar shifted multiple times, showing the fragile balance of power in the region. The rivalry weakened both empires over time and contributed to regional instability, making it easier for future European powers, especially the British, to gain influence in South Asia. State/Empire Building, Religion/Belief Systems, Resistance Movements
Shi’ism
after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, Continued through the Umayyad, Abbasid, Safavid, and modern periods Originated in the Arabian Peninsula Major historical and modern centers include Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and parts of South Asia Shi’ism is one of the two main branches of Islam, emerging from a dispute over who should succeed Muhammad. Shi’a Muslims believe that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, specifically with his cousin and son-in-law Ali and his descendants. This belief shaped unique religious traditions, legal systems, and political views that distinguished Shi’ism from Sunni Islam, especially in regions where it became dominant. Over time, Shi’ism played a key role in the religious and political identity of empires such as the Safavids, who made it the state religion of Persia. The division between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims led to deep sectarian tensions that still exist today. Shi’ism also influenced various resistance movements, particularly in areas where Shi’a minorities felt marginalized by Sunni rulers, contributing to long-term geopolitical rivalries in the Islamic world. Religion/Belief Systems, State/Empire Building, Legitimization
Taj Mahal
1632-1653 India white marble mausoleum and is a a symbol of both love and the power of the Mughal empire Built as a tomb for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s decesed wife and is see as a universal symbol of love and devotion belief systems
Twelver Shiism
1501–1736 Persia/Iran, under the Safavid Empire still dominant in modern-day Iran A branch of Shia Islam that believes in a line of twelve divinely appointed Imams, beginning with Ali (cousin of Muhammad) and ending with Muhammad al-Mahdi Safavid rulers made Twelver Shiism the official religion of their empire, which unified the population religiously and distinguished them from their Sunni Ottoman rivals Used as a tool of legitimacy and control by the Safavid shahs, who claimed divine support. Led to the forced conversion of many Sunni Muslims in Persia to Shiism. Strengthened the power of religious scholars influencing both government and society. Twelver Shiism remains a core aspect of Iranian national identity today Religion/Belief Systems, State/Empire Building, Legitimization
Tokugawa Shogunate
1603 to 1860 edo( modern day tokyo) The Tokugawa Shogunate was the last feudal Japanese military government that existed from 1603 to 1868, led by the Tokugawa clan. This period marked a time of relative peace and stability in Japan, known as the Edo period, where strict social orders and isolationist policies were implemented. The Tokugawa Shogunate, also known as the Edo period, was a period of Japanese history (1603-1867) characterized by a centralized feudal government led by the Tokugawa clan, establishing a time of peace, stability, and economic growth after a century of warfare. The Tokugawa Shogunate, a period of Japanese history (1603-1868), is characterized by themes of feudalism, isolation, and social stability, with a rigid social hierarchy and a policy of Sakoku (national seclusion) that limited foreign contact and trade.
Zamindars
1526–1857 India, especially in regions ruled by the Mughal Empire and later British India landowners or tax collectors responsible for collecting taxes from peasants and delivering a portion to the central government. Often gained local power and influence. zamindars helped manage a vast and diverse empire by being the gateway class between emperors and rural populations. During British rule, the Zamindari system was formalized, turning zamindars into landlords responsible for collecting rent, which led to exploitation of peasants and rural poverty. State/Empire Building, Taxation, Social Hierarchy, Imperialism
