REVIEW

• Why was the fall of Constantinople an important event in history?

  It marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
• Why do scholars refer to the Safavid Empire as a “Gunpowder Empire?”

  Because it utilized gunpowder technology to expand and consolidate power.
• Describe the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Mehmed.

  Mehmed expanded the empire significantly and transformed Constantinople into Istanbul.
• How were the Safavid and Ottoman Empires similar AND different?

  Similarities:

  • Both were Islamic empires.
  • Both utilized gunpowder technology.

  
  

  Differences:

  • The Safavid Empire was predominantly Shia, while the Ottoman Empire was Sunni.
  • Their territorial expansions and administrative structures varied significantly.
• Which historical event served as an almost direct fundamental context to initiate the timeframe (1450-1750) characterized by strong, land-based empires?

  The fall of Constantinople.
• Why were land-based empires of this time period referred to as the “gunpowder empires?”

  They relied on gunpowder weapons for military conquests and control.
• Compare the cultures of Ming and Qing China.

  The Ming culture emphasized Confucian values, while the Qing culture integrated Manchu traditions.
• Why were Chinese naval expeditions abruptly ended in 1433?

  Due to a shift in focus towards internal stability and agricultural development.
• Which European country was the FIRST to enter into direct trade with the Far East and establish colonies there?

  Portugal.
• Who founded the Mughal Empire AND how did he found it?

  Babur founded it through military conquest and the defeat of Ibrahim Lodi.
• What was the PRIMARY goal of Zheng He’s expeditions?

  To establish Chinese prestige and trade relations.
• Why did the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires decline?

  Due to internal strife, economic difficulties, and external pressures.
• What happened after the period of civil wars ended in Japan?

  The Tokugawa shogunate was established, leading to a long period of peace.
• Which Chinese Dynasty was able to expand into Taiwan, Mongolia, Central Asia, and Tibet by using gunpowder weaponry?

  The Qing Dynasty.
• What was the MAIN role of bureaucratic and military elites during this time period?

  To maintain order and implement the policies of the ruling authority.
• Describe the Ottoman Empire’s system of military elites.

  It included the Janissaries, who were elite infantry units loyal to the sultan.
• How were land-based empires MAINLY able to centralize and consolidate power?

  Through the establishment of bureaucratic systems and military control.
• What is Akbar known for?

  For his policy of religious tolerance and administrative reforms.
• Compare the social hierarchies of the Ottoman and Mughal Empires.

  • Ottoman Empire:
  • Sultan at the top, followed by military elites, bureaucrats, and commoners.
  • Mughal Empire:
  • Emperor at the top, followed by nobles, military leaders, and peasants.
• Why were more sophisticated administrative structures established in Europe during this time period?

  To manage growing states and complex economies effectively.
• What was the MAIN way in which the Chinese consolidated their bureaucracy during the time period of 1450 to 1750?

  Through the civil service examination system.
• What were the purposes of religious buildings during this time period?

  To serve as places of worship and community gathering.
• Describe the way in which the Mughal Empire treated minorities.

  It generally practiced tolerance, allowing religious diversity.
• Compare the purposes of the Safavid Empire’s and Mughal Empire’s architectural features.

  • Safavid Empire:
  • To showcase Shia Islamic faith and royal power.
  • Mughal Empire:
  • To reflect the grandeur of the empire and promote cultural synthesis.
• Why was the rise of the shogunate in Japan during the Kamakura Period significant?

  It marked the beginning of military governance in Japan.
• Compare/contrast the Aztec Empire’s and Inca Empire’s taxation systems.

  • Aztec Empire:
  • Taxed through tribute from conquered peoples.
  • Inca Empire:
  • Used a labor tax system called "mit'a" for public works.
• Why did Europe experience the rise of monarchies during this time period?

  Due to the consolidation of power and the decline of feudalism.
• How did the Ottoman Empire’s collection of taxes DIFFER from the traditional system of state-controlled revenue collection?

  It utilized the millet system, allowing religious communities to collect taxes for the state.
• What were the effects of the Ottoman Empire’s millet system?

  It allowed religious communities autonomy and reduced tensions among different groups.
• What was the purpose of Akbar’s mansabdari system?

  To organize military and administrative responsibilities among nobles.
• What is meant by the claim that the Songhai Empire’s tax collection system involved “reciprocal relationships?”

  It meant that tax collection was based on mutual obligations between the ruler and the subjects.
• Compare the purpose of the Jinyiwei of the Ming Dynasty to the purpose of the baojia system of the Qing Dynasty.

  • Jinyiwei:
  • A secret police force to maintain order and loyalty to the emperor.
  • Baojia system:
  • A community-based system for local governance and security.
• What were the purposes of imperial portraits in the Qing Empire?

  To convey the power and legitimacy of the emperor.
• What was the purpose of the Inca Empire’s system of “chasquis?”

  To relay messages and information across the empire quickly.
• What were the purposes of the Inca Empire’s system of “quipu?”

  To record information and manage accounting through knotted strings.
• Why was the Inca Empire’s labor tax considered to be a form of “reciprocal exchange?”

  Because it required labor in exchange for state support and services.
• How did the Safavids use religion to unify their empire?

  By promoting Shia Islam as the state religion and suppressing other sects.
• Describe the causes AND effects of the Protestant Revolution.

  Causes included corruption in the Catholic Church; effects included the rise of Protestant denominations.
• Why is Henry VIII considered significant to this particular time period?

  He initiated the English Reformation by breaking from the Catholic Church.
• Compare/contrast the religions of the Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid Empires.

  • Ottoman Empire:
  • Predominantly Sunni Islam with religious tolerance.
  • Mughal Empire:
  • A mix of Sunni and Shia Islam with policies of tolerance.
  • Safavid Empire:
  • Predominantly Shia Islam with less tolerance for other sects.