Big Ideas about Land-Based Empires Between 1450 and 1750 for AP World History

Nov 4, 2023

6 min read

You can read all about the various land-based empires between 1450 and 1750 on our website.

However, you might not have time for all that reading. If you are pressed for time or need to review for the AP test, you will want to check out our overview of the land-based empires between 1450 and 1750. It teaches you about how these massive empires maintained their power and gives specific examples from a variety of empires. Read the Google Slides now!

Introduction

The period between 1450 and 1750 witnessed the rise and dominance of formidable land-based empires across different regions of the world. This era marked a significant shift in global power dynamics, as these empires expanded their territories, cultures, and influence through military conquest, trade, and diplomacy. Land-based empires, in contrast to maritime empires, derived their strength and authority from the vast territorial holdings they controlled. Prominent empires of this time included the Ottoman Empire, Mughal Empire, Safavid Empire, Qing Dynasty, and the Russian Empire, among others. These empires often displayed remarkable administrative, military, and cultural achievements and played a pivotal role in shaping the societies, economies, and politics of their respective regions. The period from 1450 to 1750 was characterized by the consolidation of power and the spread of these land-based empires, which left an enduring mark on the course of world history.

Military Professionals

Land-based empires from 1450 to 1750 often relied on the use of military professionals to maintain their power and control over vast territories. These specialized military forces were essential in enforcing the authority of the ruling elite and safeguarding the empire’s interests. Three notable examples of such military professionals were the Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire, the Ghulams in the Mughal Empire, and the Samurai in Japan.

The Janissaries, an elite infantry unit in the Ottoman Empire, were recruited from among Christian communities and converted to Islam. They were known for their loyalty and discipline and played a crucial role in the empire’s military campaigns and internal security.

In the Mughal Empire, the Ghulams, often of Central Asian or Afghan origin, served as a formidable cavalry force. Their military prowess and loyalty to the Mughal emperors were vital in maintaining control over a diverse and expansive empire.

In Japan, the Samurai were a class of highly skilled warriors who served feudal lords. They adhered to the code of bushido, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and martial skill. The Samurai played a crucial role in the stability and governance of Japan during this period.

These military professionals were not only skilled fighters but also played roles in administration and governance within their respective empires. Their unwavering loyalty, rigorous training, and combat proficiency were central to the longevity and strength of the land-based empires during the 1450-1750 era.

Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is a crucial concept in the organization and governance of societies. It involves a structured system where different tasks and responsibilities are assigned to officials to efficiently manage a government or organization. Bureaucracies are essential for making sure that policies are put into action, laws are upheld, and complex societies function effectively. During the period from 1450 to 1750, the role of bureaucracy was vital in controlling vast territories, enforcing policies, and managing diverse populations in land-based empires.

In China, the Ming and Qing Dynasties relied on the civil service exam system to recruit and promote officials based on merit and knowledge of Confucian principles. This system was designed to ensure that officials were selected based on their competence rather than social status, fostering an effective administrative structure.

The Ottoman Empire employed the Devshirme system, a practice of recruiting Christian boys from subject populations, converting them to Islam, and training them for high-ranking government and military positions. This system allowed the Ottomans to have a diverse and skilled bureaucracy, although it was criticized for its coercive nature.

Tax Collection

Tax collection in land-based empires during the period from 1450 to 1750 was a critical component of state revenue and governance. Several empires implemented unique systems to collect taxes, each reflecting the social, economic, and political conditions of their respective regions.

The Ottoman Empire employed a practice known as tax farming. Under this system, tax collection rights were auctioned off to private individuals or groups who would collect taxes from specific regions. These tax farmers, or tax collectors, were responsible for paying a fixed amount to the state, while they retained any surplus as their profit. This system had the advantage of ensuring a regular flow of tax revenue, but it often resulted in excessive tax collection and exploitation of the local population by the tax farmers.

In the Mughal Empire, the Zamindar system was prevalent. Zamindars were local landowners and officials who acted as intermediaries between the central government and the peasant population. They were responsible for collecting land revenue and various taxes from the rural communities. This system allowed for greater flexibility in tax collection and administration, as Zamindars had local knowledge and could adapt to the needs of their regions.

The Ming and Qing Dynasties of China faced a unique challenge related to currency and tax collection. Counterfeiting of paper money became a significant issue, leading to the transition from paper currency to the use of hard currency, such as copper coins. This change aimed to curb counterfeiting and stabilize the economy. Taxes in these dynasties were often collected in kind, such as grains and goods, to ensure a steady supply of resources to the state.

Art

Land-based empires between 1450 and 1750 recognized the power of art as a tool for maintaining and consolidating their authority. These empires employed diverse artistic expressions and patronage to bolster their rule and showcase their grandeur.

In the Ottoman Empire, a noteworthy example of art’s role in power maintenance was the creation of exquisite miniature paintings. Ottoman miniature artists produced intricately detailed works that depicted various aspects of courtly life, historical events, and religious stories. These miniatures served to not only document the empire’s history but also reinforce the grandeur and sophistication of the Ottoman court.

In Europe, patronage of the arts was a common practice among land-based empires. Monarchs and nobility often commissioned masterpieces to assert their wealth, taste, and power. The Renaissance, for instance, saw significant patronage of artists by European rulers. This support for the arts contributed to the flourishing of cultural achievements during this period and helped reinforce the legitimacy and prestige of the ruling elite.

In the Qing Dynasty of China, imperial portraits played a significant role in asserting the authority and continuity of the dynasty. Portraits of emperors were displayed prominently, depicting them as wise and benevolent leaders. These portraits conveyed a sense of legitimacy, stability, and the mandate to rule. The artistry and symbolism in these portraits helped reinforce the Qing emperors’ power.

Religion

Religion played a pivotal role in the maintenance of power in land-based empires from 1450 to 1750, as rulers and elites harnessed faith to legitimize their authority and unify diverse populations.

In the Arabic empires, such as the Ottoman and Safavid Empires, the Caliphs and Sultans held both political and religious leadership. They were seen as the guardians of Islam, which granted them the divine right to rule. By positioning themselves as the spiritual protectors of the faith, these rulers solidified their power and asserted their legitimacy, often employing religious scholars to uphold their rule.

In Europe, the doctrine of the divine right of kings was prevalent during this period. Monarchs claimed that their authority was bestowed by God, making disobedience to the king tantamount to disobeying God. This religious justification reinforced royal power, and it was used as a means to suppress dissent and maintain absolute rule.

In the Songhai Empire, the conversion to Islam by rulers, particularly during the reign of Askia Muhammad, had a significant impact. It facilitated the unification of a diverse empire under a single faith and allowed for the integration of Islamic legal and administrative systems into governance. This religious unity helped stabilize and strengthen the empire.

In the Ming and Qing Dynasties of China, the concept of the “Mandate of Heaven” was a key religious and ideological tool used to maintain power. The “Mandate of Heaven” dictated that the emperor’s rule was divinely sanctioned, provided he governed virtuously.

Architecture

Architecture played a significant role in the maintenance of power in land-based empires between 1450 and 1750, serving as a visual representation of authority, grandeur, and cultural identity.

In the Ottoman Empire, the construction of magnificent mosques, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, showcased the empire’s influence and religious prowess. These architectural marvels conveyed the sultans’ legitimacy as protectors of Islam and the grandeur of the Ottoman state.

In Europe, the construction of opulent palaces and castles by monarchs, including Versailles in France and the Escorial in Spain, emphasized their authority and wealth. These architectural masterpieces demonstrated the divine right of kings and served as symbols of absolutist rule.

In the Mughal Empire, the Taj Mahal, an iconic mausoleum built by Shah Jahan, represented both his love for his wife and the grandeur of Mughal culture. Its breathtaking beauty conveyed the ruler’s prestige and the empire’s artistic and architectural achievements.

In the Qing Dynasty of China, the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing was a testament to imperial power and the unity of the Chinese empire. The meticulous design and layout of the palace complex reinforced the emperor’s authority and the centrality of the Qing Dynasty.