Military Might
The weapon technology that most land-based empires relied on during this period
What is: Gunpowder weapons, including large cannons
What was the role of zamindars in the Mughal Empire?
Zamindars were tax officers appointed by Mughal emperors to collect taxes from peasants based on land and production.
What was Akbar’s approach to religion in the Mughal Empire?
Akbar attempted a syncretic approach by promoting religious tolerance and integrating elements of other religions.
What title did rulers in Islamic empires use to assert their authority?
The title of "caliph."
What were some reasons for the decline of the Gunpowder Empires?
Reasons included inability to compete with European powers, weak leadership, and internal conflicts.
Which elite group of soldiers helped maintain the power of the Ottoman sultan?
The Janissaries.
How did the Ottoman Empire's tax farming system work?
In the tax farming system, tax farmers paid a fixed annual amount to the central government and collected taxes from residents to recoup their costs.
How did monumental architecture serve as a source of legitimacy for empires?
Monumental architecture, such as mosques and palaces, served to demonstrate the power and legitimacy of empires.
How did European monarchs justify their rule?
European monarchs claimed "divine right" to rule, asserting their authority was granted by God.
How did heir conflicts contribute to the decline of empires?
Heir conflicts often led to civil wars and instability, weakening central authority and leading to decline.
What was the primary reason for conflict between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires?
Conflict over territorial claims and religious differences (Sunni vs. Shi’a).
What type of tribute did the Aztec Empire collect from conquered areas?
The Aztec Empire collected tributes in the form of goods and sometimes people, many of whom were sacrificed in religious rituals.
Give an example of how art was used to legitimize rule during this period.
Examples include portraits of rulers or artistic patronage, like those seen in the Ottoman Empire.
What role did religion play in the Songhai Empire’s governance?
In the Songhai Empire, the conversion to Islam by rulers provided a religious and legal framework for governance.
What was a major factor in the decline of Mughal India?
Major factors included internal strife, economic struggles, and invasions by foreign powers.
Describe the role of Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire.
The Janissaries were an elite group of soldiers who were loyal to the sultan and helped maintain the power of the Ottoman Empire.
How did the Ming Dynasty address issues of currency and tax collection?
The Ming Dynasty shifted to collecting taxes in “hard currency” like rice and silver coins to combat counterfeiting and hyperinflation.
What is the significance of human sacrifice in Aztec culture?
Human sacrifice was significant in Aztec culture as it was believed to appease the gods and ensure the sun would rise.
Give an example of a monumental structure built to legitimize rule in the Mughal Empire.
An example is the Taj Mahal, built as a monumental structure to legitimize the rule of the Mughal emperors.
How did the Moroccan invasion affect the Songhai Empire?
The Moroccan invasion sacked Gao, leading to the decline of the Songhai Empire.
How did the Aztec and Incan warriors influence their neighboring territories?
The fierce combat skills of Aztec and Incan warriors intimidated and conquered neighboring territories.
What financial burdens did peasants face under the land-based empires?
Peasants faced harsh financial burdens from taxes and obligations to support the large armies of the empires.
Describe how empires blended cultures with the conquered peoples.
Empires blended cultures by adopting customs, languages, and religions from the conquered peoples, creating a mixed cultural identity.
How did portraits of emperors contribute to their legitimacy?
Portraits of emperors conveyed power and prestige, reinforcing the legitimacy of their rule.
Compare the decline of Mughal India with the decline of the Mongol Empire.
Both empires faced internal strife, external pressures, and economic challenges, but the Mongol Empire's decline was more related to territorial overreach and fragmentation, while Mughal India faced religious schisms and colonial competition.