Gunpowder Empires
Which three major Islamic empires are often called the “Gunpowder Empires”?
Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires
How did rulers use religion to legitimize their power?
Claimed divine authority or connection to God (ex. Divine Right of Kings, Caliphate)
What famous building in India was constructed under Mughal rule as a tomb for the emperor’s wife?
Taj Mahal
What religious divide often caused conflict between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires?
Sunni vs. Shi’a Islam
Which land-based empire used “zamindars” as local tax collectors and officials?
Mughal Empire
What technology gave the Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals a military advantage?
Gunpowder weapons like cannons and muskets
What religion was used by the Safavid Empire to unify their state?
Shi’a Islam
How did rulers use monumental architecture to display power?
Built massive structures to show wealth and divine favor
What is something (besides religion) that led to increased tensions among land-based empires?
Empires fought to control key routes and resources (e.g., Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade)
What title did Russian rulers use to show their power and connection to the Roman Empire?
Tsar
Which empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire?
Ottoman Empire
What was the title given to the Ottoman political and religious leader, meaning “successor to the Prophet”?
Caliph
How did Peter the Great show his goal to make Russia more modern?
He built St. Petersburg using European-style buildings and city planning.
What group helped the Russian tsars take over new lands in Siberia?
Cossacks; soldiers and explorers who expanded Russia eastward.
How did the Ming Dynasty try to bring back traditional Chinese rule after the Mongols?
They restored Confucian exams and strengthened the central government.
Who was the most famous ruler of the Mughal Empire, known for religious tolerance and administrative reforms?
Akbar the Great
What policy did Akbar of the Mughal Empire implement to reduce religious tensions?
Religious tolerance
Which Mughal ruler blended Persian, Islamic, and Indian art styles in his court?
Akbar the Great
Why did the Mughal Empire sometimes face rebellions?
High taxes and anger from some groups about religious policies.
How did the Safavid Empire use Shi’a Islam to strengthen their government?
They made Shi’a Islam the state religion to unify the empire and legitimize the ruler’s authority.
What major battle in 1514 between the Ottomans and Safavids established Ottoman dominance in the region?
Battle of Chaldiran
How did divine right and the Mandate of Heaven serve similar political purposes?
Both justified rule by claiming the ruler was chosen or approved by a higher power
How did art and architecture help empires keep their people loyal?
It reminded people of the ruler’s greatness and connected them to religion or culture.
What was one reason empires fought wars during this time?
They wanted more land, power, and control over trade.
What type of ruler was the Russian tsar Ivan IV known as, and what did he do to expand power?
Ivan the Terrible; expanded territory and centralized authority through violence and reform