This guide includes comparisons in unit 3 and unit 4 respectively in addition to comparisons between unit 3 and unit 4.
Short but sweet: Unit 3 and 4 focus on the growth of empires both across the Atlantic in the Americas and in Afro-Eurasia, so the major comparison would be in the type or style of government.
Land Based Empires
Mughal Empire
From the early sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries, the Mughal Empire ruled South Asia. It was founded and ruled by a Muslim dynasty of Chaghatai Turco-Mongol origin, which claimed direct descent from both Timur, the Turco-Mongol conqueror, and Genghis Khan, via his son Chaghatai Khan. The Mughal Empire was characterized by a period of economic, cultural, and architectural prosperity, and it is regarded as one of India's greatest empires. The Mughal Empire ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent at its peak, including modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan. The Mughal emperors were known for their cultural accomplishments and support for the arts, and their rule had a profound and long-lasting impact on the development of the arts.
Ottoman Empire
Between the 14th and early 20th centuries, the Ottoman Empire ruled over much of southeastern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It was founded in the late 13th century by Turkish tribes who converted to Islam in northwestern Anatolia. The Ottoman Empire was at its most powerful in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it ruled over much of southeastern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It had a centralized, autocratic government and a diverse population that included Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Following the defeat of the Central Powers in World War I and the subsequent occupation of Constantinople (Istanbul) by British and other Allied forces, the empire was eventually dissolved in the early twentieth century.
Safavid Empire
The Safavid Empire was an eastern Islamic state that existed from the early 16th to the mid-18th centuries. It was founded by Ismail I, who declared the Safavid dynasty to be the region's legitimate rulers. The Safavid Empire was centered in modern-day Iran and included parts of Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. The Safavids were Twelver Shia Muslims who made Shia Islam the official religion of the empire. Their contributions to Persian art, literature, and culture, as well as their military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire, are well known. The Safavid Empire declined in the late 18th century and was eventually dissolved in the early 19th century.
Songhai Empire
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Songhai Empire ruled over a large portion of West Africa. It was founded by the Songhai people, a group of people who lived in what is now Niger and Mali. The Songhai Empire was centered in the city of Gao on the Niger River in what is now Mali. The empire was known for its strong military, which allowed it to conquer and expand its territory by conquering a number of neighboring states. It was also known for having an advanced government system that included a well-organized bureaucracy and a highly centralized administration. The Songhai Empire declined in the late 16th century as a result of internal conflicts and Moroccan invasions.
Russian Empire
The Russian Empire lasted from 1721 until the 1917 Russian Revolution. It was the world's largest country by land area, covering more than one-sixth of the planet's land surface, and the third most populous. The Romanov dynasty ruled the Russian Empire, which was distinguished by a strong government and a rigid hierarchy. The tsar wielded absolute power in this autocracy. The Russian Empire was a multiethnic state with over 100 ethnic groups living within its borders. It was a major player in world affairs and one of the great powers of the nineteenth century. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, which resulted in the establishment of the Soviet Union, the Russian Empire was dissolved.
Qing Empire (China)
The Qing Dynasty was China's final imperial dynasty. It was founded by the Manchu people and ruled from 1644 to 1912. The Qing Empire was distinguished by a centralized government, a social hierarchy, and a bureaucratic rule system. It was also a multicultural state, with Han Chinese, Manchus, Mongols, and other ethnic groups living there. During its reign, the Qing Empire experienced significant economic, social, and cultural development, and it played a significant role in world affairs. It was a major player in the Industrial Revolution and a global power in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Following the Xinhai Revolution, which ended imperial rule in China, the Qing Empire was dissolved in 1912.
Ming Empire (China)
From 1368 to 1644, China was ruled by the Ming dynasty. The Han Chinese established the Ming dynasty after overthrowing the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty and establishing a new government in China. The Ming dynasty was well-known for its strong government, cultural achievements, and economic growth. After the tumultuous years of the Mongol invasion and the subsequent Yuan dynasty, it was also a time of relative peace and prosperity in China. The Ming dynasty saw the completion of the Great Wall of China and the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing, as well as the development of a thriving economy based on agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. The Ming dynasty ended in 1644, when it was deposed by the Qing dynasty.
Incan Empire
The Incan Empire, also known as the Inca Empire, was a South American empire that was located in the Andes Mountains. It was the largest empire in the pre-Columbian Americas and was centered in what is now Peru. The Incan Empire was founded in the early 13th century and reached its height of power in the 15th century, when it controlled a large territory that included much of the western Andes and parts of present-day Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. The Incan Empire was known for its advanced system of government, which included a well-organized bureaucracy and a strong centralized administration. It was also known for its impressive architectural achievements, such as the construction of roads, aqueducts, and terraced agriculture. The Incan Empire was conquered by the Spanish in the early 16th century, and it was eventually absorbed into the Spanish Empire.
Mexica (Aztec Empire)
The Mexica were a Native American civilization that existed from the 14th to the 16th centuries in central Mexico. They established the Aztec Empire, a vast empire that ruled over much of central and southern Mexico. The Aztec Empire was known for its sophisticated government system, which included an organized bureaucracy and a strong centralized administration. It was also renowned for its architectural and artistic accomplishments, as well as its military prowess. The Aztecs followed a religion based on the worship of a pantheon of gods, and they were known for their elaborate ceremonies and human sacrifices. The Spanish conquered the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century, bringing an end to the Aztec Empire.
Tokugawa Japan
From 1603 to 1868, Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. The Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal government led by the Tokugawa family, ruled during this period of political stability and economic growth. To maintain control, the Tokugawa shogunate established a strong, centralized government and implemented a number of measures. These measures included Japan's isolation and strict trade regulations. The Tokugawa period was also a time of cultural and artistic flourishing, with the emergence of several distinct artistic styles and the rise of a wealthy, urban merchant class. Following the Meiji Restoration, which ended feudal rule in Japan, the Tokugawa shogunate was deposed in 1868.
Maritime Empires
British Empire
From the 16th to the early 20th centuries, the British Empire was centered in the British Isles. The British Empire was the largest empire in history, with territories on every continent. It was distinguished by a global trade network and a system of colonies and dependencies. The British Empire was a major player in world affairs, helping to shape the modern world. In the twentieth century, the British Empire began to decline.
Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire was a global empire centered in Spain that ruled over a large portion of the world from the 15th to the early 19th centuries. The Spanish Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history, with territories in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia at its peak. The Spanish Empire was distinguished by a powerful centralized government and a vast network of trade and colonization. In the 18th century, the Spanish Empire began to decline.
Portuguese Empire
From the 15th to the early 20th centuries, the Portuguese Empire ruled over a significant portion of the world. The Portuguese Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history, with territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas at its peak. The Portuguese Empire was distinguished by a strong centralized government and a global trade and colonization network. The Portuguese Empire declined in the nineteenth century.
French Empire
From the 16th to the early 20th centuries, the French Empire was centered in France and ruled over the majority of the world. The French Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history, with territories in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia at its peak. The French Empire was distinguished by a powerful centralized government and a vast network of trade and colonization. The French Empire declined in the nineteenth century.
Dutch Empire
The Dutch Empire was a global empire that was centered in the Netherlands and that controlled a significant portion of the world from the 16th to the early 20th century. At its height, the Dutch Empire included territories in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and it was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history. The Dutch Empire was characterized by a strong centralized government and a global network of trade and colonization. The Dutch Empire began to decline in the 19th century.
Difference Between Land-Based and Maritime Empires
A major difference between these two types of empires is that the empires on the left were predominantly land based, meaning most of their power and wealth came from the land, rich agriculture, and profitable trade routes. Those on the right are predominantly maritime based empires, meaning that their power and wealth come from trade overseas, colonies overseas, or controlling overseas trade routes.
Administrative Systems
| Based on Religious Justification ✝️ | Based on Military Elites 🎖 |
|---|---|
| Divine Right of Kings (French Empire), Mandate of Heaven (China), Songhai Islam (Songhai) | Devshirme System (Ottoman Empire), Samurai Warriors (Japan) |
How governments maintain legitimacy varies across empires, but the chart above illustrates two general ways that empires claimed the right to rule. Military elites refer to a system of warriors who are loyal to the ruler or the state which helps them maintain power. On the other hand, some states relied more on religious justification for their power, claiming direct connection to the divine as the right to rule. It should be understood that these two often mixed.
Social Hierarchies
| Social Hierarchy based on Race/Culture 🎎 | Social Hierarchy based on Religion ☪️ |
|---|---|
| Qing Dynasty (Restrictive Policy on Han Chinese), Spanish Empire (The Casta System) | The Ottoman Empire (The Millet System), The Mughal Empire (Zamindar/Rajput System) |
Organizing a society is essential to maintaining stability within an Empire. A hierarchy determined one's job, what legal rights they had and proximity to power. These hierarchies can be based on physical characteristics, probably the most famous being the Casta System, which was based on perceptions of blood purity. Or they can be based on religion as in many of the Islamic empires; the Millet System gave each religion its own political zone. Although the Islamic zones were above the others, this did provide some stability as each zone was free to practice their own religion.
Maritime Empires
| Trading Post Empires ⛵ | Colonial Empires 📍 |
|---|---|
| The Portugese in Africa/India, The Dutch in Southeast Asia | The French in North America, The British in North America, The Spanish in North and South America |
For those empires that expanded overseas, there were two major types that corresponded more to the situation of the colonized regions. During this time, Europeans stuck to themselves in trading posts and did not assert authority over land, but did overseas known as Trading Post Empires. Colonial Empires refers to places where Europeans conquered land and sometimes settled their own populations there. Trading Post Empires often confronted established and long standing empires or populations they could not eliminate or geography that was unfavorable to conquest. The opposite was true for Colonial Empires.
Vocabulary
The following words are mentioned explicitly in the College Board Course and Exam Description for this topic.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| armed trade | Commercial activity backed by military force, used by empires to establish economic dominance and territorial control. |
| gunpowder | An explosive mixture used in firearms and cannons that became a crucial military technology for imperial expansion. |
| imperial expansion | The process by which empires extended their territorial control and political authority over new regions and populations. |
| Manchu | A land-based empire that expanded in Central and East Asia during the period 1450-1750. |
| Mughal | A land-based empire that expanded in South and Central Asia during the period 1450-1750. |
| Ottoman Empire | A major Islamic empire that ruled from the 14th to early 20th century and was predominantly Sunni Muslim. |
| Safavid Empire | A Persian Islamic empire that ruled from the 16th to 18th century and was predominantly Shi'a Muslim. |
| syncretic belief systems | Religious or spiritual systems that blend elements from two or more different belief traditions into a new combined practice. |
| transoceanic travel | Long-distance ocean travel across the Atlantic and other major bodies of water that connected the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are land-based empires and how are they different from maritime empires?
Land-based empires were large, contiguous states (Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal, Qing/Manchu) that expanded influence by controlling territory, land routes, and populations. They relied on standing land armies, gunpowder technologies, bureaucracies (mansabdari, zamindars, imperial examinations), tax systems (tax farming), and institutions that managed religious/ethnic diversity (millet, Twelver Shi'ism, Banner system). Maritime empires (Portugal, Spain, Dutch, English) centered on naval power, ocean trade, trading posts, joint-stock companies, and control of sea lanes rather than huge continuous landholdings. For AP exam purposes (Topic 3.4, Learning Objective D), compare methods: land empires used land armies, administrative integration, and co-opted local elites; maritime empires used naval technology, armed trade, and overseas colonies/monopoly trade. You can use examples like Janissaries or mansabdars versus joint-stock companies to show differences. For a focused review, see the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
Why did the Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal, and Qing empires all become so powerful between 1450-1750?
They became powerful for similar, overlapping reasons that fit the “gunpowder empires” model in the CED. Each used new military technology (gunpowder and artillery) plus professional, loyal forces—Ottomans with Janissaries/Devshirme, Safavids’ army reforms, Mughals’ mansabdari combining rank and pay, Qing Banner system—to expand and hold territory. Centralized administration and revenue systems (tax farming, zamindars, bureaucracies, imperial exams in Qing) funded armies and state functions. Rulers legitimated rule with religion and state ideology (Ottoman Sunni law + millet, Safavid Twelver Shi’ism, Mughal religious policies under Akbar’s syncretism) and incorporated diverse elites to stabilize multiethnic populations. Control of trade routes and cities also boosted wealth and influence. For AP essays, connect these institutions to continuity/change and compare at least two empires using specific evidence (names like Suleiman, Shah Abbas I, Akbar, Kangxi help). Review the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history) to prep for comparison and short-answer/LEQ prompts.
How did gunpowder technology help empires expand their territory?
Gunpowder tech let land-based empires expand territory by giving rulers new military advantages and helping centralize control. Cannons and artillery made it easier to breach city walls and seize fortified towns; match that with organized firearm infantry (like the Ottoman Janissaries or Mughal musketeers) and armies could take and hold more land. States also paired gunpowder forces with administrative systems—the Mughal mansabdari, Safavid use of slave soldiers, or the Qing Banner system—to recruit, pay, and govern new territories. That combination increased imperial reach and helped enforce tax collection and law across larger areas. For AP focus, this connects to “gunpowder empires” and Learning Objective D (compare methods of influence); use examples (Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal, Manchu) on the exam to support your claim. For a quick refresher, check the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and try practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
What's the difference between how the Ottomans and Mughals conquered new lands?
Short answer: The Ottomans expanded by building a centralized, military-bureaucratic state: they used elite infantry (Janissaries recruited through the devshirme system), centralized tax farming, and the millet system to integrate diverse peoples while keeping Ottoman legal authority (Suleiman’s era shows this). The Mughals expanded by combining heavy military force (gunpowder artillery) with co-optation of local elites: the mansabdari system tied nobles to the emperor, and Mughal rulers (especially Akbar) worked with zamindars and used religious tolerance/syncretism to legitimize rule across South Asia. So Ottomans relied more on state-run recruitment + communal autonomy (millet) within imperial institutions; Mughals balanced military tech with incorporation of local elites and administrative ranks. For AP exam comparison practice, connect both to “gunpowder empires” and use specific examples (Janissaries vs. mansabdars). See the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and Unit 3 overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3). Practice related multiple-choice and short-answer questions at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
Can someone explain the methods empires used to increase their influence in simple terms?
Empires used a few repeatable methods to increase influence—simple breakdown: - Military tech & organization: used gunpowder weapons and elite troops (Ottoman janissaries, Qing Banner system) to project power. - Administrative integration: staffed bureaucracies through systems like the Mughal mansabdari or Chinese imperial exams to govern diverse peoples. - Co-optation of local elites: gave zamindars or local rulers roles/taxes (tax farming) so elites enforced imperial rule. - Religious/ideological tools: promoted state religions or toleration (Safavid Twelver Shi'ism, Ottoman millet system, Akbar’s religious syncretism) to legitimize authority. - Economic control: regulated trade, levied taxes, and used port/road networks to tie regions into the empire. For AP focus: Learning Objective D asks you to compare these methods across empires (be ready to cite specific examples like Suleiman, Shah Abbas I, Kangxi). Review Topic 3.4 (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and Unit 3 overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3). Practice applying comparisons on DBQs/LEQs and try questions at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
How do I write a comparison essay about different empire expansion methods for the DBQ?
Start with a focused thesis that compares HOW empires expanded (military recruitment, administrative systems, religious policies) and establishes a line of reasoning (e.g., “While the Ottomans and Safavids used centralized military-administrative institutions to increase influence, the Mughals relied more on accommodation of elites and syncretic religion…”). Contextualize briefly (1450–1750; gunpowder empires; increased use of firearms and bureaucratic systems). For evidence, use at least four documents to show methods (janissaries/devshirme, mansabdari/zamindars, banner system, millet policy, tax farming, imperial exams, religious syncretism under Akbar). Use one piece of outside evidence (e.g., Suleiman’s legal reforms or Kangxi’s consolidation). Source at least two documents (explain POV/purpose/audience). Finally, show complexity: compare similarities and differences and explain why each empire chose its method (geography, religion, social structure). For quick review, see the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh), unit overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3) and 1,000+ practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
What were the main ways that the Qing dynasty expanded compared to the Ottoman Empire?
The Qing and Ottoman both used gunpowder-era military power, but they expanded differently. The Qing (Manchu) grew mainly by incorporating Inner Asian peoples and frontiers—campaigns into Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Tibet, using the Banner system (Manchu military households), negotiated alliances with local elites, settlement, and the incorporation of local ruling structures while keeping the imperial exam bureaucracy for Han administration. The Ottoman expanded across Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Middle East through highly organized gunpowder armies (including Janissaries recruited via devshirme), naval strength in the Mediterranean, tributary/vassal relationships, and tax-farming; they also governed diversity with the millet system. Both combined military force with administrative innovation, but Qing focused on frontier incorporation and Manchu institutions (Banners), while Ottomans used standing armies, naval power, and provincial fiscal systems. For the AP exam, this maps to LO D (compare methods); review Topic 3.4 on Fiveable (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
Why did religious conflicts happen so much during empire expansion from 1450-1750?
Religious conflicts rose during 1450–1750 because expanding land-based empires competed for legitimacy, resources, and loyalty across diverse populations. Rulers (Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal, Manchu) used state religions or sectarian identities—Twelver Shi'ism in Safavid Persia, Sunni legitimacy in the Ottomans, or Qing banner/Confucian systems—to centralize authority and distinguish themselves. Missionary activity, trade-linked contacts, and syncretism (e.g., some Mughal policies under Akbar vs. later intolerance) created tensions when elites or communities resisted conversion or legal changes (millet systems, restrictions on preaching). Gunpowder-era military expansion and administrative recruitment across religions (janissaries, mansabdari, zamindars) forced interreligious encounters that could lead to conflict when rulers tried to standardize law, tax, or loyalty. For AP work, use these examples in short-answer or LEQ/DBQ contextualization and evidence (Unit 3 study guide: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh). For extra practice, try Fiveable’s practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
What are syncretic belief systems and how did they develop in these empires?
Syncretic belief systems combine elements from different religions into new practices or ideas. In 1450–1750 land-based empires this happened when imperial expansion, trade, missionaries, and diverse populations met—for example Sufism blending local practices in South Asia, Afro-Caribbean religions like Vodou and Santería mixing West African religions with Christianity, and some local accommodations to Christianity in Mughal and Ottoman contexts. They developed through contact (missionary activity, slave routes, trade), state policies (tolerance under Akbar vs. restrictions in Tokugawa Japan), and everyday cultural exchange (marriage, markets, local rituals). For the AP exam, syncretism is key evidence for Cultural Developments and Interactions (Theme 2) and fits Contextualization or Comparison prompts in DBQs/LEQs—use specific examples and link them to imperial policies (e.g., millet system, Twelver Shi'ism) when you argue. For a quick refresher, see the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh), the Unit 3 overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3), and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
How did the Safavid and Ottoman empires use religion differently to control their people?
The Safavids and Ottomans both used Islam to legitimize rule, but in different ways. The Safavid state made Twelver Shiʼism the official creed (Shah Abbas I enforced conversion), using the ulama to centralize authority and define a distinct Shiʻa identity—this helped unify peoples but also persecuted Sunni rivals. The Ottomans, ruling a multi-ethnic Sunni empire, relied more on pragmatic religious pluralism: the millet system let Christian and Jewish communities self-govern, while the state co-opted Sunni clergy to support Ottoman law. Militarily and administratively, the Ottomans built loyalty through institutions like the Devshirme/Janissaries rather than through clerical enforcement. For AP comparison tasks (Learning Objective D), emphasize state use of religion for legitimacy versus social control, cite Twelver Shiʻism vs. millet, and explain impacts on diversity and conflict. Review Topic 3.4 on Fiveable (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
What happened when land-based empires tried to incorporate diverse populations?
When land-based empires incorporated diverse populations they used a mix of inclusion and control—and that produced mixed results. Empires built administrative systems that used local elites (zamindars in Mughal India, millet in the Ottoman Empire, provincial banners under the Qing, mansabdars in the Mughals) or recruited people into imperial service (Devshirme → Janissaries, Banner system). Some rulers encouraged religious tolerance or syncretism (Akbar’s policies, limited autonomy for millets), which helped stability and loyalty. Others enforced state religion or stricter control (Safavid Twelver Shi’ism, restrictions on Christian missionaries), which increased tensions and sometimes resistance. Outcomes: periods of stability and cultural blending, plus episodes of elite rivalry, local autonomy, and revolts when policies disadvantaged groups. For the AP exam, compare methods and outcomes across empires (Learning Objective D) and use specific examples like Suleiman, Shah Abbas I, Akbar, and the Kangxi Emperor. See the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
I missed class - what are the key similarities between how the Mughal and Ottoman empires expanded?
Short answer: both empires expanded by using gunpowder military tech and professional standing forces to project power, then co-opted local elites and institutions to govern newly acquired lands. The Ottomans used artillery, the devshirme/Janissary system and the millet framework to recruit soldiers and manage diverse peoples; the Mughals used gunpowder artillery, the mansabdari system and alliances with zamindars to raise cavalry and bureaucracy. Both blended coercion with accommodation—granting autonomy, religious tolerance or court positions (e.g., Akbar’s policies, Suleiman’s pragmatism)—to integrate populations and extract revenue. They also leveraged trade routes and centralized taxation to fund armies. Comparing these points addresses CED Learning Objective D (compare methods of increasing influence). For more detail, see the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
What were the long-term effects of gunpowder empires on global politics?
Long-term effects of the gunpowder empires on global politics: They centralized state power by using firearms and cannonry to expand and hold large territories, which strengthened bureaucratic systems (e.g., mansabdari, zamindars, millet, banner systems) and professional military corps (Janissaries, Banner troops). That centralization made empires like the Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals major regional actors, shaping trade routes, diplomatic networks, and religious politics (Twelver Shi'ism in Safavid Persia; syncretic policies under Akbar). Rivalries among these empires—and with European maritime powers—spurred military innovation and shifting alliances that reconfigured Eurasian balance of power from 1450–1750. For AP essays, emphasize comparison, causation, and continuity/change across empires and use specific examples (Suleiman, Shah Abbas I, Kangxi). Review Topic 3.4 on Fiveable for targeted notes (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).
How did armed trade help empires establish control over new territories?
Armed trade meant states and chartered companies used military power (gunpowder, cannons, gunboats, trained troops) to protect and push commercial goals. By backing merchants with forts, naval squadrons, and coercive treaties, empires (like the Ottomans, Mughals, and European states via the East India Company) secured trading posts, monopolies, and regular tribute—which let them extend influence into new regions without full administrative takeover. Armed trade also financed standing armies and administrative systems (mansabdari, janissary-like troops), gave empires leverage over local elites, and forced port access or favorable tariffs. For AP World, this links to the CED’s focus on gunpowder and armed trade as tools of expansion (Topic 3.4, Learning Objective D). When you write an LEQ/SAQ, compare methods (military-backed commerce vs. direct annexation) and use specific examples (EIC, VOC, Ottoman coastal forts). More on this in the Topic 3.4 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-world-history/unit-3/comparison-land-based-empires/study-guide/2Rn32kOkbYrFiBFILoBh) and try practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-world-history).