Gunpowder Empires Overview

Empires that utilized gunpowder armies extensively before Europe.

Early firearms and explosives used in warfare.

Empires were formed through strategic and economical conquest.

Empires' strategies of attracting merchants and reducing taxes to boost growth.

A significant empire, known for its adoption of gunpowder and friendly trade practices.

A noteworthy empire in India, known for its approach to tax policies towards non-Muslims.

Empires often toppled due to weakening of previous powers.

Empires utilizing gunpowder for expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries

A large, gold-covered temple in Cuzco, used by Inca rulers to connect with the sun god Inti, highlighting their rule.

Large tombs (mausoleums) built by Mughal rulers showcasing Persian and traditional Islamic architecture, reinforcing commitment to Islam.

A French palace used by Louis XIV to display military power and keep nobles in line by showcasing military demonstrations.

European historical concept where rulers claimed to rule with God's permission, not as divine beings but by divine consent.

A concept similar to Divine Right but in Imperial China, where rulers maintained power through the perceived acceptance of the heavens.

Using religious symbols and buildings to strengthen a ruler's authority and connection with their subjects.

Using military displays to exert power and control, often showcasing strength & authority to subjects and visitors.

A famous mausoleum built by a Mughal emperor for his wife, incorporating Islamic mosque elements and Quran excerpts.

Nomadic empires often struggled to govern settled lands effectively after conquest, sometimes losing their unique fighting style or identity due to absorbed local customs. Gunpowder weapons also diminished their military advantage.

Some empires relied on their military or a combination of military and civilian bureaucracies to administer their governments, like the Ottoman devshirme or the Tokugawa Shogunate.

A system used by the Ottoman Empire to recruit non-Muslim children for military and government service. These recruits, known as Janissaries, were well-trained and helped avoid a rival power structure

Elite military units in the Ottoman Empire, trained and recruited through the devşirme system. They were highly skilled soldiers, equipped with the best weapons..

A military government in Japan under the Tokugawa clan. It oversaw the unification of Japan, leading to samurai's shift from warriors to administrators.

Samurai, once warriors, transitioned into administrative roles within the Tokugawa government after the unification of Japan.

Unemployed samurai in the Tokugawa period due to lack of available administrative roles.

Emperors built large monuments for various purposes; these were common across many empires, signifying power, and prosperity.

The Songhai rulers actively promoted Islam, building on earlier practices in Mali and Ghana, and spreading the religion more forcefully among the empire's people.

Aztec rulers maintained a close relationship with the priest class and launched campaigns to acquire prisoners of war for human sacrifice – a practice that was very unpopular with surrounding peoples.

Empires need funding, achieved with systems to collect and distribute funds (money or in-kind value). Different methods included assigning taxing duties to special classes (like samurai or zamindars) or selling the rights to collect taxes through tax farming.

Many Songhai rulers adopted the name Muhammad, after the Islamic prophet, to gain more acceptance of Islam.

The Aztec Empire used a system to gain tribute (goods and people) from conquered lands, in return for their protection.

The Ottoman system involved selling the right to collect taxes from specified villages for a given duration to non-governmental officials in return for upfront payments.

Zamindars acted as tax collectors for the Mughal government, especially for Hindu princes who were incorporated into the governance system.

The salaried samurai in Japan were a military class that also fulfilled tax collection duties for the central government.

Taxes were often collected in the form of labor or products (in-kind taxes), as opposed to currency; this was common before widespread metal currency and paper money.

The Ming Empire switched to collecting taxes primarily in silver, due to the influx of Spanish silver from the Americas.

An economy where transactions are primarily conducted using money (like silver), making it easier to track and manage.

A religious movement in Europe that opposed the Catholic Church, gaining support in Northern Europe and parts of France.

European rulers who promoted and supported Protestant ideas, including seizing Catholic Church properties.

The Mughal Empire in South Asia fostered a unique interaction between Islam and Hinduism, unlike prior interactions between these faiths.

Several Land-Based Empires fostered or were the cause of new or modified religious ideas and movements in various regions.

A person or entity who collected taxes for the government, and frequently collected more than was mandated.

A religion that combines elements from different belief systems.

A new religion arising in northern South Asia, incorporating elements of Islam and Hinduism.

A long-standing division within Islam based on differences in leadership and interpretation.

Political rivalry between the Ottoman and Safavid empires, fueled by religious differences, territory, and trade.

The Aztec system of deities, including Mayan gods, reflecting cultural influences.

Inca traditions continued from earlier cultures, emphasizing the worship of the sun and moon.

A common practice among many Pre-1492 American cultures, with the Aztecs performing it on a larger scale.

Comparing the similarities and differences in governmental structures and styles of empires across the Atlantic and Eurasia.