Rulers (1450-1750): Power and Legitimacy

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Questions and Answers

Which action taken by the Mexica rulers was LEAST likely to have contributed to the long-term stability of their empire?

Commissioning monumental architecture to inspire awe and demonstrate the empire's wealth and power.
Implementing a complex tribute system that extracted resources from conquered territories.
Constructing elaborate public works, such as temples and causeways, that provided employment and improved infrastructure.
Utilizing human sacrifice on a massive scale to legitimize their rule, potentially alienating subjugated populations. (correct)

How did the Ottoman Empire's 'devshirme' system primarily function to consolidate the Sultan's authority, and why was this controversial?

By fostering economic alliances with European powers, thus securing access to advanced military technology and bolstering the Sultan's prestige.
By granting religious minorities extensive autonomy, thus reducing interfaith conflict and promoting social cohesion.
By creating a class of highly trained bureaucrats and soldiers directly loyal to the Sultan, thus circumventing traditional power structures; however, it involved forcibly conscripting Christian boys, causing resentment. (correct)
By decentralizing administrative control and empowering local rulers, thus fostering regional stability and minimizing the risk of rebellions.

Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies the challenges faced by rulers in maintaining power due to competition over trade routes during the 1450-1750 period?

The increasing conflicts between the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company in the Indian Ocean, leading to naval battles and trade wars. (correct)
The Ottoman Empire's implementation of the millet system, granting religious autonomy to various communities within its borders.
The French monarchy's construction of the Palace of Versailles as a means of centralizing power and showcasing royal authority.
The Qing Dynasty's successful suppression of the White Lotus Rebellion through military force and ideological indoctrination.

How did the adoption of Islam by the Songhai Empire most directly serve to legitimize imperial rule, and what potential challenges did it present?

By fostering a sense of shared cultural identity and facilitating trade networks with other Islamic states, while potentially alienating segments of the population who adhered to traditional African religions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the Qing Dynasty's use of imperial portraits function as a tool for legitimizing power, and what underlying message were these portraits intended to convey?

By portraying the emperors in a formal, dignified, and authoritative manner, reinforcing their divine mandate to rule and projecting an image of stability and continuity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Sultan Suleiman I ('the Magnificent') use legal reforms to maintain power within the Ottoman Empire, and what were the limitations of these reforms?

By codifying existing Islamic laws and customs into a unified legal code that addressed a wide range of social and economic issues, thus promoting stability and justice while reinforcing the Sultan's role as the ultimate arbiter of law. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did European rulers' embrace of the concept of the divine right of kings affect their ability to govern, and what were the potential consequences of this belief?

It reinforced the ruler's absolute authority and legitimacy, allowing them to enact policies and laws without the consent of their subjects, but also increasing the risk of tyranny and popular uprisings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the salary system for Japanese samurai impact the balance of power between the Shogun and the Daimyo, and what were the long-term implications of this shift?

It centralized power under the Shogun by making the samurai dependent on his patronage, thus weakening the Daimyo's ability to challenge his rule and paving the way for a more unified and stable government. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the construction and grandeur of the Palace of Versailles contribute to Louis XIV's ability to legitimize and maintain power in France, and what message was he intending to convey?

By providing a lavish and opulent setting for the king and his court, thus demonstrating his wealth, power, and divine right to rule, while simultaneously intimidating potential rivals and rebellious factions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies how rulers in the period 1450-1750 used tribute collection to project power, and what were the potential consequences for the subjugated populations?

The Spanish Crown's extraction of silver from the Potosí mines in the Americas, which enriched the Spanish treasury but led to the exploitation and impoverishment of indigenous laborers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Military Strength

Expanding and consolidating power through military force.

Trade and Resources

Control of key trade routes and access to valuable resources to build economic strength.