During the time period of 1450 to 1750, the expansion of empires was a significant development in world history. This expansion was based on the increased use of gunpowder, cannons, and armed trade, which allowed for the establishment of large empires in various regions of the world.
The Ottoman Empire, Mughal Empire, and Safavid Empire in the Middle East, along with the Manchu Empire in Central and East Asia, were examples of land-based empires that expanded and developed during this time period. These empires experienced political and religious disputes that led to rivalries and conflict between states.
The Manchu dynasty expanded into China and established the Qing dynasty, using military strength and the art of war. The Ottoman Empire, known for its military prowess, used artillery and a strong government to expand its territory, while the Mughal Empire in India utilized artillery and cultural influences to maintain its power.
Rulers of land-based empires from 1450 to 1750 used various methods to legitimize and consolidate their power. They recruited bureaucratic elites and developed military professionals to maintain centralized control over their populations and resources. Religious ideas, art, and monumental architecture were also used to legitimize their rule. The collection of tribute, tax farming, and innovative tax-collection systems were employed to generate revenue and enhance state power and expansion.
For example, the Ottoman Empire used tax farming as a means of raising funds, while the Mughal Empire utilized mausoleums and tombs reflecting Persian Islamic architecture, such as the Taj Mahal, to legitimize their rule. The recruitment and education of non-Muslim children in the Ottoman Empire's Devshirme system, as well as the use of tribute and human sacrifice by the Aztecs, were other methods of legitimizing rule and consolidating power.
The expansion of empires during this time period was also influenced by belief systems. The Mughal Empire in India, for example, used religion, arts, and architecture to legitimize and consolidate their rule. The use of Islamic culture as the official religion in the Songhai Empire and the construction of magnificent mosques in the Ottoman Empire were also manifestations of the influence of belief systems on imperial expansion.
In conclusion, from 1450 to 1750, the expansion of empires was a complex phenomenon that involved military, political, and religious aspects. Various land-based empires utilized different strategies and systems to legitimize and consolidate their power, leading to significant developments in world history during this period.
