During the period from 1450 to 1750, land-based empires relied on the use of gunpowder, cannons, and armed trade to establish large empires in both hemispheres. Political and religious disputes led to rivalries and conflict between states. Rulers used a variety of methods to legitimize and consolidate their power, such as the recruitment and use of bureaucratic elites, as well as the development of military professionals. Additionally, they continued to use religious ideas, art, and monumental architecture to legitimize their rule.
Expansion and Revenue Generation
Rulers used tribute collection, tax farming, and innovative tax-collection systems to generate revenue in order to forward state power and expansion. Many states, such as the Mughal and Ottoman empires, adopted practices to accommodate the ethnic and religious diversity of their subjects or to utilize the economic, political, and military contributions of different ethnic or religious groups.
Strategies for Expansion
Some rulers developed a navy and invested in exploration, establishing colonies in newly discovered or conquered lands. On the other hand, other rulers focused on developing armies, expanding territory, and investing in domestic expansion without developing strong navies and colonies. The era after 1450 is commonly called the Age of Gunpowder Empires due to the use of guns to subjugate enemies and build control. Land-based empires continued to rely on armies, roads, and inland urban areas. Both sea-based and land-based powers made use of guns, cannons, and muskets.
The Age of Gunpowder Empires
The Islamic land-based empires, such as the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires, represented the height of Muslim political and military power in world history, countering the growing European global influence. Although all three were on the decline by 1750, sea-based powers were still on the rise. The Ottoman Empire, for example, began as a small Turkic warrior group that slowly migrated into Anatolia and lasted from the 14th to the early 20th century.
Rise and Decline of the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire successfully conquered territory in eastern Europe and reached its height under Suleiman the Magnificent. However, the empire faced problems of succession and economic challenges, leading to its decline. The empire was diverse and culturally and politically sophisticated.
Women in the Ottoman Empire and the Rise of the Janissaries
In the Ottoman Empire, women had certain rights and were involved in the royal court, maintaining power and influence in politics, property rights, and legal rights in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance. The rise of the elite military group, the Janissaries, also had a significant impact on the empire, with their influence in the sultan's decisions and their role in ensuring the empire's military success.
Economic Challenges and Decline
The economic decline of the Ottoman Empire set in by the mid-17th century, and corruption became a significant issue. The empire faced challenges in maintaining its vast territory and controlling trade routes. These economic challenges, coupled with internal political and military issues, contributed to the decline of the once-powerful Ottoman Empire.
In conclusion, the Islamic land-based empires from 1450 to 1750 played a significant role in shaping world history, and their rise and decline had a lasting impact on the geopolitical landscape of the time.
For further study, readers can refer to sources such as "Age of Gunpowder Empires Map," "The Ottoman Empire: Rise and Decline Timeline," "Unit 3: Land-Based Empires Study Guide," "Land-Based Empires 1450 to 1750 Graphic Organizer," and other resources on this topic.
