3.

4 Comparison in Land-
Based Empires
This guide includes comparisons in unit 3 and unit 4 respectively in addition to compar-
isons 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
The Mughal Empire was a Muslim empire in South Asia that ruled a large portion of the
Indian subcontinent from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. The Mughal Empire
was founded in 1526 by the Chaghatai Turkic prince Babur, who established his rule in
the northern part of the Indian subcontinent after defeating the Sultan of Delhi.

The Mughal Empire was characterized by its cultural and religious diversity, as well as
its highly centralized and efficient administration. The Mughals were known for their cul-
tural achievements, including the construction of the Taj Mahal and the development of
a distinctive Mughal architecture.

The Mughal Empire reached its peak of prosperity and power during the reign of Em-
peror Akbar the Great, who implemented a number of reforms to strengthen the empire.
However, the Mughal Empire declined in the 18th and 19th centuries due to a combina-
tion of internal weakness and external pressures, such as the expansion of European
colonialism. The Mughal Empire was finally dissolved in 1857, following the Indian Re-
bellion of 1857.

Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire was a Muslim empire that ruled a large portion of southeastern
Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa from the late 13th to the early 20th century.
The Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299 by the Turkish warrior Osman I, who estab-
lished his rule over a small Anatolian beylik (principality). Over time, the Ottoman Em-
pire expanded to include a large territory that included parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The Ottoman Empire was characterized by its cultural and religious diversity, as well as
its highly centralized and efficient administration. The Ottomans were known for their
cultural achievements, including the construction of the Topkapi Palace and the devel-
opment of a distinctive Ottoman architecture.

The Ottoman Empire reached its peak of prosperity and power during the reign of
Suleiman the Magnificent, who implemented a number of reforms to strengthen the em-
pire. However, the Ottoman Empire declined in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to
a combination of internal weakness and external pressures, such as the expansion of
European colonialism. The Ottoman Empire was finally dissolved in 1922, following the
end of World War I.

Safavid Empire
The Safavid Empire was a Persian empire that ruled a large portion of what is now Iran
and Iraq from the early 16th to the early 18th century. The Safavid Empire was founded
in 1501 by Ismail I, who established his rule over a small territory in northwestern Iran.
Over time, the Safavid Empire expanded to include a large territory that included parts
of Iran, Iraq, and the Caucasus region.

The Safavid Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its cul-
tural and religious diversity. The Safavids were known for their cultural achievements,
including the construction of the Imam Mosque in Isfahan and the development of a dis-
tinctive Safavid architecture.

The Safavid Empire reached its peak of prosperity and power during the reign of Shah
Abbas the Great, who implemented a number of reforms to strengthen the empire. How-
ever, the Safavid Empire declined in the late 17th and early 18th centuries due to a
combination of internal weakness and external pressures, such as the expansion of the
Ottoman Empire. The Safavid Empire was finally dissolved in 1722, following the inva-
sion of Iran by the Afghan ruler Nadir Shah.

Songhai Empire
The Songhai Empire was a West African empire that ruled a large portion of what is
now Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the late 14th to the late 16th century. The
Songhai Empire was founded in the 14th century by the Songhai ruler Sonni Ali, who
established his rule over a small territory in the Niger River valley. Over time, the Song-
hai Empire expanded to include a large territory that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean
to the central Sahara Desert.

The Songhai Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its
economic and cultural achievements. The Songhai were known for their economic
achievements, including the development of a sophisticated system of trade and the
production of gold, salt, and other valuable commodities. The Songhai were also known
for their cultural achievements, including the development of a written script and the
construction of the Great Mosque of Djenné.

The Songhai Empire reached its peak of prosperity and power during the reign of Askia
Muhammad, who implemented a number of reforms to strengthen the empire. However,
the Songhai Empire declined in the late 16th century due to a combination of internal
weakness and external pressures, such as the expansion of the Moroccan Empire. The
Songhai Empire was finally dissolved in 1591, following the invasion of the Niger River
valley by the Moroccan ruler Ahmad al-Mansur.

Russian Empire
The Russian Empire was a multinational empire that ruled a large portion of eastern Eu-
rope and northern Asia from the late 18th to the early 20th century. The Russian Empire
was founded in 1721, when Peter the Great became the first Russian ruler to style him-
self as the Emperor of Russia.

The Russian Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its ter-
ritorial expansion. The Russian Empire expanded rapidly during the 19th century, an-
nexing territories in eastern Europe and northern Asia. The Russian Empire reached its
peak of territorial expansion in the late 19th century, when it included a large portion of
eastern Europe, including present-day Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states, as well as
a large portion of northern Asia, including present-day Siberia and parts of Central Asia.

The Russian Empire was also known for its cultural achievements, including the devel-
opment of a distinctive Russian art and literature. However, the Russian Empire faced a
number of challenges in the early 20th century, including economic instability, political
unrest, and the outbreak of World War I. The Russian Empire was finally dissolved in
1917, following the Russian Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Qing Empire (China)

The Qing Empire was a Chinese empire that ruled a large portion of East Asia from the
early 17th to the early 20th century. The Qing Empire was founded in 1636, when the
Manchu leader Nurhaci united the various Manchu tribes and established his rule over a
small territory in northeastern China. Over time, the Qing Empire expanded to include a
large territory that included present-day China, Tibet, Mongolia, and parts of Central
Asia.

The Qing Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its cultural
and economic achievements. The Qing dynasty was known for its cultural achieve-
ments, including the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing and the development
of a distinctive Qing architecture. The Qing dynasty was also known for its economic
achievements, including the development of a sophisticated system of trade and the
production of silk, porcelain, and other valuable commodities.

The Qing Empire reached its peak of prosperity and power in the 18th century, during
the reign of the Qing emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing. However, the Qing Empire de-
clined in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to a combination of internal weakness
and external pressures, such as the expansion of European colonialism. The Qing Em-
pire was finally dissolved in 1912, following the Chinese Revolution and the establish-
ment of the Republic of China.

Ming Empire (China)

The Ming Empire was a Chinese empire that ruled a large portion of East Asia from the
early 14th to the early 17th century. The Ming Empire was founded in 1368, following
the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was established by the
Han Chinese leader Zhu Yuanzhang, who became the first Ming emperor and took the
reign title Hongwu.

The Ming Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its cul-
tural and economic achievements. The Ming dynasty was known for its cultural achieve-
ments, including the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing and the development
of a distinctive Ming architecture. The Ming dynasty was also known for its economic
achievements, including the development of a sophisticated system of trade and the
production of silk, porcelain, and other valuable commodities.

The Ming Empire reached its peak of prosperity and power in the 15th and 16th cen-
turies, during the reigns of the Ming emperors Yongle and Wanli. However, the Ming
Empire declined in the late 16th and early 17th centuries due to a combination of inter-
nal weakness and external pressures, such as the expansion of the Manchu-led Qing
dynasty. The Ming Empire was finally dissolved in 1644, following the Qing invasion of
China and the establishment of the Qing dynasty.
Incan Empire
The Incan Empire was a South American empire that ruled a large portion of the Andes
region from the early 13th to the early 16th century. The Incan Empire was founded in
the early 13th century by the Incan ruler Manco Capac, who established his rule over a
small territory in the Cusco region of present-day Peru. Over time, the Incan Empire ex-
panded to include a large territory that stretched from present-day Ecuador to present-
day Chile.

The Incan Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its eco-
nomic and cultural achievements. The Incas were known for their economic achieve-
ments, including the development of a sophisticated system of trade and the production
of gold, silver, and other valuable commodities. The Incas were also known for their cul-
tural achievements, including the construction of the city of Machu Picchu and the de-
velopment of a distinctive Incan architecture.

The Incan Empire reached its peak of prosperity and power in the 15th century, during
the reign of the Incan ruler Pachacuti. However, the Incan Empire declined in the early
16th century due to a combination of internal weakness and external pressures, such as
the expansion of the Spanish Empire. The Incan Empire was finally dissolved in 1572,
following the Spanish conquest of the Andes region.

Mexica (Aztec Empire)

The Mexica, also known as the Aztecs, were a Mesoamerican civilization that ruled a
large portion of central and southern Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. The
Mexica civilization was founded in the 14th century by the Mexica ruler Itzcoatl, who es-
tablished his rule over a small territory in the Valley of Mexico. Over time, the Mexica
civilization expanded to include a large territory that stretched from present-day Mexico
City to present-day Guatemala.

The Mexica civilization was characterized by its strong centralized government and its
economic and cultural achievements. The Mexica were known for their economic
achievements, including the development of a sophisticated system of trade and the
production of gold, silver, and other valuable commodities. The Mexica were also known
for their cultural achievements, including the construction of the city of Tenochtitlan and
the development of a distinctive Mexica architecture.

The Mexica civilization reached its peak of prosperity and power in the 15th century,
during the reign of the Mexica ruler Moctezuma II. However, the Mexica civilization de-
clined in the early 16th century due to a combination of internal weakness and external
pressures, such as the expansion of the Spanish Empire. The Mexica civilization was fi-
nally dissolved in 1521, following the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

Tokugawa Japan
The Tokugawa period, also known as the Edo period, was a period in Japanese history
that lasted from 1603 to 1868. The Tokugawa period was characterized by the rule of
the Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal military government that ruled Japan from the city of
Edo (present-day Tokyo).

The Tokugawa period was a time of relative peace and stability in Japan, following the
tumultuous wars of the Sengoku period. The Tokugawa shogunate implemented a num-
ber of reforms to strengthen central control and maintain order, including the establish-
ment of a strict class system and the isolation of Japan from the rest of the world.

The Tokugawa period was also a time of cultural and economic flourishing in Japan.
The Tokugawa shogunate encouraged the development of arts, literature, and theater,
and the cities of Edo, Kyoto, and Osaka became centers of cultural and artistic activity.
The Tokugawa period also saw the development of a sophisticated system of trade and
the growth of a wealthy merchant class.

The Tokugawa period ended in 1868, following the Meiji Restoration, which marked the
end of the shogunate and the start of the Meiji period, a time of rapid modernization and
Westernization in Japan.

Maritime Empires
British Empire
The British Empire was a global empire that ruled a large portion of the world from the
early 16th to the early 20th century. The British Empire was founded in the early 16th
century, when the Kingdom of England began to establish colonies in the Americas and
Asia. Over time, the British Empire expanded to include a large territory that included
parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

The British Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its terri-
torial expansion. The British Empire reached its peak of territorial expansion in the late
19th century, when it included a large portion of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Car-
ibbean. The British Empire was also known for its cultural achievements, including the
development of a distinctive British art, literature, and music.

However, the British Empire faced a number of challenges in the 20th century, including
the rise of nationalism and the demand for independence from its colonies. The British
Empire was finally dissolved in the mid-20th century, following the decolonization of its
territories and the emergence of a number of independent states.

Spanish Empire
The Spanish Empire was a global empire that ruled a large portion of the world from the
late 15th to the early 19th century. The Spanish Empire was founded in the late 15th
century, when the Kingdom of Castile began to establish colonies in the Americas and
Asia. Over time, the Spanish Empire expanded to include a large territory that included
parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

The Spanish Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its ter-
ritorial expansion. The Spanish Empire reached its peak of territorial expansion in the
16th century, when it included a large portion of the Americas, including present-day
Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The Spanish Empire was
also known for its cultural achievements, including the development of a distinctive
Spanish art, literature, and music.

However, the Spanish Empire faced a number of challenges in the 17th and 18th cen-
turies, including economic decline and the expansion of European powers. The Spanish
Empire was finally dissolved in the early 19th century, following the Napoleonic Wars
and the emergence of a number of independent states in the Americas.

Portuguese Empire
The Portuguese Empire was a global empire that ruled a large portion of the world from
the 15th to the early 20th century. The Portuguese Empire was founded in the 15th cen-
tury, when the Kingdom of Portugal began to establish colonies in Africa, Asia, and the
Americas. Over time, the Portuguese Empire expanded to include a large territory that
included parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

The Portuguese Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its
territorial expansion. The Portuguese Empire reached its peak of territorial expansion in
the 16th century, when it included a large portion of the Americas, including present-day
Brazil, as well as colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The Portuguese Empire
was also known for its cultural achievements, including the development of a distinctive
Portuguese art, literature, and music.

However, the Portuguese Empire faced a number of challenges in the 17th and 18th
centuries, including economic decline and the expansion of European powers. The Por-
tuguese Empire was finally dissolved in the early 20th century, following the end of
World War I and the emergence of a number of independent states in the Americas and
Africa.

French Empire
The French Empire was a global empire that ruled a large portion of the world from the
early 16th to the early 20th century. The French Empire was founded in the early 16th
century, when the Kingdom of France began to establish colonies in the Americas and
Asia. Over time, the French Empire expanded to include a large territory that included
parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

The French Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its terri-
torial expansion. The French Empire reached its peak of territorial expansion in the 19th
century, when it included a large portion of Africa, as well as colonies in Asia, the Ameri-
cas, and the Caribbean. The French Empire was also known for its cultural achieve-
ments, including the development of a distinctive French art, literature, and music.

However, the French Empire faced a number of challenges in the 20th century, includ-
ing the rise of nationalism and the demand for independence from its colonies. The
French Empire was finally dissolved in the mid-20th century, following the decoloniza-
tion of its territories and the emergence of a number of independent states.

Dutch Empire
The Dutch Empire was a global empire that ruled a large portion of the world from the
16th to the early 20th century. The Dutch Empire was founded in the 16th century, when
the Dutch Republic began to establish colonies in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Over
time, the Dutch Empire expanded to include a large territory that included parts of
Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe.

The Dutch Empire was characterized by its strong centralized government and its terri-
torial expansion. The Dutch Empire reached its peak of territorial expansion in the 17th
and 18th centuries, when it included a large portion of the Americas, including present-
day Suriname and parts of present-day Brazil, as well as colonies in Africa, Asia, and
the Caribbean. The Dutch Empire was also known for its cultural achievements, includ-
ing the development of a distinctive Dutch art, literature, and music.

However, the Dutch Empire faced a number of challenges in the 19th and early 20th
centuries, including economic decline and the expansion of European powers. The
Dutch Empire was finally dissolved in the early 20th century, following the end of World
War I and the emergence of a number of independent states in the Americas and Africa.

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 predomi-
nantly 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🎖

Devshirme System (Ottoman

Divine Right of Kings (French Empire), Mandate
Empire), Samurai Warriors
of Heaven (China), Songhai Islam (Songhai)
(Japan)

How governments maintain legitimacy varies across empires, but the chart above illus-
trates 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 under-
stood that these two often mixed.

Social Hierarchies
Social Hierarchy based on Race/Cul-
Social Hierarchy based on Religion
ture🎎
 Qing Dynasty (Restrictive Policy on Han The Ottoman Empire (The Millet Sys-
Chinese), Spanish Empire (The Casta tem), The Mughal Empire (Zamindar/Ra-
System) jput System)

Organizing a society is essential to maintaining stability within an Empire. A hierar-

chy 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 reli-
gion 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 French in North America, The British in North
The Dutch in Southeast Asia America, The Spanish in North and South America

For those empires that expanded overseas, there were two major types that corre-
sponded 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 over-
seas known as Trading Post Empires. Colonial Empires refers to places where Euro-
peans 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 unfavourable to conquest. The opposite was
true for Colonial Empires.