The Rise and Decline of the Gunpowder Empires

The Rise and Decline of the Gunpowder Empires AP World History 1450 -1750

Overview Rise of Ottomans and Mughal Empires n Conditions of Europe n Big Question: What accounts for the rise of the Gunpowder Empires and why aren’t they able to keep pace with Europe? n

Ottoman Rise Void left by Mongols taken up by Ottomans n Cavalry, Jannisaries dominate n Conquer Constantinople, make it their capital n Considered the “terror of Europe” n

Ottoman Military Might Adopted firearms readily – easily defeated Muslim rivals, Hungary n Initially they had superior technology n 15 th Century - Build navy to ward off Europeans, gain control of Mediterranean (Significance? ) n

400 Years of Decline Military victories bring about decline, how? n Had to constantly guard gains n

400 Years of Decline Conservative Islam focused on tradition, spirituality n Turks did not have the resources, forethought to modernize army n Trade imbalance n Middle class heavily taxed (why relevant? ) n Numerous ineffective leaders n

Land-Based Empires Focus on self-defense n Agricultural base, not industrialization n Centralized power n Large land masses n Controlled by large administrative and economic systems n Why have you never heard of Gunpowder Empires? n

Rise of Mughal India n n Rise of power swift, easily conquered and controlled Northern India. (map) Akbar solidified power, made social changes n n n Created a new religion with elements of Hinduism and Islam - unsuccessful Eliminated jizya tax on Hindus Allowed Hindus to build temples again Promoted Hindus in the gov’t Outlawed Sati, discouraged child marriage

Mughal Military Power Massive armies, cavalry, artillery, no navy n Firearms purchased from Europeans, limited local production n Troops poorly trained – conscripted from poor n

Mughal Decline n Public works (including the Taj Mahal) drain budgets

Mughal Decline n Wars to conquer Southern India depleted reserves, distracted emperor from internal problems (uprisings and revolts), and incursions from Persian and Afghan warriors bands

Mughal Decline n n Repressive tax system, with few benefits seen by poor Extensive bureaucracy allowed large scale corruption Later emperors refused to integrate Hindus into the gov’t (80% of population) Military technology unable to match European development – modernization plan – Why?