1. The Gunpowder Empires
World History
OPHS

2. Predict
Predict what we are going to be learning about in this section…Why were these empires called the Gunpowder Empires?

3. The Big Three There were 3 “Gunpowder Empires.” Ottomans Safavid
Mughal

4. These empires are called the Gunpowder Empires because they were the first to use firearms in military exploits. They had weapons like cannons and small firearms that other kingdoms and cultures did not have.

5. Where were the Gunpowder Empires?
These three empires were located in the Middle East and Asia from the 14th century to the 17th century.

6. Ottoman
The Ottoman Empire began when an Islamic warrior by the name of Osman created a great following.

7. The Ottomans used guns and cannons in battle, whereas other cultures were still using bows and arrows or swords. This gave the Ottomans a great advantage.
Swords vs. Guns

8. Defeat of the Byzantine Empire
The Ottomans were able to defeat the Byzantine Empire and take over. The Ottoman Empire became a blending of Islamic religious traditions and Byzantium historical traditions. In other words, it was not a purely Islamic state.

9. Defeat of the Byzantine Empire
The Ottoman Empire grew to control parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. The key city was Istanbul (which was formally called Constantinople).

10. Importance of Istanbul to the Ottoman Empire
Istanbul was important because of its location on the major trade route between Europe and Asia. This was key for moving supplies and trade!

11. Decline of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman leaders felt threatened by their relatives. It was a constant power struggle. Soon, leaders were killing their brothers, and locking their sons up in isolation.

12. Fall of the Ottoman Empire
Without contact from the outside world, sons would not get an education and thereby be incompetent leaders. With a string of dumb or dead leaders, the Ottomans fell.

13. A Shi’ite Muslim dynasty
Safavid Empire
A Shi’ite Muslim dynasty
Cultural blending of Persians, Ottomans, and Arabs

14. Isma’il
Isma’il founded the Empire when he was 12 years old, but he was cruel. He would kill people if they did not convert to Shi’ism.

15. Art
Art was very important…metal work, calligraphy, glasswork, tile work, pottery, miniature paintings, and carpet making

16. Decline of the Safavid Empire
A bad leader started the decline by killing best sons. Then, a cruel leader was killed by his own troops and after that, the empire fell apart.

17. Mughal Empire Located in present- day India.
Leaders were descendants of the Mongols
Arts, literature, and architecture all flourished.

18. Akbar
Akbar- means “Great” and he was a great leader. He was able to conquer a lot of territory, but treated people well. He welcomed the blending of many cultures.

19. Fall of the Mughal Empire
Later leaders were not so good. Eventually, the empire was drained of all its resources and the people were suffering. In addition, potential leaders fought for years over who would be next in line.

20. What about places like Japan? Why didn’t they have guns?
Japan had isolated itself from the rest of the world for a long time. They were going through a civil war. Finally, a strong general united the people of Japan. This started the Tokugawa Shogunate.

21. Tokugawa Shoguns Society
The Tokugawa Shoguns brought prosperity, stability, and isolationism to Japan. Society was very STRUCTURED!

22. 4 Classes of Japanese Society
There were classes of people. “Higher” classes of people had more rights. People COULD NOT change their social status. You could not move up or down classes!
You were stuck!