Empires in the non-Western World
So far, you have learned a bit about the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East, the Mughal Empire in India, and the Qing Empire in China. These three empires were the most successful non-Western empires in early modern period and all ruled over vast territories with multiethnic populations. Yet, by the end of the 1700s all of these empires were in decline due to internal problems.
In this journal assignment I want you to attempt to compare and contrast the Ottoman, Mughal, and Qing Empires drawing on information in Patterns of World History. What were the biggest challenges the rulers of the three empires faced in ruling over their realms and how did each of the three empires seek to overcome these challenges? Based on your examination of the three empires, can we draw any general conclusions about what is required to create a successful empire in the early modern world?
The journal must be a minimum of 300 words. Since the question I pose to you is a broad one and truly comprehensive answer could easily turn into a lengthy research paper, I do not require you to deal with every aspect of the Ottoman, Mughal, or Qing empires. Instead,
I want you to focus on identifying one or two key challenges that empires face in ruling over their territories and peoples, compare the ways each empire sought to overcome these challenges, and see if your examination reveals any larger truths about the nature of empires. The journal entry should be focused and should demonstrate a familiarity with the material in Patterns of World History.