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Land-Based Empires

Driving Question: How did land-based empires maintain control over such vast regions?

Large land-based empires controlled vast regions of Afro-Eurasia between 1450 and 1750. The empires covered in this lesson used a variety of strategies to rule over diverse peoples. How did they ensure that their subjects obeyed the empire’s rules?

Learning Objectives:

  1. Examine how early modern empires were structured and how they interacted with others through networks of exchange.
  2. Use a graphic biography to support, extend, or challenge the overarching narratives from this period.
  3. Use claim testing to evaluate the use of evidence.
STEP 1

Opener: Land-Based Empires

STEP 2

Gunpowder Empires

Teaching Tools

Want to dig deeper into gunpowder empires? Check out this OER Project topic page.

Gunpowder empires were about more than just the guns for which they were named; they also had powerful management skills.

STEP 3

Ottoman Empire

Teaching Tools

Need a good poster for your classroom? Check out these Claim Testing posters.

The Ottoman Empire spanned three continents. Ruling such a large and diverse territory called for unique strategies. Use the activity and article below to identify major claims about Ottoman rule.

STEP 4

Qing Dynasty China

Teaching Tools

OER Project teachers love empire building! Check out this community conversation External link to see what they’ve done with this activity.

The Ming and Qing dynasties ruled China from 1368 to 1912. China was the wealthiest empire in the world, then it wasn’t, then it was again. These resources will help you chart these rise and falls.

STEP 5

Closer: Land-Based Empires

Early modern empires were massive bureaucracies ruling over millions of people. This activity lets you step into the shoes of one person—the emperor.

Extension Materials
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Use the articles below to extend your exploration of the gunpowder empires, with a deep dive into the Russian and Mughal empires.
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Reviewing for Analysis and Evidence

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The Russian Empire

Meet the Muscovy. From their defeat of the Mongols to the Romanov era Russian Empire, the world of the Muscovy is a fascinating one. In this article, you’ll get to know them socially, culturally, and politically.

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The Mughals

The Mughal Empire produced many goods for trade, but spent a lot of their time trying to keep their people working together. This article and graphic biography will help you understand how they did it.