AP World History Modern Essential Vocabulary - Period 2

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Gunpowder empire

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Large, multiethnic states in Eurasia that relied on firearms to conquer and control territories.

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Bureaucratic elites

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People who carry out the organizational functioning of a hierarchical government of non-elected officials.

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Devshirme

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A selection system that recruited Christian boys to forcefully serve in the Ottoman government. Boys ages 8 to 20 were taken each year from conquered Christian territories in Europe. The highest ranking elite military members were called Janissaries.

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Legitimize

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Actions made by a ruler to validate their power and authority to their subjects, often promoted through religion, art and architecture.

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Tribute system

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Goods given as a sign of respect, submission, or allegiance to a powerful state.

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Tax farming

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A system where the right to collect taxes is in the hands of local officials (who often gained the position through an auction). This was a practice in the Ottoman Empire, but a similar system also existed in the Mughal Empire.

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Protestant Reformation

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Protests against the Catholic Church’s corruption and demanded reform, leading to the formation of Protestantism. Led by Martin Luther.

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Counter Reformation

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Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation in order to revive their reputation and popularity.

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Sunni-Shi’a Divide

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The division of the two main branches of Islam that began after the death of Muhammad in the 7th century. The disagreement stems from who each group believed should be the successor of Muhammad.

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Sikhism

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Late 15th century syncretic religion that developed in South Asia combining elements of Hindu and Muslim beliefs.