Empires: BELIEF SYSTEMS [AP World History Review—Unit 3 Topic 3]

Summary

This script explores the impact of belief systems on empires, focusing on Christianity and Islam during 1450-1750. It discusses the Protestant Reformation, triggered by Martin Luther's 95 theses, and the Catholic Church's response, the Counter-Reformation. It also covers the Sunni-Shia split's influence on the Ottoman and Safavid empires and the emergence of new belief systems in South Asia, like Bhakti and Sikhism, which blended elements of Islam and Hinduism.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Belief systems can significantly impact the stability and expansion of empires.
• 🏰 Christianity has been the dominant belief system in Europe since the 4th century, acting as a cultural glue among Europeans.
• ⛪️ The 11th-century split in Christianity led to the formation of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
• 💸 The Catholic Church's sale of indulgences and other corrupt practices led to a crisis of confidence among the people.
• 📜 Martin Luther's 95 Theses criticized these corrupt practices and sparked the Protestant Reformation.
• 🔄 The Protestant Reformation was significantly aided by the invention of the printing press, which spread Luther's writings widely.
• 🕍 The Catholic Church responded with its own reforms known as the Catholic Reformation or Counter-Reformation.
• 🔗 The religious division in Christianity intensified political divisions, leading to a series of religious wars in Europe.
• 🕋 In the Middle East, the Ottoman and Safavid Empires represented the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam, respectively, and were in conflict.
• 🕉 In South Asia, the Bhakti movement and the rise of Sikhism attempted to bridge the gap between Islam and Hinduism.
• 🌟 Sikhism emerged as a new belief system that blended elements of both Islam and Hinduism, discarding practices like the caste system.

Q & A

What was the role of belief systems in the expansion and maintenance of land-based empires from 1450 to 1750?

Belief systems, or religions, both supported and challenged imperial power during the expansion and maintenance of land-based empires from 1450 to 1750. They served as a shared cultural glue among people and could either hold empires together or break them apart.

When did Christianity become the dominant belief system in Europe?

Christianity became the dominant belief system in Europe since the 4th century.

What caused the major split in the Christian church in the 11th century?

The major split in the Christian church in the 11th century was caused by disagreements over doctrines, which led to the creation of two branches: the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

What was the significance of the sale of indulgences in the Catholic Church around 1500?

The sale of indulgences was significant because it allowed people to purchase slips of paper promising the forgiveness of sins or reduced time in purgatory. This practice, along with other corrupt practices, led to a decline in people's confidence in the church.

Who was Martin Luther and what did he become famous for?

Martin Luther was a Catholic monk who became famous for his criticism of the corrupt practices and doctrines in the Catholic Church. He wrote a series of complaints known as the 95 Theses, which he nailed to the church door in Wittenberg.

How did the printing press contribute to the Protestant Reformation?

The printing press enabled Luther's writings, including his 95 Theses, to spread quickly throughout Europe, which helped to create a significant stir and contributed to the Protestant Reformation.

What was the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation known as?

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation was known as the Catholic Reformation or the Counter-Reformation. It involved a series of meetings called the Council of Trent, where they addressed some corrupt practices and reaffirmed their ancient doctrines.

How did the religious division between Catholics and Protestants affect state power in Europe?

The religious division between Catholics and Protestants often intensified political division, leading to a series of religious wars in Europe until 1648.

What was the main difference between the Shia and Sunni branches of Islam?

The main difference between Shia and Sunni branches of Islam is their belief about the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims believe it had to be a blood relative, while Sunni Muslims believe it could be anyone who was spiritually qualified.

How did the political rivalry between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires affect the Shia-Sunni split?

The political rivalry between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires intensified the Shia-Sunni split because both empires wanted to claim territory for their own, with the Ottomans being Sunni and the Safavids being Shia.

What were the two belief systems that emerged in South Asia to bridge the gap between Islam and Hinduism?

The two belief systems that emerged in South Asia to bridge the gap between Islam and Hinduism were the Bhakti movement and Sikhism. The Bhakti movement emphasized mystical experience in Hinduism, while Sikhism blended elements of both Islam and Hinduism.

What were some of the key differences between Sikhism and traditional Hinduism?

Sikhism discarded some distinctions found in traditional Hinduism, such as the caste system and gender hierarchies, while maintaining significant doctrines of both belief systems, like a belief in one God and the cycle of death and reincarnation.