Topic 3.2 Illustrative Examples

Ottoman Use of Devshirme

Captured Christian boys were brought into the military and caused expansion, as well as growth in numbers. They were brought up to be loyal and obedient, as the Ottomans use of devshirme.

European Palaces, such as Versailles

Leaders, such as Louis XIV, had used buildings and have had structures built, in order to legitimize their power. These European pieces of architecture lead the townspeople to witness the power that the ruler had, including nobles.

Mexica Tribute Lists

Mexica tribute lists consisted of different conquered religions that had to pay different fees or tributes, in order to fuel the empire that it was in.

Salaried Samurai

Salaried samurai were bought by a powerful landowner, who relied upon them for defense and contracted them out for the defense of Japan or in other conflicts. They were loyal to Daiyomo, and caused unification of Japan, and enabled conquering surrounding areas.

Ming Practice of Collecting Taxes in Hard Currency

Taxes were collected in hard currency, in which land taxes were more common, due to taxing amongst the people in government who were higher up. Eventually, lavish spending led to bankruptcy among both the empire and government.

European Use of Divine Right

The European use of divine right gave the king much power to rule, since he is believed to be divine and sent/chosen by the god/gods/goddesses. This was used to rule over without any objections or limits, and helped legitimize power.

Incan Sun Temple in Cuzco

The Incan Sun Temple can be found in Cuzco, as it was created by the Incan Empire of the Americas. This was a religious temple for the people, and were built by Incan leaders, in order to legitimize power over the people, as well as within the government.

Mughal Mausolea and Mosques

The Mughal Mausolea, as well as their mosques were built to establish and legitimize power among the leaders. These structures were specifically made architecture, Taj Mahal, and displayed the capabilities as shown by the ruler.

Mughal Zamindar Tax Collection

The Mughal Zamindar Tax Collection brought the ways of a centralized government. Their taxes brought in more money, leading to new commodities and helping with building, as well as keeping the empire out of debt.

Ottoman Tax Farming

The Ottoman tax farming had led to the increased money supply, which went into the funds of the military. The Ottomans put money toward large armies and centralized government, however, led to corruption amongst tax farmers. (Large army led to the decline of the empire.)

Songhai Empire Promotion of Islam

The Songhai Empire had promoted Islam, in order to legitimize their power. In addition to promoting unity, Askia had made Islam the universal/religion of the empire, promoting unity among the empire's people.

Mexica Practices of Human Sacrifice

The human sacrifice practice established power to the user, who showed that they had high position in order to sacrifice. It helped rulers/people legitimize their so called power.

Qing Imperial Portraits

These Qing imperial portraits were used by emperors, to show power and legitimize their rule over an empire. They dressed up in lavish robes and sat in decorated thrones.