AP WORLD / STUDY ROOM
← Unit 3: Land-Based Empires
Topic 3.3 · c. 1450–1750

Empires: Belief Systems

States used religious traditions to support rule, but different beliefs could also lead to conflict or accommodation.

Topic 3.3 / Review

The big picture

What to know

States used religious traditions to support rule, but different beliefs could also lead to conflict or accommodation.

Example 1Ottoman Sunni Islam

Ottoman rulers supported Sunni Islam as part of imperial legitimacy.

Example 2Safavid Shi'a Islam

Safavid promotion of Shi'a Islam distinguished their state from Sunni neighbors.

Example 3Akbar

Akbar pursued policies of religious accommodation in the Mughal Empire.

Try it yourself

Check your understanding

01 / Multiple choice · 3 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears below it.

Question 01

Which example fits this clue? Ottoman rulers supported Sunni Islam as part of imperial legitimacy.

Question 02

Which example fits this clue? Safavid promotion of Shi'a Islam distinguished their state from Sunni neighbors.

Question 03

Which example fits this clue? This example pursued policies of religious accommodation in the Mughal Empire.

02 / Write with evidence

Write a short response

How did belief systems strengthen or challenge imperial power?

  1. Make a claim that answers the question.
  2. Use two examples from the review.
  3. Explain how the examples support your claim.
See a model response

States used religious traditions to support rule, but different beliefs could also lead to conflict or accommodation. Ottoman rulers supported Sunni Islam as part of imperial legitimacy. Safavid promotion of Shi'a Islam distinguished their state from Sunni neighbors.

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Ottoman Sunni Islam

Ottoman rulers supported Sunni Islam as part of imperial legitimacy.

Safavid Shi'a Islam

Safavid promotion of Shi'a Islam distinguished their state from Sunni neighbors.

Akbar

Akbar pursued policies of religious accommodation in the Mughal Empire.

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