Similar empires in 1450 - 1750 to the way china ruled in 17th and 18th century
There were several empires in the 1450-1750 period that had similar characteristics to the way China ruled in the 17th and 18th centuries. These similarities include centralized government, strong bureaucracies, cultural homogeneity, and a focus on trade and economic development.
1. Ottoman Empire (1299-1922): The Ottoman Empire, centered in modern-day Turkey, had a highly centralized government under the sultan. It had a powerful bureaucracy and a system of provincial governors that ensured the empire's control over its vast territories. Like China, the Ottoman Empire had a culturally homogenous society and a focus on trade, particularly in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
2. Mughal Empire (1526-1857): The Mughal Empire, based in the Indian subcontinent, also had a centralized government under the emperor. It had a complex bureaucracy and a well-organized administration that governed the vast territories of the empire. The Mughals had cultural and religious diversity within their empire, but they maintained a degree of cultural and political homogeneity. Similar to China, the Mughal Empire was involved in extensive trade, particularly in luxury goods and textiles.
3. Safavid Empire (1501-1736): The Safavid Empire, located in present-day Iran, had a highly centralized government under the shah, who ruled as both a political and religious authority. It had a well-developed bureaucracy and an efficient administration that controlled the empire's territories. The Safavids, like China, imposed a degree of cultural homogeneity, particularly through the establishment of Shia Islam as the state religion. The empire also engaged in trade, especially in luxury goods and textiles.
4. Russian Empire (1721-1917): The Russian Empire, under the rule of the Romanov dynasty, gradually centralized power during the 17th and 18th centuries. It had a strong bureaucracy and a highly centralized government under the tsar. The Russian Empire, like China, aimed to assimilate diverse ethnic groups into a unified cultural and political framework. Additionally, Russia expanded its trade networks during this period, particularly in furs and other natural resources.
These empires had similarities to the way China ruled in the 17th and 18th centuries due to their centralized governance, strong bureaucracies, cultural homogeneity policies, and engagement in trade and economic development. However, each empire also had its own unique characteristics and historical contexts.