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1500
START OF PERIOD
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1502
Safavid Empire: Shah Ismail establishes Safavid Iran
1502-1524
Shah Ismail established Safavid rule and proclaims his realm under Shi’ite rule, this leads to the the chasm between Iran and its neighbors becoming apparent. -
1502
Safavid Empire
1502-1722
The Safavid Empire was the basis for modern day Iran and continues to have a long standing impact on Middle Eastern customs and society. -
1505
Russian Empire: Vasili III
The son of Ivan III, Vasili III became the Grand Prince of Moscow, reigning from 1505-1533, looking to completing his father's goals. -
1516
Ottoman Empire: Selim the "Grim" Conquers Egypt and Syria
Selim the "Grim" began the conquest of lands outside of the Ottoman Empire, his conquest was later continued by his son Suleiman the Great. -
1520
Ottoman Empire: Imperial System Under "Suleiman the Magnificent" at Peak
1520-1566
During the sultan Suleiman's reign, the empire was quickly expanding and was a period of peak imperialism. This served as an important step to the Ottoman empire establishing itself as a formidable opponent. -
1520
Ottoman Empire: Reign of Suleiman the Magnificent
1520-1566
Suleiman the Magnificent was the most important and successful sultan of his time reigning the Ottoman Empire. He led to the expansion of the Ottoman empire in the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean. -
1523
Russian Empire: Muscovite Forms
Vasili III complete his father's goals and unified independent Russian principalities into the Muscovite dynasty. In doing so, the peoples objected his autocratic tendencies. -
1526
Mughal Empire: The First Battle of Panipat
The First Battle of Panipat marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire. Babur was able to defeat the last Muslim sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. -
1529
Ottoman Empire: First Ottoman Siege of Vienna
The Siege of Vienna turned the tide against the Ottomans nearly century's worth of European imperialism. -
1533
Russian Empire: "The Terrible"
Prince Ivan IV (also known as "the Terrible") was named the first tsar of all Russian peoples. During his reign, he was able to conquer a vast amount of lands, to the south and east. He was able to expand the empire through rough conditions; creating a centrally-based government. As he was able to establish a strict ruling, it resulted into a solid central government that allowed the empire to expand further. -
1543
Pre-Tokugawa Japan: Birth of Ieyasu
Strategic alliances and powerful friendships were forged with Nobunga and Hideyoshi, The government is established in Edo, becoming the political center of Japan -
1556
Mughal Empire: Akbar the Great
Humayun has died due to unfortunate circumstances and Akbar the Great (Humayun's son) succeeds the throne. After Humayan's death, their enemy Sur Dynasty attempted to conquer the Mughal Empire. -
1558
Russian Empire: The Livonian War
Russia has engaged in a war with Poland, Lithuania, and Sweden to gain control of great Livonia. However, Russia has unsuccessfully obtained Livonia. -
1561
Pre-Tokugawa Japan: Cowa-Nobunga
Oda Nobunga begins his territorial expansion, joining forces with Ieyasa. This is an important event because Ieyasa is going to supply the forces necessary for Nobunga to unify the Japanese crumbs. -
1566
Mughal Empire: The Divine Faith
Through Akbar's advocation of a multi-religion culture, he created the Divine Faith, incorporating Muslim, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Sikh, and Christian beliefs. He also created an octagonal audience chamber solely for discussions of religious doctrines. -
1568
Pre-Tokugawa Japan: Goodbuddhistbye
Under Nobunga's orders, the Buddhist monastery of Mt. Hiei was destroyed. Nobunga would hunt down all the people involved in that monastery because one of the most important factors of unification is religion, and by eliminating Buddhism, he brings the Japanese empire closer to being a homogeneous society. -
1569
Mughal Empire: Birth of a Mixed Son
Sultan Akbar and a Rajput princess birthed a mixed son, which ensured the future empire to strive for social harmony. Leading the empire onto a Muslim-Hindu ancestry, it created new customs and laws that benefited everyone equally. -
1570
Ottoman Empire: Tobacco Introduced
The introduction of tobacco to the Ottoman Empire led to it becoming an important part of Persian life. -
1571
Ottoman Empire: Ottomans Naval Defeat at Lepanto
The defeat of the Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto signified that they were indeed defeatable. This was the first in a series of events that led to the Ottoman Empire defeat. -
1575
Pre-Tokugawa Japan: The Battle of Nagashino
Nobunga collects firearms from the western world, allowing him to dominate this battle. Combined with his strategic brilliance, with innovations such as stone forts to combat firearms, iron-cladding warships to fortify them, and appointing his specialized warriors based on ability rather than personal connection, he creates a huge impact on Japanese history. -
1578
1578: Completion of Materia Medica
A book containing the use of 18,000 different Chinese medicine and ways of treating disease. Advanced book for its time showed the skill Ming dynasty had in medicine. -
1580
Russian Empire: Siberia Becomes Russia's New World
Although Russia claims to be of greatness, they were unwealthy and landlocked. However, they did have one route open to expansion, Siberia. Thus, the Strogonovs led the exploration into Siberia. The exploration ended in success as they were able to attain a soft, dense fur that their forest animals grew and use their land for criminal and political prisoners. -
1582
Pre-Tokugawa Japan: Nobunga Assassinated (by himself?)
One of the generals in his army lashed out at Nobunga, but it is still unknown whether this was the cause of his death or suicide. Because of this, Hideyoshi, one of Nobunga's trusted advisors, avenges his death by bringing the traitor's decapitated head to Nobunga's grave. -
1582
Russian Empire: The Strogonovs
The Strogonovs were a wealthy Russian trading family that initiated the exploration of Siberia. They were able to destroy the only political power, eventually taking over Siberia and trekking further into Alaska. -
1582
Russian Empire: Baltic Sea
Ivan IV tried to gain control of the Baltic Sea to use against the Livonian Knights, however, the Russians had lost control of the Baltic Sea. -
Tokugawa Japan: Another Day, Another Christian Persecution
At first, Hideyoshi valued trade with the Europeans, often allowing them to come into Japan as a sign of hospitality. Eventually, he feared the Christian influence to be too great on his country and outlawed Christianity and expelled the missionaries. The edict was fairly ineffective, but showed the aggression of Hideyoshi's regime. -
Safavid Empire: Reign of Shah Abbas the Great
1587-1629
Shah Abbas was the most renowned ruler of the Safavid Empire and fostered the illustrious Persian rug trade. -
Tokugawa Japan: Peasants Are Disarmed
Hideyoshi forbids that peasants own any weapons, hoping to stifle any rebellions before they happen. -
Ottoman Empire: Anatolia Devastated by Revolts
1590-1610
The Anatolia revolts signified the internal conflicts between the Ottoman government and the calvarymen; thus further weakening the state and eventually leading to its ultimate demise. -
Joseon Korea: Japanese Invasion
The Japanese attempt to conquer the Korean peninsula, but are repelled by Ming reinforcements.The Japanese eventually give up because they do not gain or lose any land. -
Pre-Tokugawa Japan: Christian Persecution in High Gear
Hideyoshi executes 24 Christians. First, capturing 24 in Kyoto and chopping off their left ears. They were marched through Kyoto while the public audience taunted them. They arrived in Nagasaki and get executed by impalement and are then hung for 80 days. No Christians gave up their religion during this time, making them martyrs for the religion. Ironically, Hideyoshi's actions inspire the Christian communities in Japan. -
Joseon Korea: The Japanese Invade Again
The Japanese capture a few cities, but are eventually forced back. A ten-month stalemate ensues until the death of the Japanese general, resulting in a peace negotiation. -
Russian Empire: Muscovite Dynasty
After long years of ruling (1276-1598), they have participated in events that impacted the “force” of Russia. Some events may include raids, trading, etc., which applied fear into enemies who tried to take over Russia. As people were fearful of Russia, it allowed them to prosper over a longer period of time. -
Safavid Empire: Royal Square Begins Being Built
This is an important marker to Shah Abbas’s focus on the arts and opulence of Safavid society. -
Russian Empire: The "Time of Troubles"
This era (1598-1613) marks the end of the older line of Muscovite rulers. The last Russian tsar, Feodor Ivanovich died (1598) while the Romanov Dynasty was established (1613). More events preceded, resulting in the instability of Russia's empire. -
Russian Empire: First Non-Rurikid Tsar
Boris Godunov was elected the first non-rurikid tsar, reigning from 1598-1605. It was after Godunov's reign did Russia enter into the era of the "Time of Troubles" -
Mughal Empire: Akbar's Eldest Son
Since Akbar's oldest son, Jahangir's is the declared successor, he leads a rebellion against Akbar while he is busy away with a foreign military campaign. -
Ottoman Empire: Little Ice Age
The Little Ice Age was a climatic event, it exacerbated the Ottoman Empire's resources and made the strain between the calvarymen and the government even worse, leading to the Anatolian revolts. -
Russian Empire: The Worst Famine of Russia
During the "Time of Troubles", Russia witnessed the worst famine they experienced. The famine had wiped out almost 1/3 of their population (2 million people). This famine led to the intentions of overthrowing their tsar, Boris Godunov. -
Tokugawa Japan: Ieyasu, the Savior
Ieyasu subdues the barbaric vie for power and unifies Japan, becoming the first Shogun. This is important because it marks the beginning of the Japanese Shogunate. -
Ottoman Empire: Ottoman Safavid War
1603-1618
This war between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires led to the Ottomans losing the lands they received through the Ferhat Pasha Treaty. -
Mughal Empire: Jahangir Succeeds
Through the immense support of the harem women, Jahangir was able to successfully conquer the throne. His sons tried to rebel against him so he killed them off along with his supporters. Through his reign, he was addicted to alcohol and opium, neglecting his priorities of a ruler. -
Tokugawa Japan: Missionary Expulsion
Threatened by the spread of Christian ideas, Ieyasa expels all of the Portuguese and Spanish missionaries, isolating Japan further. -
Tokugawa Japan: Dutch Factories
The Dutch East India company sends merchants to Japan, and upon obtaining a license, they are allowed to trade with the Japanese. A Dutch trading house is set up in Hirado. This is important because people are allowed to trade with Europeans indirectly. -
Mughal Empire: The First Warehouse
The first warehouse was established on the western coast of India, Surat. The warehouse was used to store and protect Indian goods and valubales. -
Russian Empire: Romanov Dynasty
Due to the "Time of Troubles", Russian aristocracy had to allow Mikhail Romanov to establish the Romanov Dynasty. The Romanov Dynasty was able to successfully compete with neighboring powers,. -
Tokugawa Japan: Fall of Osaka Castle
The Tokugawa armies plow through the barricades and burn the Osaka castle to the ground. This ends the Toyotimi rule in Japan. -
Mughal Empire: Death of Emperor Jahangir
After a trip with a goal of restoring his health, Jahangir decided to return back to Lahore in the midst of a sever cold. However, he never made it back. After his death, he was succeeded by Shah Jahan, his son. -
Joseon Korea: Jin Invasion
After sending troops to the Ming dynasty, the enemies, the Jin, attack the Joseon dynasty, attempting to gain resources from the Koreans. This event is important because the Koreans were severely weakened by this event. -
Safavid Empire: Shah Abbas Death
The death of Shah Abbas marked the decline of the Safavid overland trade, which ultimately led to the decline of the empire. -
Mughal Empire: Religious Intolerance?
Shah Jahan, the fifth emperor of Mughal ordered to annihilate the Hindu temples, disrupting the long-standing record of religious tolerance. This event impacted the empire as he was known for being one of the greatest benefactors to their architecture, although he did destroy buildings; he was able to use the open land to build new architecture that still stands today. -
Tokugawa Japan: Oversea Travel Ban
Iemitsu forbids foreign ships from entering Japan anywhere except Nagasaki harbor. This is extremely restrictive as many ships had to sail around instead of getting a direct path to Japan. -
Tokugawa Japan: Sealing the Japanese
All sea certifications were revoked. Japanese seamen were forbidden from leaving the country as well as working on foreign ships. This is important because it limits the amount of communication between Japan and the European world. -
Joseon Korea: Qing Invasion
The Qing dynasty begins to make a formal invasion on Korea, officially severing the relationship between Joseon Korea and the Ming dynasty. This is important because these countries have been allied for a long time. -
1639 : Ming Switches Currency from Paper Money to Silver Coins
instability of paper currency led it to be replaced by coins from Spain and Japan. A drop of imports spurred a crises and left dynasty reeling. -
1639: Rise of the Quin Dynasty
The Hung Tajiki renamed his people the Manchus and declared himself the emperor of a new Qing dynasty. Leading to an open rebellion with the Ming Dynasty. -
Tokugawa Japan: Isolation of the Shogunate
The shogunate ban Christianity, oversea travel, and Portuguese ships by this time. They allow the Dutch in the lands because they never tried to spread Christianity. The Dutch team up with the Chinese to trade with the Japanese. This is important because the only source of European information comes from these two sources. -
1642: Ming Army Floods Kaifeng
To prevent li zincheng from taking over the Ming Flood Kaifeng from water from the Yellow River. Almost 600,000 residents are killed. Leading to anger from citizens of Ming Dynasty and growing tension. -
1644 : The Ming Dynasty Ended
Peasant rebellion due to the rise of taxes by the government led the people to rebel and the Quin dynasty started. -
1644: The Great Wall of China is completed
The wall of china had been under construction since the Ming started their dynasty in the 1300's and it ended before their reign it was a big point of attack by the Quin. -
1644: Emperor Chongzhen Commits Suicide
He was the last Ming emperor committed suicide once his forces were overtaken and ended the Ming dynasty completely -
Russian Empire: From Peasants to Serfs
During the long periods of warfare, the peasants were able to escape to the Cossacks or into Siberia. Due to the large amounts that ran away, a law change occurred. Peasants were transformed into serfs who were legally bounded to a landowner and forced to complete specific tasks. -
1650: Shunzhi Took Over Qing
This emperor was able to establish Qing's rule over the entire Chinese empire after the defeat of the Ming making it a powerful empire. -
1650 : Marriage Aliance
After the Second Manchu invasion of Korea, Joseon Korea was forced to give several of their royal princesses as concubines to the Qing Manchu regent Prince Dorgon -
Mughal Empire: Akbar's Great-Grandson
Aurangzeb, who reigned from 1658-1707, reinstituted restrictions on Hindus. He disagreed with Akbar's ways as they were actions that goes against the way of Islamic life. Thus, Aurangzeb created a book that listed out the specific laws and restrictions of the Islamic life to make it easier for the people to follow. He was considered the last of the great Mughal emperors. -
1661-1722: Emperor Kangxi Improves Empire
Solidified rule of Qing dynasty and made improvements such as stabilizing flow of yellow river which eliminated flooding and repairing grand canal wich facilitated transport from south to North -
Tokugawa Japan: The Renaissance
Although opulence and over-the-top demonstrations are prohibited, a lot of time was actually spent at theaters and libraries (and brothels [nice]). Arts begin to flourish. This is important because it signifies that Japan is prospering. -
Russian Empire: Western European Societies
Peter the Great initiated an infiltration into western European societies to find out how they were able to keep an effective ruling. He specifically paid attention to the navy-military, and focused on expanding and reforming the empire. The expansions and reformations led to a successful win during the Great Northern War. -
Russian Empire: Great Northern War
From the 1700-1721, the Great Northern War was occurring. As the Russians had a more advanced military, they were able to take over the Swedish's control of the Baltic Sea. This resulted into European recognition that Russia was a major power. -
1700: Flaws of Chinese Government
Qing Dynasty Began to decline due to the corruption of some government officials. This lead to dishonesty in Chinese bureaucracy and mistrust -
Tokugawa Japan: 47 Ronin
An argument caused a daimyo to attack a Japanese official, resulting in a death by suicide punishment. In return, the Ronin that were with the daimyo decapitate the official and parade him through the streets. Although the Ronin had obeyed their code, they had violated Japanese law. -
Russian Empire: St. Petersburg
The city of St. Petersburg was captured by Peter the Great and it became Russia's capital in 1712. As this was during the time of Russia's Reformation, he ordered to build eloquent and sophisticated houses and public buildings in the baroque style. -
Tokugawa Japan: The Plot Thinnens
The Dutch grow quite angry with the Japanese, who, in response, lift the ban on imported books. This is important because it allows a lot of outside information to be let in to Japan for the first time in over 70 years. -
Russian Empire: Complete Autocracy
Peter the Great issued a proclamation that stated "[the tsar] is not obliged to answer to anyone in the world for his doings, but possesses power and authority over his kingdom and land, to rule them at his will and pleasure as a Christian ruler". As this idea spread, he was able to rule with a complete autocracy, cutting out traditional roles like boyars. -
Tokugawa Japan: Yoshimune becomes Shogunate
Yoshimune attempts to break the conventions of the Japanese, supporting scientific experimentation and getting along with the public. He was known for mingling with the common people. -
Ottoman Empire: Tulip Period
1718-1730
Ottomans influenced highly by Europeans, specifically tulips and this gave way to a conservative Janissary revolt based around religion. -
Ottoman Empire: Treaty of Passarowitz
This treaty was signed between the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungary, and Venice. -
Safavid Empire: Safavid Empire Demise
The Safavid Empire had grown so weak from inner turmoil and lack of government, it was eventually invaded and destroyed by Afghan invaders. -
1722: Kangxi Becomes Emperor
He takes over after his father at the age of 7. He reigns for 61 years and evolves painting, porcelain making and literature. Allowing for there to be so much culture of that time still in China today. -
1722: Yongzheng rules
When Kangxi dies in 1722, his son Yongzheng takes the throne. He encourages learning, and even has a 10,000 chapter encyclopedia printed. -
1723: Yongzheng Emperor
marked the height of Qing power. During this period, the Qing Empire ruled over 13 million square kilometers of territory. -
1724: Qing Bans Christianity
Qing started to feel threatened by Christian missionaries because it felt its culture was being threatened and so it lead to the ban on Christianity. -
Ottoman Empire: Janissary Revolt
The Janissary revolts following the Tulip Period also symbolised the internal weakness among the Ottomans. The lower class Janissaries and the upper class revelers in the Tulip Period opulence were at odds which led to an extremely weakened state. -
Mughal Empire: Sultan's Powerful Vizier
Nizam al-Mulk established his own independent state at Hyderabad when he claimed that the Mughal's central government was falling. Other nawabs followed in his footsteps, leading to an increase in establishments of independent kingdoms. -
1736: Qianlong Improves the Empire
The empire is at its peak of increasing wealth through foreign trade. Rice production increase and as so china also becomes wealthier and needed in trade. -
Mughal Empire: "Peacock Throne"
A warlord named Nadir Shah invaded the empire and seized the peacock throne, which was a symbol of Mughal grandeur. -
Ottoman Empire: The Treaty of Belgrade
This treaty was signed between the Ottoman Turks and the Habsburgs that ended the Austro-Hungarian War. -
1735-1796: Qianlong ruled China
His rule was prosperous and saw the population of the empire grow to almost 300 millions well as add both Xianjiang and Tibet as provinces. -
1757: Closed Door Policy
Limit spread of Christianity. Guangzhou becomes the only trading port in china and merchants were not allowed to land in china soil and required to be under supervision. Created tension between china and western world. -
Mughal Empire: Amidst a Crumbling Empire
Emperor Shah Alam II was ruling amidst a crumbling empire. During his reign, he was working on restoring and glorifying the empire. However, he was able to receive help with an alliance with the Durrani Empire. -
Russian Empire: Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great was Russia's longest female ruling, reigning from 1762 until her death in 1796. During her reign, she was able to lead Russia into modernizing and expanding its territories. -
Ottoman Empire: Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca
This treaty ended the Russo-Turk War between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Turks, a war in which the Ottomans lost. -
Tokugawa Japan: Famine
A famine hits the Japanese population, with a death toll in the hundred thousands. Damaged crops, cold winds, and flooding destroy agricultural developments. The high taxes that were implemented left most farmers without any surplus, leaving them devastated when this famine hit. This results in cannibalism, dog and cat eating, and even foraging. -
Tokugawa Japan: Them
The Americans and Russians land on Japanese shores. The Americans camouflaged themselves to avoid conflicts with the Japanese. The Russians raided communities when their trade proposals were rejected. -
1793: Trade Problems
China wants their silks, tea etc. to be paid in silver not other foreign goods. this leads France and England to start the opium addiction of china. -
Russian Empire: Expansion of Russia
After Catherine the Great's reign was over, Russia was able to expand all the way towards northern and northeastern Eurasia. -
1796: Problems in Qing
China also began suffering from mounting overpopulation during this period. Population growth was stagnant for the first half of the 17th century due to civil wars and epidemics -
END OF PERIOD
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1800: Opium Addiction
China began opening its doors to trade in western world due to its fast addiction of opium Britain controlled china trade routes.