Compare And Contrast Land Empires

Emily Wingfield

D Block History

Land Empires Essay Test

There are many different ways in which an empire or country may find success. If done so correctly, the empires can use these different aspects to improve and preserve their empires. The Ottoman Empire and The Shogun Empire of Japan each found success in different ways. The Ottoman Empire was a prominent empire concerning expansion, and Japan was not. They each were centralized and organized, allowing both of them to find success because of this unification. Although they both centralized, correct timing was vital in these attempts at centralization; if not done at the correct time, the attempts would have almost no effect on the success of the empire. Another aspect or policy that

Steady expansion is a very vital aspect of a successful empire because it allows the empires to increase their size and durability, or how long the empire lasts. This steady expansion demonstrates the empire’s power, leading to dominance. If an empire does not expand, this can lead to the decline of that empire. This lack of expansion led to the decline of the Shogun Empire of Japan. Instead of expanding to other areas, the Shogun Empire was closed off their borders. In 1633 traveling abroad was forbidden, and later in 1641, all foreigners were banned from Japan except the Chinese and Dutch. The Shogun Empire was an isolated empire rather than one that expands. Because of this lack of expansion, the empire declined as a result of falling behind Europe in science, technology, and military power. The many years of isolation prevented progress concerning technology, leading to a less successful empire, lasting only 286 years. The Ottoman Empire, however, was very successful concerning steady expansion. Expansion in the Ottoman Empire began when in 1453, under the rule of Mehmed II, the empire succeeded in conquering Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople later became the capital of the Ottoman Empire, renamed Istanbul. After seizing Constantinople the Ottoman Empire entered their Golden Age from 1520-1566. The ruler during this golden age, Suleiman I, led the empire into expanding greatly, which caused the empire to reach its peak. Under Suleiman I, the empire expanded to parts of the Middle East, Northeast Africa, Southeast Europe, and Western Asia (Turkey). Because of this large size, the empire became a powerful threat to Europe, causing the empire to last a remarkable 615 years, all the way up until the beginning of World War I. The 329 year difference between the lengths of the Ottoman Empire and the Shogun Empire demonstrate the importance of expansion, when trying to achieve a strong