The Russian Empire changed the lives of its conquered peoples and the land itself

• Resentment and Resistance: Russian rule often sparked resentment and resistance among conquered populations, leading to uprisings and conflicts.

Impact on the Land:

• Resource Extraction: The Russian Empire's expansion was often driven by the desire to access natural resources, such as furs, timber, and minerals. This could lead to environmental degradation and depletion of resources in conquered territories.
• Infrastructure Development: In some cases, the Russian Empire invested in infrastructure development, such as roads, railways, and cities, to facilitate resource extraction and trade. This could have both positive and negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
• Land Redistribution: The Russian Empire sometimes redistributed land from local populations to Russian settlers or nobles. This could lead to displacement and loss of land for indigenous communities.

2. What were some of the distinct features of the empire established by the Qing Dynasty?

The Qing Dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912, had several distinct features:

• Manchu Rule: The Qing Dynasty was established by the Manchus, a group from Northeast China who overthrew the Ming Dynasty. This marked a period of rule by a minority ethnic group over the Han Chinese majority.  
• Confucianism: The Qing Dynasty maintained Confucianism as the state ideology, emphasizing social hierarchy, filial piety, and respect for authority.  
• Expansion: The Qing Dynasty expanded China's territory significantly, incorporating regions such as Tibet, Xinjiang, and Mongolia.  
• Bureaucracy: The Qing Dynasty maintained a complex bureaucratic system, with civil service exams used to select officials based on merit.  
• Isolationism: In the later part of the dynasty, the Qing adopted a policy of isolationism, limiting contact with foreign powers. This contributed to China's decline in the 19th century.  

3. What were some of the distinct features of the Mughal Empire?

The Mughal Empire, which ruled much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to 19th centuries, had several distinct features:

• Islamic Rule: The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a Muslim ruler of Central Asian descent. This led to a period of Islamic rule over a predominantly Hindu population.  
• Religious Tolerance: While there were periods of religious tension, the Mughal Empire generally practiced religious tolerance, with emperors like Akbar promoting religious harmony.  
• Art and Architecture: The Mughal Empire was known for its impressive art and architecture, including the Taj Mahal and other magnificent structures.  
• Centralized Administration: The Mughal Empire developed a centralized administrative system, with the emperor holding supreme authority.  
• Decline: The Mughal Empire gradually declined in the 18th century, weakened by internal conflicts and the rise of the British East India Company.  

4. What was the significance of the Ottoman Empire in the early modern world?

The Ottoman Empire, which spanned from the 13th to the early 20th centuries, played a significant role in the early modern world:  

• Geopolitical Power: The Ottoman Empire controlled a vast territory that spanned parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This gave it significant geopolitical influence and control over important trade routes.  
• Cultural Exchange: The Ottoman Empire served as a bridge between the East and West, facilitating cultural exchange and the transmission of knowledge.  
• Military Power: The Ottoman Empire had a powerful military, which posed a threat to European powers for centuries.  
• Religious Influence: The Ottoman Empire was a major Islamic power, with the Sultan also claiming the title of Caliph, the leader of the Muslim world.  
• Decline: The Ottoman Empire gradually declined in the 18th and 19th centuries, facing internal challenges and pressure from European powers.
  Its eventual collapse after World War I reshaped the political map of the Middle East.