Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Buddhism

Hinduism

Islam

Sikhism

The empire could become more democratic due to western influences.

It might face significant rebellion from Han Chinese leading to early collapse.

The Qing Dynasty might extend its rule through greater parts of Asia, promoting its indigenous Manchu culture.

Buddhism could resurface as a dominant philosophy in the political structure.

The Russian Empire

The Spanish Empire

The Mughal Empire

The Ottoman Empire

France

Spain

England

Portugal

Creation of hybrid religions that merge principles from multiple faiths.

A return to traditional, pre-empire religious practices in most societies.

Complete secularization with religion losing its social and political influence entirely.

Establishment of a single world religion adopted by all major states.

Religious divisions prompted by Orthodox exclusivism catalyzed broad-based republican movements undermining monarchical control.

Ivan used religious symbolism tied to Orthodoxy to legitimize his absolute power by presenting himself as God's chosen ruler.

Ivan adopted iconoclastic policies inspired by Eastern Orthodoxy resulting in widespread destruction of sacred art and deepening socio-political rifts.

Orthodoxy necessitated democratic councils known as Zemsky Sobors which significantly reduced tsarist authority by allowing peasant participation.

encomienda system

Mandate of Heaven

feudalism

peasant uprisings

Women achieved unprecedented levels of leadership and government due to Confucius' teachings of respect and harmony for all persons.

Despite strong patriarchal leanings, Confucian texts and legal reforms of the Ming era ultimately resulted in greater legal rights and protection for women in society at large.

Confucian values emphasized patriarchal hierarchy and filial piety, which further entrenched male dominance within family and society.

The influence of Confucian thought was minimal, and gender dynamics largely continued patterns established prior to the Ming dynasty without significant change.

Religious institutions primarily functioned as democratic bodies that limited monarchical power through popular elections.

Secular governments emerged which completely separated religion from political matters in administrative decisions.

Religion was often used to legitimize rulers' authority through divine right or similar constructs.

Religions uniformly promoted egalitarian structures that diminished hierarchical governance models in empires worldwide.

Absolute reliance on local tribal laws and customs for governance

Creation of legal codes that applied uniformly to all subjects

Encouragement of autonomous city states within the empire's borders

Establishment of trade networks that operated outside state intervention