Ethnic Identities 1450 to 1750
AP World History: Modern · Learn by Concept
Help Questions
AP World History: Modern › Ethnic Identities 1450 to 1750
What were Janissaries in the Ottoman Empire?
Christian soldiers in the Ottoman army
Districts ruled by a governor who owed allegiance only to the Sultan
Protected communities of non-Muslim citizens
Islamic fundamentalist rebel groups
Interpreters of Islamic law who codified the legal system
Explanation
Janissaries were soldiers in the Ottoman Empire who had once been Christians, prior to their enslavement and forced service in the Ottoman army. Janissaries were an important component of the Ottoman armed forces and a significant component of Ottoman society.
The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella was instrumental in the formation of which of these nations?
Spain
Portugal
Italy
France
Germany
Explanation
In the fifteenth century, Spain was not a unified country and was instead divided into a few different kingdoms. With the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, the unification of Spain was effectively complete. Their marriage marked the emergence of Spain as a colonial and global power.