Compare and contrast the three main Islamic dynasties (Ottoman, Safavids, and the Mughals) that emerged after the bubonic plague.

The bubonic plague devastated Europe and Asia.  Millions of people died throughout a period of several centuries.  The widespread reach of this disease caused political instability.  Out of this instability, new dynasties and empires emerged.  These included the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires.

The Ottoman Empire expanded from Turkey in the name of Islam, particularly targeting the Byzantine Christian state.  They conquered towns and cities and their empire grew.  Their conquered region reached all the...

The bubonic plague devastated Europe and Asia.  Millions of people died throughout a period of several centuries.  The widespread reach of this disease caused political instability.  Out of this instability, new dynasties and empires emerged.  These included the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires.

The Ottoman Empire expanded from Turkey in the name of Islam, particularly targeting the Byzantine Christian state.  They conquered towns and cities and their empire grew.  Their conquered region reached all the way to what is now Eastern Europe.  They established rules for the running of government and society in the places they conquered.  The Ottomans wanted to acquire land and riches.  They seized control of many important trade routes, giving them an economic advantage.  They were the strongest and longest lasting Empire of the three.  While they wanted to spread Islam, they did allow some of their conquered peoples to continue to practice their own religions.

The Safavid Dynasty were a Persian Islamic group.  They were Shiite Muslims, while the Ottoman sultans were Sunnis.  Realizing that his army was weak, leader "Abbās made peace with the Ottomans on unfavourable terms."  With assistance, Abbās was able to reform his military to make them stronger.  He created and maintained an "efficient administrative system."  As the Ottomans did, they tolerated Christians.  They even allowed missions and churches to be built in the areas controlled by the Safavid Dynasty.  

The Mughals came from northern India.  They were Muslims who wanted to unify the Hindus and Muslims in India.  Leader Akbar helped to establish an empire that would last for almost two hundred years.  He created "political, administrative, and military structures."  The Mughals were both Sunni and Shiite Muslims.  The majority of them were Sunni.  They were not nearly as tolerant of other religions as the Safavids and Ottomans were.

All three dynasties expanded and grew their empires.  They all established administrative systems and spread the Muslim religion.  They used their armies to expand and conquer.  They all established long lasting empires.

The Ottomans and Safavids were somewhat tolerant of other religions besides Islam.  The Mughals were not tolerant.  The Mughals and Ottomans were primarily Sunni Muslims, while the Safavids were Shiites.  The Mughals and Safavids each stayed in one primary area, while the Ottomans expanded over a vast region.