Cause: Development of new weapons. Effect: More decisive wars and efficient conquests.

Cause: Desire for stability and control. Effect: Isolation of Japan, economic and cultural development.

Cause: Religious differences. Effect: Internal unrest and weakening of empires.

Cause: Exploration and colonization of the Americas. Effect: Widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, and diseases.

Cause: Death of Emperor Aurangzeb. Effect: Eventual decline and takeover by the British East India Company.

Cause: Martin Luther's 95 Theses. Effect: Challenging the Catholic Church's authority and religious conflicts.

Cause: Desire for resources and economic growth. Effect: Increased wealth and power for land-based empires.

Cause: Rise of centralized land-based empires and improved military technology. Effect: More room for land-based empires to expand.

Cause: Social and economic inequality, political unrest. Effect: End of the Russian Empire and establishment of the Soviet Union.

Cause: Internal unrest and social inequality in China. Effect: Weakening of the Qing Dynasty.

Both were Chinese dynasties, but the Qing was founded by the Manchu and experienced territorial expansion and later unrest, while the Ming was known for trade expansion and cultural achievements.

Both were Muslim empires with significant cultural achievements, but the Mughal Empire ruled India while the Ottoman Empire spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Both were pre-Columbian American empires conquered by the Spanish, but the Inca were in South America and known for administration, while the Aztec were in Mesoamerica and known for cultural achievements.

Both were European empires with large territories, but the French Empire was founded by Napoleon while the Russian Empire was expanded by Catherine the Great.

The Tokugawa Shogunate isolated Japan, while the Qing Dynasty expanded territorially. Both sought stability but used different methods.

Land-based empires focused on territorial expansion and administration, while maritime empires focused on overseas territories and trade.

Both were Muslim empires in the Middle East, but the Safavid Empire was Shia while the Ottoman Empire was Sunni.

Both used military conquest to expand, but the Mughals consolidated power in India, while the Ottomans expanded across multiple continents.

The Inca used a sophisticated system of government and administration, while the Aztec had a complex system of government.

Both were known for cultural achievements and centers of learning, but the Songhai Empire was in West Africa while the Mughal Empire was in India.

Marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire as a major power.

Symbolized the consolidation of Inca power and religious authority.

Sparked the Protestant Reformation, challenging the Catholic Church's authority.

Marked the beginning of Sikhism as a distinct religious tradition.

Brought peace and stability to Japan under a military dictatorship, leading to the Edo Period.

Marked the beginning of the last imperial dynasty of China, founded by the Manchu.

Symbolized the power and wealth of the French monarchy under Louis XIV.

Weakened the Mughal Empire, leading to its eventual decline.

Marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beginning of modernization and westernization in Japan.

Marked the end of the French Empire and Napoleon's reign.