Empires relied on the increased use of gunpowder, cannons, & armed trade to expand. These land empires included the Qing dynasty (Manchu) in Central & East Asia; the Mughal in South & Central Asia; the Ottoman in Southern Europe, the Middle East, & North Africa; & the Safavids in the Middle East. Each were rivals & used religion & guns to gain, consolidate, & legitimize their power.