A lot of this topic has been spread out throughout other parts of our lessons in class, but take the time to make sure you understand it. Social hierarchies began to evolve as a result of increased diversity

Historical Developments in Unit 4.7 Changing Social Hierarchies

• Many states, such as the Mughal and Ottoman empires, adopted practices to accommodate the ethnic and religious diversity of their subjects or to utilize the economic, political, and military contributions of different ethnic or religious groups. In other cases, states suppressed diversity or limited certain groups' roles in society, politics, or the economy.

• Imperial conquests and widening global economic opportunities contributed to the formation of new political and economic elites, including in China with the transition to the Qing Dynasty and the Americas with the rise of the Casta system.

• The power of existing political and economic elites fluctuated as the elites confronted new challenges to their ability to affect the policies of the increasingly powerful monarchs and leaders.

Maps & Visuals 4.7

Additional Resources 4.7