The years 1450 to 1800 were a time of great significance for both maritime nations and gunpowder empires. Both at one point were successful world powers achieving many personal improvements/benefits. The Spanish and the Ottomans, for example, built two thriving empires based on different principles and are an example of how empires grow successfully over time. While the Ottomans were taking control of Europe, the Spanish were conquering the New World, and each empire had different tactics that ensured their success; for example, the Ottoman Empire promoted religious tolerance, whereas the Spanish Empire did not. However some of their tactics were very similar, for example both empires expanded their influence and dominance through the use of their military. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The empire-building methods of the Spanish and Ottoman Empires differed in that the Spanish conquered overseas lands in the New World while the Ottomans conquered lands in the Old World. Thanks to advances in maritime technology, Spain was able to travel to the New World and colonize it, instead of challenging the Ottoman Empire in Europe and the rest of the Old World. The theme of expansion and exploration is amply demonstrated by the fact that both empires control different areas of the globe. Another difference between the empire-building methods of the Spanish and the Ottomans was their views on the acceptance of religion. Unlike the Ottomans, the Spanish were not tolerant of different religions. The Spanish conquered the Americas with the intent of converting the natives to Christians, and if they refused, they would be killed. Although the Ottomans promoted their religion, Islam, people of different religions were not persecuted. In fact, the Ottomans created millets, small groups of people with the same religious vision. The theme of religious beliefs is amply demonstrated by both empires showing how empires can be strict or unlimited towards religious freedom. One similarity between the Spanish and Ottoman empire-building methods was their use of the military to expand their influence and dominance. The Ottomans used their Janissaries and their army of trained foreigners, under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, to extend the borders of the Ottoman Empire as far as Persia and Egypt. They continued to expand their borders by controlling trade routes to help their economy and also to spread Islam. Similar to the Ottomans, the Spanish used their military to enrich their trade and promote their Christian religion. Their navy, the Spanish Armada, was very skilled. The Spanish sent conquistadors to colonize the Americas for Spain. The theme of power is amply demonstrated by both empires, showing that the stronger an empire's military, the greater the chance that an empire can influence others and expand its dominion. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Spanish and the Ottoman Empire had similar but different ideas when they built their empire. Different is how the Spanish Empire conquered lands in the New World while the Ottomans conquered lands in the Old World and how the Ottoman Empire promoted religious tolerance while the Spanish did not. Similar in fact that both empires have.