Decline of Gunpowder Empires

The Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals were powerful, thriving Muslim empires in the 14th Century - the question is, what resulted in their decline? Numerous factors came together to bring them down, most of which were results and consequences of the Empires' own actions. One reason was because of power struggles between the children of the rulers, or dealing with heirs. After a period of fluorishing success for the empire, the time for the ruler who made this possible would eventually come to an end. As a result, rivals would begin fighting over the throne, neglecting the needs of the empire, and eventually, causing its stagnation. Another common reason which signficantly contributed to the decline of these gunpowder empires were peasant rebellions. These empires were based on Islam; therefore, non-Islamic people were often taxed. Overtaxation tired and angered peasants, which resulted in a rebellion against the supreme authority. The constant swarm of forces against the government would weaken the empire, and cause its decline.