European Exploration and Global Historical Events

Three G's

Gold, God, & Glory: Motivations for European exploration; 'Gold' symbolizes wealth and resources, 'God' represents the desire to spread Christianity, and 'Glory' reflects national and personal ambition (adventure and curiosity).

Christopher Columbus/Taino

Columbus's 1492 voyage marked European contact with the Americas. The Taino, the first Indigenous people he encountered, faced enslavement, disease, and exploitation.

Columbian Exchange/Smallpox

The global transfer of goods, crops, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds. Smallpox decimated Indigenous populations, reshaping societies.

European intrusion into Africa/Imperialism

The forceful takeover of African territories by European powers for resources and strategic dominance, often involving exploitation.

Scramble for Africa/Berlin Conference

A period of rapid colonization of Africa (1880s-1900s), formalized by the Berlin Conference (1884-85), where European powers divided Africa without considering Indigenous perspectives.

Colonization

The establishment of control over a foreign land and its people by a powerful country.

Opium War

Conflicts (1839-42, 1856-60) between Britain and China over trade rights, specifically Britain's opium trade, leading to Chinese concessions and spheres of influence.

Ethnocentrism

Belief in the inherent superiority of one's own culture, leading to dismissive attitudes toward others.

Barbarians/Celestial Empire

Terms reflecting China's self-perception of superiority (Celestial Empire) and their view of foreigners (barbarians).

Spheres of Influence

Areas where foreign nations controlled economic activities and trade, especially in China during imperialism.

Independent countries in Africa

Ethiopia and Liberia were the only African nations to remain independent during the Scramble for Africa.

Revolution

A fundamental change in political, social, or economic structures, often achieved through upheaval.

Aristocrats

The privileged upper class with hereditary titles, often opposed to revolutionary ideals.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class, including merchants and professionals, who often led revolutionary efforts for equality and rights.

Monarchy

A form of government led by a king or queen, often targeted by revolutions seeking democracy.

First Estate, Second Estate, Third Estate

French societal divisions; the clergy (First), nobility (Second), and common people (Third) whose grievances sparked the French Revolution.

Jacobin

A radical revolutionary group in France advocating for republicanism and led by figures like Robespierre.

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Leader of the Haitian Revolution, who fought for the liberation of enslaved people in Haiti.

Jean-Jacques Dessalines

Successor to L'Ouverture, declared Haitian independence in 1804.

Coup d'état

A sudden overthrow of a government, often by force.

Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity

The motto of the French Revolution emphasizing democratic ideals.

Armed resistance

The use of force by revolutionaries to fight oppression.

Industrial Revolution

A period of technological and industrial growth beginning in the 18th century, transforming societies.

Urbanization

The migration of populations to cities due to industrial job opportunities.

Factory System

A method of production using centralized workplaces and machines.

Textile Industry

The first major industry of the Industrial Revolution, revolutionizing cloth production.

Capitalism

An economic system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.

Mass Production

Large-scale manufacturing of goods, reducing costs and increasing availability.

Assembly Line

A production method improving efficiency and standardization.

Child Labor

The exploitation of children in factories, often in hazardous conditions.

Labor Unions/Movements

Organizations advocating for workers' rights, better wages, and safer conditions.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for collective ownership of resources, and a classless society.

Militarism

Emphasis on military strength as a tool of diplomacy and policy.

Alliances

Agreements between nations for mutual defense, contributing to the outbreak of World War.

Imperialism

The domination of one nation by another for economic or political gain.

Nationalism

Pride in one's nation, often fostering competition and conflict.

Democracy

Government by the people, often through elected representatives.

Fascism

An authoritarian system emphasizing nationalism and dictatorial power.

Authoritarian

Government systems limiting personal freedoms under strict control.

Axis Powers

The WWII alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Concentration camp

Detention centers used by Nazi Germany for genocide during WWII.

Genocide

Systematic extermination of a group, exemplified by the Holocaust.

Effect of Nuclear Bomb

Devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending WWII but sparking nuclear tensions.

Results of WWII

Decolonization of Asian and African countries, the establishment of the United Nations, and the Cold War.

Human Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, regardless of status.

Apartheid

A system of racial segregation in South Africa, dismantled through resistance.

Nelson Mandela/ANC

Mandela, a leader of the African National Congress, fought against apartheid and for equality in South Africa.

Cold War

A geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and USSR, marked by ideological conflict.

Iron Curtain/Winston Churchill

The division of Europe into democratic and communist spheres, highlighted in Churchill's famous speech.

Tiananmen Square/tank man

The 1989 Chinese protests for democracy, symbolized by the lone 'tank man.'

Hong Kong protests

Recent demonstrations advocating for democratic freedoms and autonomy from China.