Power and Authority Glossary Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to power and authority in political history.

What is the definition of Allies in the context of World War I?

A coalition of countries in opposition to the Central Powers, including Britain, France, Russia, the United States, and others.

What does Appeasement refer to in historical terms?

The policy of giving into Hitler’s demands to maintain peace.

What is the meaning of Armaments?

The collective term for all weapons of war, including guns, tanks, aircraft, and warships.

Define Arms race.

An escalation of arms development by nations aiming to ensure more powerful weapons than the opponent.

What does Aryan refer to in Nazi ideology?

A race of northern Europeans deemed superior to all other races.

What is Authoritarianism?

Favoring strict obedience to authority, typically associated with dictatorships.

What is meant by an Autocrat?

A ruler who possesses absolute power.

What is a Blockade?

Sealing off a place to prevent arrival or departure of people or goods.

Define Bureaucracy.

Any group of administrators, either part of government or a large organization.

What is Capitalism?

An economic system where businesses are privately owned and run for profit, with minimal government involvement.

What was the Central Committee of the Communist Party?

The high-level governing body of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

Who were the Central Powers in World War I?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire.

Define Cold War.

A state of geopolitical tension arising after WWII between communist nations and capitalist-democratic powers.

What was Collectivisation in Stalinist Russia?

The plan to bring all farmland under collective communist government control.

What are Concentration camps?

Camps where political opponents were imprisoned and often turned into labor and death camps for Jews and others.

What does Conscript mean?

A soldier who is serving in the armed forces as mandated by the government.

What is the 'Cult of personality'?

Faith in the greatness and wisdom of a leader as a means of holding power.

Define Diktat.

A harsh settlement imposed upon a defeated nation.

What is meant by Executive power?

Power that rests with a small group.

Define Fascism.

A right-wing nationalist political movement originating in Italy, characterized by authoritarian ideology.

What is Factionalism?

Disputes or arguments between small groups within a larger party or organization.

What is the function of the German General Staff?

The high command of the combined German military forces.

What does GDP stand for?

Gross Domestic Product, measuring the quantity of goods and services produced in a country annually.

What was the Great Depression?

A severe economic downturn that began in the United States and spread globally during the 1930s and 40s.

What is the Hohenzollern Monarchy?

A German dynasty of princes, electors, kings, and emperors.

Define Hyperinflation.

An extreme case of inflation where consumer goods prices rise sharply, decreasing currency value.

What does Imperialism refer to?

The creation and extension of an empire for economic gain.

What is Isolationism?

The idea that a country should isolate itself from world affairs.

What was the League of Nations?

An intergovernmental organization aimed at maintaining world peace after World War I.

Define Liberal democracy.

A form of democratic government valuing liberal freedoms, such as freedom of religion and the press.

What is a Mandate in political terms?

A claim to power, authority, or control.

What was the Meiji Restoration?

The return of imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji.

What does Militarist mean?

A strong military influence on a society or its government.

Who is the Minister of the Interior?

The person in charge of managing a country's internal affairs.

Define Nationalism.

Pride and love for one’s country, advocating for political independence.

What does Oligarchy refer to?

A small group of people controlling a country.

What is meant by Posterity?

All future generations of people.

Define Presentism.

The act of assessing historical events based on present-day values and knowledge.

What is Propaganda?

Biased or misleading information used to influence opinions.

Define Purge in political terms.

To remove opponents or potential opponents, often forcefully.

What does Ratify mean?

To agree to or formally confirm a treaty or agreement.

What is Realpolitik?

Politics based on practical concerns about power rather than moral considerations.

What is Representative government?

A government run by elected officials.

What is the Romani group?

A traditionally nomadic ethnic group predominantly living in Europe.

What does SS stand for in the context of Nazi Germany?

Schutzstaffel, meaning 'protection squadron'; originally Hitler's elite bodyguard.

Define Stalinism.

The authoritarian dictatorship established by Joseph Stalin, characterized by repression.

What was the Third Reich?

Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, considered the third empire in German history.

What does Totalitarian mean?

A form of dictatorship that maintains near-total control over society.

What is Veto power?

The right to overturn a decision made by a person or group.

What does Vilify mean?

To portray an opponent as an absolute villain in propaganda.