IB History Vocabulary: Topic 6 — Independence Movements in the Americas (1763–1830) Part I

Key Concepts & Ideas

Independence movements

Efforts by a group or territory to gain political independence

Enlightenment ideas

Intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism.These ideas influenced revolutionary thought and inspired demands for political rights and self-determination.

Social contract

An agreement among individuals to form a society and government, outlining mutual rights and responsibilities.

Sovereignty

The principle that a state has the authority to govern itself without external interference, representing the ultimate power of a political body.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, often expressed through voting.

Nationalism

A political ideology emphasizing the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to a sense of pride and unity among its people.

Republicanism

A political ideology advocating for a government in which representatives are elected by the citizenry. It emphasizes the importance of civic virtue and the common good.

Liberalism

Political philosophy emphasizing individual rights, liberty, and limited government.

Mercantilism

Economic policy prioritizing exports and wealth accumulation for national power.

Colonialism

A practice of acquiring and maintaining colonies, often involving the domination of one nation over another, economically and politically.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often leading to colonial rule.

Revolution

A fundamental change in political power or organizational structures that occurs in a relatively short period of time, often through violent means.

Rebellion

An organized resistance against a government or authority, typically involving violence or civil disorder.

Constitution

A document that outlines the fundamental principles and structures of a government, establishing the rights of citizens and the duties of the state.

Declaration of Independence

A historical document adopted in 1776 by the Continental Congress, declaring the thirteen American colonies free from British rule and outlining the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas, asserting that any intervention by external powers would be viewed as a threat to the U.S.

Foreign intervention

The policy that opposes foreign involvement in the affairs of sovereign nations, particularly in the Americas, aiming to prevent European colonization and interference.

Military campaign

conducted by foreign forces in another nation’s territory, often to influence political or military outcomes.

Political legitimacy

the public’s perception that government or authority has the right to rule and enforce laws, often characterized by voluntary and compliance than coercion

Social hierarchy

structured ranking of individuals groups in society based on factors such as wealth, power, status, or occupation, which determines access to resources and influence

Creole nationalism

the pride and political identity of American-born Europeans(Creoles) who, excluded from top positions by peninsulares, pushed for independence and self rule in Latin America

Economic autonomy

the ability of a group, region, or nation to control and manage its own economy without external domination

Trade liberalization

the removal of reduction of barriers(like tariffs and quotas) to encourage free exchange of goods and services between countries

Post-colonial state

a nation that has gained independence after colonial rule and is working to establish its own political, economic, and social systems, often while dealing with legacies of colonialism

Wars of independence

armed struggles in which colonies fought to end foreign rule and achieve self-governance, often driven by nationalism, social inequality, and enlightenment ideas

Contradictory ideologies

opposing sets of beliefs or systems of thought that clash because their principles, goals, or values cannot be full reconciled

Transition of power

the process by which political authority shifts from one leader, group, or system to another, either peacefully(elections, negotiations) or through conflict(revolutions, coups)

Self-determination

the right of a people or nation to decide their own political status and govern themselves w/o external control