Key Vocabulary from Historical Units 1-6 (1200-1900)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on historical developments from 1200 to 1900.

Song China

A leading power in the ancient world from 960-1279, marking continuity in Chinese dynastic history.

Confucianism

A system of beliefs emphasizing hierarchical relationships and societal roles.

Scholar Gentry

A social class in China that emerged as power shifted from hereditary rulers to educated leaders.

Filial Piety

A Confucian value denoting respect for one's parents and ancestors.

Foot Binding

A Chinese practice that became a status symbol for upper-class women, involving the painful restriction of foot growth.

Mandate of Heaven

The divine right to rule in Chinese culture, justifying a ruler's authority.

Flying Cash

Early form of paper money in China, which contributed to inflation due to overminting.

Grand Canal

A significant waterway linking northern and southern China.

Compass

A navigational instrument that uses Earth's magnetic field, crucial for maritime exploration.

Abbasid Caliphate

A prominent Islamic empire from 750-1258 that marked the Islamic Golden Age.

House of Wisdom

An intellectual center in Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age that preserved and advanced knowledge.

Jizya

A tax levied on non-Muslims in Islamic states, often leading to conversions to Islam.

Baghdad Round City

The capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, eventually decentralized with competing regional powers.

Dhows

Arab sailing vessels used in trade, characterized by lateen sails.

Seljuk Turks

Nomadic warriors who challenged the Abbasid Caliphate, initiating Muslim presence in Anatolia.

Sufi Missionaries

Islamic mystics who spread Islam through local adaptations and practices.

Ottoman Empire

A major Islamic empire that expanded from 1299 to 1918, known for its military and administrative efficiency.

Al-Andalus

Islamic Spain, a center of learning and cultural exchange from 711-1492.

Heian Japan

The period in Japan from 794-1185 marked by cultural flourishing influenced by Chinese traditions.

Brahman

The highest caste in the Hindu social system, educators and priests.

Ghaznavid Empire

An Islamic polity that expanded into South Asia from 977-1186, marked by military conquests.

Varna System

The traditional hierarchical classification system in Hindu society.

Caste System

A rigid social structure in Hindu society that limits social mobility.

Vijayanagara Empire

A major Hindu kingdom in Southern India established in 1336.

Bhakti Movement

A devotional trend in Hinduism emphasizing personal devotion to deities and emotional connection.

Swahili Civilization

A cultural and commercial civilization along the East African coast that flourished through trade.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes that linked sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa, facilitating the exchange of goods.

Mali Empire

A significant West African empire known for its wealth and influence, especially during the reign of Mansa Musa.

Sundiata

The founder of the Mali Empire, recognized for unifying various tribes and establishing trade.

Songhai Empire

A successor state to the Mali Empire that became the largest empire in West Africa.

Enslaved Labor

The use of forced labor from enslaved individuals for agricultural and economic production.

Zamindar

Landowners in Mughal India who collected taxes and managed local administration.

Ethiopia

An East African kingdom known for its Christian heritage, distinct from Islamic states.

Feudalism

A system of mutual obligations and hierarchical relationships among lords, vassals, and serfs in medieval Europe.

Magna Carta

A charter signed in 1215 that limited the power of the English monarchy and began the concept of constitutional rights.

Crusades

Religious wars initiated by Christians to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim rule between 1096-1291.

Renaissance

A cultural revival in Europe from 1300-1600, emphasizing art, science, and humanism.

Humanism

An intellectual movement focusing on human potential and achievements, particularly in arts and sciences.

Nation-States

Political entities characterized by a unified national identity and centralized authority.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that challenged Catholic authority and led to the formation of Protestant churches.

Mercantilism

An economic policy promoting governmental regulation of a nation's economy for augmenting state power.

Colonization

The establishment of settlements and control over foreign territories.

Commercial Revolution

A period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism from the 11th to 18th centuries.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World post-1492.

Indentured Servitude

A labor system where individuals worked for a fixed term in exchange for passage to a new country.

Casta System

A hierarchical social structure in colonial Latin America based on race and ancestry.

Social Darwinism

The application of Darwin's theories to social and economic issues, justifying imperialism.

Opium Wars

Conflicts between China and Britain over the trade of opium in the 19th century.

Spheres of Influence

Areas within a country where foreign nations claimed exclusive trading rights.

Meiji Restoration

The political revolution in Japan that restored imperial rule and initiated significant modernization.

Zulus

Native African group in southern Africa known for their conflicts with European settlers.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or military force.

Caudillo

A military or political leader in Spanish-speaking regions, often ruling with autocratic power.

Berlin Conference

A meeting of European powers in 1884-1885 to regulate colonization and trade in Africa.

Cultural Imperialism

The imposition of one culture over others, often through media and cultural products.

Migrant Labor

Workers who move from one region to another for employment, often in agriculture or industry.

Asante Empire

An influential West African state known for its wealth in gold and centralized governance.

British East India Company

A chartered company that played a significant role in the British colonization of India.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The forced transportation of Africans to the Americas as enslaved people primarily for labor.

Cape Colony

A former British colony at the southern tip of Africa, vital for maritime trade routes.

Socialism

An economic and political system where the means of production are owned and regulated by the community.

Communism

A political ideology advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned.

Trade Unions

Organized associations of workers that advocate for labor rights and better working conditions.

Labor Strike

A work stoppage initiated by employees to demand better conditions or pay.

Universal Suffrage

The right of all adult citizens to vote, regardless of gender, race, or economic status.

French Revolution

Revolution that began in 1789, leading to the establishment of a republic in France.

Self-Strengthening Movement

An attempt by the Qing dynasty in China to modernize and resist foreign influence during the 19th century.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-imperialist uprising in China from 1899-1901 aimed at expelling foreign influence.

Economic Imperialism

An exertion of control over a country's economy rather than direct political governance.

Labor Migration

Movement of individuals from one location to another in search of employment opportunities.

Abolition

The movement to end slavery and the slave trade, particularly in the 19th century.

Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the natural environment through deforestation, pollution, and exploitation.

Consumer Culture

A societal trend where buying and consuming goods is a primary activity and identity.

Urbanization

The process by which cities grow and societies become urban-centered, typically involving migration from rural areas.

Selective Breeding

The intentional mating of animals or plants to produce specific traits in offspring, used in agricultural practices.

Technological Innovation

New technologies developed that improve efficiency and effectiveness in various processes.

Merchants

Individuals or businesses engaged in the trading of goods.

Intellectual Exchange

The sharing and dissemination of ideas, customs, and technologies among different cultures.

Ecological Impact

The effect that a particular event or action has on the environment and ecosystem.

Labor Rights

The legal rights of workers to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize.

Public Health

The health of the population as a whole, often considered in terms of disease prevention and health activists.

Missionary Work

Efforts to spread a religious faith, often involved in establishing schools and hospitals.

Urban Infrastructure

The basic framework and facilities required for urban development, such as roads, bridges, and utilities.

Diverse Society

A community or nation composed of various cultural, ethnic, and social groups.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of aspects from two or more cultures to form a new cultural identity.

Wealth Disparity

The unequal distribution of wealth among individuals or groups within a society.

Rural-Urban Migration

The movement of people from countryside areas to cities, often for better job opportunities.

Nationalism

Patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts that promote the interests of a particular nation.

Civil Disobedience

A nonviolent refusal to obey governmental laws or demands, often for the purpose of advocating for change.

Cultural Practice

A tradition or behavior that is characteristic of a particular culture.

Transcontinental Railroad

A network of railroad lines that connected the eastern U.S. to the west coast, facilitating trade and migration.

Banana Republic

A politically unstable country dependent on the export of a single product, often associated with foreign influence.

Empires of the Realm

Large political entities that exert control over extensive territories, often characterized by diverse cultures.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

Colonial Legacy

The lasting impact of colonial rule on colonized countries, influencing their politics, economy, and culture.

Spiritual Movements

Religious or cultural movements focused on personal conviction and spiritual growth.

Consumer Rights

The legal rights of consumers to information, protection, and redress against unfair marketing practices.

Legal Reforms

Changes to laws or legal practices aimed at improving accountability, justice, and fairness.

Community Organizing

The process by which individuals or groups come together to promote collective action toward a common goal.

Reform Movements

Groups or organized efforts aimed at improving societal issues and promoting change.