IMPORTANT TO KNOW

Swahili Coast

A part of the East African coast that became a significant trade network due to its strategic location.

Feudal System

A decentralized system of government typical in medieval Europe, where vassals held land from lords in exchange for loyalty and service.

Mongols

An empire that rose to power in the 13th century, known for their military conquests, trade expansion, and cultural exchanges across Eurasia.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Absolute Monarchies

Forms of government where a single ruler holds total power, often justified by divine right.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century, characterized by coal and waterways, leading to significant economic and social changes.

Gunpowder Empires

Empires such as the Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals that utilized gunpowder technology to expand and maintain power.

Devshirme System

A system used by the Ottomans where Christian boys were recruited by force to serve in the military or as elite soldiers known as janissaries.

Shi’a vs Sunni

The two main branches of Islam, differing primarily in beliefs about the rightful succession of leadership after the Prophet Muhammad.

Enlightenment Ideas

Philosophical concepts from the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I, placing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

MAIN

An acronym representing the causes of World War I: Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism.

Proxy Wars

Conflicts where two opposing countries support combatants that serve their interests instead of waging war directly.

Decolonization

The process in which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, primarily occurring in the mid-20th century.

Globalization

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, facilitated by advancements in technology.

Taj Mahal

An iconic mausoleum built in India that symbolizes the power and legitimacy of the Mughal Empire.

Resistance Movements

Groups that aim to resist or overthrow oppressive regimes, particularly during periods of imperialism or colonization.

Push and Pull Factors

Conditions that drive people to leave their home country (push) and attract them to a new country (pull).

Age of Exploration

A period from the late 15th century to the early 17th century during which European powers explored the world, leading to significant global interactions.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign, anti-colonial uprising in China in 1900, targeting foreign influence and missionary activity.

Mansa Musa

A ruler of the Mali Empire known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca that elevated the empire's international profile.

Simon Bolivar

A Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.

Martin Luther

A German theologian who initiated the Protestant Reformation by challenging the practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church.

Genghis Khan

The founder of the Mongol Empire, known for uniting the Mongolian tribes and creating one of the largest empires in history.

Louis XIV

The King of France known as the 'Sun King,' who exemplified absolute monarchy and centralized state power.

Karl Marx

A philosopher and economist known for his theories about capitalism and communism, co-authoring 'The Communist Manifesto.'

Vietnam War

A conflict in Vietnam from the 1950s to 1975, involving the communistic North Vietnam and the South Vietnam backed by the U.S., contributing to Cold War tensions.

Cold War

The geopolitical tension following World War II between the Soviet Union and the United States, marked by ideological conflict and a series of proxy wars.