Historical Themes and Events (1200-present)

This set of flashcards encapsulates critical themes and events from historical periods ranging from 1200 to present, emphasizing political, cultural, and economic developments.

What philosophy was revived during the Song Dynasty to justify its rule?

Confucianism

What system did the Song Dynasty use for its civil service?

Merit-based civil service exam administering Confucian classics.

What was the significant agricultural innovation during the Song Dynasty?

Champa rice, which matured early and resisted drought.

What does Dar-al-Islam mean?

House of Islam, referring to regions under Islamic rule.

What key event did Mansa Musa undertake that highlighted Mali's wealth?

His hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca.

What were the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

Life is suffering, we suffer because of desire, we cease suffering when we cease desire, and following the Eight-Fold Path leads to the end of desire.

What was the hierarchical order prescribed by Confucianism?

State over citizens, men over women, parent over child.

What major event led to the spread of Islam to South Asia?

The military expansion of the Sultanate of Delhi.

What cultural movement in Hinduism emphasized devotion to one god?

The Bhakti movement.

What was the significance of the Grand Canal in China?

It facilitated trade and communication across China.

Who was the mathematician known for innovations in trigonometry during the Abbasid Caliphate?

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi.

What characterized the Ottoman Empire's expansion?

Use of gunpowder weapons.

What were Janissaries?

Christian boys taken from their families, converted to Islam, and trained as elite soldiers in the Ottoman Empire.

What term refers to the period of Mongolian peace facilitating trade across Eurasia?

Pax Mongolica.

What was the trade network that connected East Africa and parts of India, operating based on seasonal monsoon winds?

Indian Ocean trade network.

What was the purpose of caravanserai along the Silk Road?

To provide protection and rest for merchants traveling along the routes.

What innovation in banking facilitated trade during the medieval period?

The use of credit and bills of exchange.

What language emerged from the mixing of Arabic script with Bantu languages in coastal East Africa?

Swahili.

What impact did the Columbian Exchange have on populations in the Americas?

The introduction of European diseases led to significant population declines.

What was the system called where Spanish settlers were granted land and would receive labor from Indigenous Americans?

Encomienda system.

What process did the Qing Dynasty undertake to legitimize their rule over Han Chinese?

Cultural assimilation and showcasing Confucian virtues.

Who was known for the establishment of the Ming Dynasty after the fall of the Yuan Dynasty?

Zhu Yuanzhang.

What was the significance of the Prussian Reforms in the 19th century?

They modernized the military and education, influenced by the Enlightenment.

What economic practice focuses on accumulating gold and silver through a favorable trade balance?

Mercantilism.

What revolution fundamentally transformed societal production methods and economic structures in the late 18th century?

Industrial Revolution.

What event signaled the beginning of the American Revolution against British rule?

The Stamp Act of 1765.

What was the outcome of the French Revolution?

The establishment of the First French Republic and execution of King Louis XVI.

What was the primary conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire in the 16th century?

Territorial disputes and sectarian conflicts between Sunni and Shi'a Islam.

What term describes the forced removal of Indigenous peoples during westward expansion in the United States?

Trail of Tears.

What was the primary driving ideology behind European colonial expansion in the 20th century?

Nationalism and social Darwinism.

What strategy did Gandhi use during the Indian independence movement?

Nonviolent civil disobedience.

What was the primary goal of the United Nations after World War II?

To promote peace and prevent future global conflicts.

What event is considered the immediate cause of the outbreak of World War I?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

What was the name of the economic system that emphasized state control in Soviet Russia?

Command economy.

What major societal changes resulted from the Industrial Revolution?

Urbanization, changes in labor systems, and the rise of the working and middle classes.

What was the cultural impact of the Great Migration in the US during the early 20th century?

The Harlem Renaissance and greater cultural visibility for African American communities.

What was the importance of the Marshall Plan in post-World War II Europe?

To provide economic aid for rebuilding Europe and preventing the spread of communism.

What was one of the main outcomes of the Cold War?

The establishment of NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

What was the significance of the Berlin Wall's fall in 1989?

It marked the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.

What economic practices arose from the globalization phenomenon in the late 20th century?

Free trade agreements and the rise of multinational corporations.

What human rights issue became a global focus following World War II?

The fight against racism and for civil rights globally.

What global health crisis significantly impacted demographics in the early 21st century?

The HIV/AIDS crisis.

How did globalization affect cultural identity in the 20th century?

Increased interconnectivity led to cultural homogenization and resistance movements.

What does the term 'neocolonialism' refer to in contemporary contexts?

Continued economic dominance over former colonies without direct political control.

What was the impact of technological innovations on global trade during the 21st century?

Accelerated trade and reshaping of supply chains through advances like the Internet.

What trends characterized global migration patterns in the late 20th century?

Increased movement due to economic opportunities and conflict.

What environmental issue gained global attention due to industrialization?

Climate change and global warming.

What were the outcomes of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Increased tensions but also led to improved communication between the superpowers.

What was the significance of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989?

A demand for democratic reforms in China, leading to a violent crackdown.

In what way did the feminist movements evolve during the late 20th century?

Broadened focus to include intersectionality and global women's issues.

What role did social media play in recent global movements?

Facilitated grassroots organizing and increased awareness of social justice issues.

What is the primary focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN?

To address global challenges including poverty, inequality, and climate change.

What was the nature of economic imperialism in the late 19th century?

Colonial states exerting economic control over territories without direct governance.

What can be associated with the expansion of globalization in the 21st century?

Widespread cultural exchange and conflict over local customs.

Why is understanding historical contexts important for current global issues?

Historical patterns inform contemporary political, economic, and social dynamics.

How did the collapse of the Soviet Union influence global politics?

It led to increased US unilateralism and the reevaluation of international relations.

What major change occurred in global governance post-World War II?

The establishment of international institutions like the United Nations.

What is the impact of climate change on global socio-political scenarios today?

Increased migration, conflicts over resources, and international collaboration issues.

How did colonialism affect cultural identities in colonized regions?

Disruption of traditional practices and blending with colonizer cultures.

What was the significance of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa?

It highlighted global solidarity against racial injustice and led to major policy changes.