AP World History: Modern Notes

Song Dynasty

A period in China (960-1279) characterized by political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural innovations.

Meritocracy

A system where officials are selected based on their merit, particularly through examinations based on Confucian texts.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival of Confucian thought during the Song Dynasty that emphasized moral values and social harmony.

Champa Rice

A fast-ripening, drought-resistant rice imported from Vietnam that greatly increased agricultural productivity in China.

Urbanization

The process of cities growing and developing, seen in places like Chang’an and Hangzhou during the Song Dynasty.

Printing

The invention of woodblock printing in China allowed for increased accessibility to literature and education.

Buddhism

A religion that spread widely in China, influencing culture and philosophy, especially during the Tang and Song dynasties.

Feudalism

A system in medieval Europe where land was exchanged for loyalty and service among monarchs, lords, knights, and peasants.

The Crusades

Military campaigns initiated by European Christians aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Silk Roads

A network of trade routes connecting East Asia with Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures.

Mongolian Empire

The largest contiguous land empire in history, which connected East and West and promoted trade across the Silk Roads.

Pax Mongolica

A period of peace and stability established by the Mongol Empire, fostering trade and cultural exchange.

Gunpowder

An explosive material invented in China; its development led to innovations in warfare, including cannons and firearms.

Mamluks

A political and military class in Egypt that originated from enslaved soldiers, known for facilitating trade in sugar and cotton.

Abbasid Caliphate

A major Islamic empire based in Baghdad, known for its cultural and intellectual achievements.

Hinduism

An ancient Indian religion characterized by a belief in multiple deities and a caste system.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad that spread rapidly after his death, influencing vast regions of Africa and Asia.

Renaissance

A period of renewed interest in art, science, and classical learning that started in Italy and spread throughout Europe.

Industrial Revolution

A period of significant industrial growth beginning in the late 18th century, marked by technological advancements.

Anti-Colonial Movements

Struggles for independence from colonial rule that arose in Asia, Africa, and the Americas during the 20th century.

Mandate System

A system established by the League of Nations to govern territories previously controlled by the Central Powers.

Zionism

A nationalist movement advocating for the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Apartheid

A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa that lasted until the early 1990s.

Non-Aligned Movement

A group of states that did not formally align with either the U.S. or the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and populations across the globe, particularly post-World War II.

Environmentalism

A movement that seeks to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices, gained prominence in the late 20th century.

Cultural Imperialism

The imposition of one culture over another, often manifesting through media, religion, and consumer products.

Trade Agreements

Legal agreements between countries that facilitate trade by reducing tariffs and barriers.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

An international organization that regulates and facilitates international trade agreements.

Feminism

A movement advocating for women's rights, equality, and the challenging of systemic gender inequality.

Civil Rights Movement

A struggle for social justice in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination against African Americans.

Post-Colonialism

The academic and political study of the effects and aftermath of colonialism on cultures and societies.

Bolshevik Revolution

A 1917 uprising in Russia that led to the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of a communist regime.

Berlin Wall

A barrier constructed in 1961 that divided East and West Berlin, symbolizing the Cold War tensions, until its fall in 1989.

Nuclear Proliferation

The spread of nuclear weapons and technology, raising international security concerns during the Cold War and beyond.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, particularly after World War II.

Proxy War

A conflict where two opposing countries support combatants to fight on their behalf, often seen during the Cold War.

Genocide

The systematic extermination of a particular group of people based on ethnicity, nationality, or religion.

Transnational Corporations

Global companies that operate beyond national borders and can influence economy and culture of multiple countries.

Cultural Exchange

The sharing of ideas, values, and cultural artifacts between different societies.

Diaspora

The dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland.

Glasnost

A policy of increased openness and transparency in government institutions and activities practiced by Gorbachev in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika

The restructuring of the Soviet economy and political system under Gorbachev, aimed at creating a more efficient and less repressive government.

Women’s Suffrage

The right for women to vote, gained through various movements worldwide during the 19th and 20th centuries.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

An international organization that aims to promote global economic stability and growth through financial cooperation and assistance.

World Bank

An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of developing countries for economic development.

Clean Water Access

Efforts to ensure that all individuals have reliable access to safe drinking water, a critical aspect of public health.

Global Epidemics

Widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases that can affect a large number of people across multiple countries.

Human Rights Violations

Acts that undermine the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled.

Ethnic Conflicts

Tensions and disputes arising from differences in ethnic identity, often leading to violence and social unrest.

Green Revolution

A period of agricultural transformation that introduced high-yield crops and modern farming techniques in developing countries.

Social Movements

Collective efforts by groups of people to promote change in societal norms and policies.

Global Supply Chains

The global networks through which products are produced, distributed, and consumed, often spanning multiple countries.

International Agreements

Treaties and accords between countries to promote cooperation and address global issues.

Social Justice

The pursuit of equality in both political rights and opportunities, often advocating for marginalized groups.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of different cultural elements to create new expressions and practices.

Economic Empowerment

Strategies aimed at increasing the economic capacity of individuals and communities, particularly marginalized groups.

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar and wind energy.

Civil Rights Act

Legislation in the United States that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

European Union (EU)

A political and economic union of European countries that promotes integration and cooperation.

Arab Spring

A series of anti-government protests and uprisings across the Arab world starting in 2010, seeking democratic reforms.

Indigenous Rights

Advocacy for the rights of indigenous peoples to preserve their culture, land, and political autonomy.

Global Health Initiatives

Programs and policies aimed at improving health outcomes worldwide, often addressing infectious diseases and health equity.

Cultural Imperialism

The imposition of one culture over others, often manifested through media, politics, and economics.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and similar measurements of climate, primarily driven by human activity.

Economic Inequality

The unequal distribution of wealth, resources, and opportunities among individuals or groups within a society.

Land Rights

Legal rights to use, control, and benefit from land, often contested in post-colonial societies.

Educational Opportunities

Access to quality education that enables individuals to improve their knowledge and skills.

Youth Activism

Engagement of young people in social and political movements advocating for change.

Inclusive Governance

Political systems that ensure all groups, including marginalized communities, have a say in decision-making.

Food Security

The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Caste System

A hierarchical social stratification system in India and some other cultures, impacting social mobility and rights.

Invisible Hand

A metaphor introduced by Adam Smith to describe self-regulating behavior of the marketplace.

Totalitarian Regimes

Political systems that centralize control and suppress dissenting opinions, often leading to human rights abuses.

State Sovereignty

The principle that a state has the authority to govern itself without external interference.

Cultural Heritage

The traditions, customs, and artifacts that are passed down through generations, reflecting the identity of a group.

Emerging Economies

Nations with social or business activities in the process of rapid growth and industrialization.

Urbanization Trends

The increase in the population of people living in urban areas relative to rural areas.

Public Health Policies

Strategies implemented by governments to protect and improve the health of their populations.

Civic Engagement

Participation in activities that promote community involvement and democratic processes.

Philanthropy

The desire to promote the welfare of others, often through financial donations to charitable causes.

Consumerism

A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.

Advocacy Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and decision-making in favor of specific causes or issues.

Global Citizenship

The concept of being part of a worldwide community that transcends national borders.

Digital Divide

The gap between those who have easy access to the internet and digital technology and those who do not.

Collective Action

Action taken together by a group of people to achieve a common objective.

Post-modernism

A movement in literature, art, and philosophy characterized by a skeptical, self-aware perspective on culture and society.

Sustainability

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Transnationalism

The process by which immigrants build social fields that link together their country of origin and their country of settlement.

Smart Growth

Urban planning principles that promote sustainable development and prevent urban sprawl.

Digital Activism

Using digital tools and platforms to advocate for social, political, or environmental change.

Economic Diversification

The process of a country expanding its economy by developing a wider range of industries and markets.

Human Rights Advocacy

Efforts aimed at promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

Global Supply Chain Management

Managing the flow of goods and services from point of origin to end consumers, often across international borders.

Transitional Justice

The set of judicial and non-judicial measures implemented in response to a legacy of human rights violations.

Historical Revisionism

The reinterpretation of historical events, often to reflect new perspectives and insights.

Network Society

A social structure that emerges from the use of digital technology to create and distribute information.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations to address various challenges and promote sustainable development by 2030.

Interconnectedness

The state of being connected with each other in complex ways across various systems and scales.