Global History Themes from 1200 to Present

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts in global history from 1200 to the present.

Confucianism

A system of beliefs originating in China, emphasizing moral integrity and the importance of social harmony.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival and adaptation of Confucianism during the Tang and Song dynasties, incorporating elements of Buddhism and Daoism.

Footbinding

A historical Chinese practice of tightly binding the feet of young girls to prevent them from growing, often associated with social status.

Filial piety

A virtue in Confucianism that emphasizes respect for one's parents and ancestors.

Champa rice

A drought-resistant rice variety from Vietnam, which allowed for increased agricultural production and population growth in China.

Dar-Al Islam

A term describing regions where Islamic law prevails and Muslims are in majority.

Abbasid Caliphate

A significant Islamic empire during the Golden Age of Islam, known for its cultural advancements and trade.

Mesoamerican civilizations

Civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs, known for their complex societies and monumental architecture.

Trans-Saharan trade

Trade routes across the Sahara Desert that connected West Africa to North Africa, facilitating the exchange of goods and culture.

Merchants

Business individuals who trade goods, contributing to economic systems and social structures.

Sufism

A mystical Islamic belief system that seeks a direct personal connection with God, often emphasizing love and devotion.

Silk Roads

Ancient trade routes that connected East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and technologies.

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and activities from one group to another, often through trade and conquest.

Merchant activity

Commercial dealings among traders that played a key role in the development of economies and cultural exchange.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious and cultural beliefs, often resulting from interactions between distinct groups.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, particularly through trade and colonization.

Neoliberalism

An economic approach that emphasizes free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reducing state intervention in the economy.

Pan-Africanism

A worldwide movement aimed at strengthening bonds among all people of African descent, emphasizing solidarity and unity.

Decolonization

The process of shedding colonial rule and achieving independence from colonial powers, often leading to social and political change.

Social Darwinism

A theory that applies Charles Darwin's ideas of natural selection to human societies, often to justify imperialism and racism.

Al-Qaeda

A militant Islamist organization known for global jihadist activities, particularly the September 11 attacks in the U.S.

Green Revolution

An agricultural transformation that increased food production globally through advanced technologies and improved farming practices.