Key Concepts in Napoleon, Chinese Dynasties, Japan, India, and Africa

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader who became Emperor during the Revolution. Expanded across Europe but was defeated at Waterloo.

Napoleonic Code

Set of laws by Napoleon. Gave equality to men but limited women's rights and strengthened male authority.

Waterloo

Battle in 1815 where Napoleon was defeated by British and Prussian forces. Ended his rule.

Concordat

Agreement between Napoleon and the Catholic Church. Restored religious peace in France.

Directory

Weak and corrupt government in France before Napoleon took power.

Battle of Austerlitz

Napoleon's greatest victory (1805) against Austria and Russia. Strengthened his power in Europe.

Louisiana Purchase

Land sold by France to the U.S. in 1803 for $15 million. Doubled U.S. size.

Nationalism

Belief that people should be loyal to their nation. Helped cause revolutions and weaken empires.

Qing Dynasty

Last Chinese dynasty ruled by Manchus. Fell due to rebellion, corruption, and foreign pressure.

Kangxi Emperor

One of China's greatest rulers. Strengthened government and brought stability.

Qianlong Emperor

Expanded China's empire and supported culture, but his later rule led to decline.

Opium War

War between Britain and China over opium trade. Britain won and forced China to open trade.

Taiping Rebellion

Massive civil war led by Hong Xiuquan. Nearly overthrew the Qing Dynasty.

Hong Xiuquan

Leader of the Taiping Rebellion who claimed to be Jesus's brother.

Century of Humiliation

Period when China was dominated by foreign powers after losing wars like the Opium War.

Tokugawa Shogunate

Military government that ruled Japan during its isolation period.

Sakoku (Isolation)

Japan's policy of closing itself off from most foreign influence and trade.

Commodore Perry

U.S. naval officer who forced Japan to open its ports in 1853.

Treaty of Kanagawa

Agreement that opened Japanese ports to the United States.

Meiji Restoration

Revolution in 1868 that restored power to the emperor and modernized Japan.

Sakamoto Ryoma

Japanese leader who helped overthrow the shogunate and support modernization.

Boshin War

Civil war in Japan that led to the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Mughal Empire

Powerful Muslim empire in India that declined due to weakness and invasions.

British East India Company

British trading company that gained control of India through trade and military power.

Sepoy Rebellion

Indian revolt against British rule in 1857. Led to direct British control of India.

Queen Victoria (Empress of India)

British ruler who took control of India after the rebellion.

Berlin Conference

Meeting where European nations divided Africa without African involvement.

Scramble for Africa

Rapid European colonization of Africa for resources and power.

Cecil Rhodes

British imperialist who expanded control in southern Africa and owned diamond mines.

Boer Wars

Conflicts between Britain and Dutch settlers in South Africa over land and resources.

Sick Man of Europe

Nickname for the declining Ottoman Empire as it lost power.