Western Civilization 2nd Semester Final Review Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for the Western Civilization 2nd Semester Final Review, covering topics from the Industrial Revolution to Brexit.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s. It was marked by the introduction of new technologies, such as the steam engine and power loom that led to mass production and significant societal changes. It is important because it transformed economies from agrarian to industrial, leading to urbanization, new social classes, and increased global trade.

Age of Revolutions

A period of significant revolutionary movements in Europe and the Americas. This era saw the rise of new ideologies and challenges to traditional forms of government, leading to widespread political and social upheaval. It is important because it reshaped political landscapes, inspired movements for independence and reform, and laid the groundwork for modern nation-states.

WWI

A global war fought from 1914 to 1918, primarily in Europe. It involved major world powers divided into two opposing alliances: the Allies and the Central Powers. It is important because it resulted in unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life, redrew the map of Europe, and set the stage for future conflicts.

Russian Revolution

A series of revolutions in Russia in 1917, which dismantled the Tsarist autocracy. It led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, the world's first communist state. It is important because it resulted in a new political and economic system, and had a profound impact on global politics and ideology.

Agricultural Revolution

A period of significant agricultural advancements that led to increased food production. Innovations such as crop rotation, improved plows, and selective breeding of livestock transformed farming practices. It is important because it enabled larger populations, supported urbanization, and spurred economic growth and industrial development.

Congress of Vienna

A conference of ambassadors of European states chaired by Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich, and held in Vienna from September 1814 to June 1815. The objective was to settle the many issues arising from the French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic Wars, and the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. It is important because it aimed to establish a balance of power in Europe and prevent future large-scale conflicts, shaping the continent's political order for decades.

Nicholas II

The last Emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 until his forced abdication in 1917. His reign was marked by social and political unrest, including the Bloody Sunday massacre and Russia's involvement in World War I. He is important because his ineffective leadership and resistance to reform contributed to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of communism in Russia.

Concert of Europe

A system of dispute resolution adopted by the major conservative powers of Europe to maintain their power, suppress revolutionary movements, and preserve peace. It was established after the Napoleonic Wars. It is important because it represented an attempt to create a stable and peaceful international order based on conservative principles, but ultimately failed to prevent future conflicts.

Kaiser Wilhelm

The German Emperor and King of Prussia during World War I. His aggressive foreign policy and support for militarism contributed to the outbreak of the war. He is important because he played a key role in the events leading up to World War I, and his leadership during the war had a significant impact on its course and outcome.

Separation of Labor

The division of labor into separate tasks with different workers. This specialization increases efficiency and productivity in manufacturing. It is important because it revolutionized production processes, leading to mass production, lower costs, and greater availability of goods.

Conservatism

A political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, favoring obedience to political authority and organized religion. Conservatives typically oppose radical change and support established institutions and values. It is important because it has been a major force in shaping political discourse and policy, often advocating for gradual reform and resistance to revolutionary change.

July Crisis

A diplomatic crisis among the major powers of Europe in the summer of 1914 that led to World War I. Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, it involved a series of ultimatums, declarations of war, and mobilization of armed forces. It is important because it marked the immediate cause of World War I, a conflict that reshaped the world and had a lasting impact on the 20th century.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit. It emphasizes free markets, competition, and limited government intervention. It is important because it has been a driving force behind economic growth and innovation in many countries, but it also raises concerns about inequality and social justice.

Liberalism

A political philosophy founded on ideas of liberty and equality. Liberals advocate for individual rights, democracy, and limited government. It is important because it has been a major influence on political and social reform movements, promoting values such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the rule of law.

Schlieffen Plan

The German army's plan for war against France and Russia. It involved a swift invasion of France through Belgium, followed by a focus on Russia. It is important because it dictated Germany's military strategy at the outset of World War I, but ultimately failed due to unexpected resistance and logistical challenges.

Profit Motive

The intent to achieve monetary gain in a transaction or material endeavor. It is a fundamental principle of capitalism, driving businesses to seek profits and increase their value. It is important because it motivates investment, innovation, and economic growth, but it can also lead to unethical behavior and exploitation.

Socialism

A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole. Socialists typically advocate for greater equality and social justice through government intervention. It is important because it has inspired movements for social reform and has influenced the development of welfare states and mixed economies in many countries.

Western Front

The main theatre of war during World War I. Following the outbreak of war, the German Army opened the Western Front by invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. It is important because it was characterized by trench warfare, high casualties, and a prolonged stalemate, shaping the course and outcome of World War I.

Laissez-faire

A policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering. In economics, it refers to minimal government intervention in the free market. It is important because it reflects a belief in the efficiency of free markets and individual initiative, but it can also lead to economic instability, inequality, and social problems.

Feminism

The advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. Feminists seek to challenge gender stereotypes, promote women's empowerment, and achieve social, political, and economic equality. It is important because it has led to significant progress in women's rights, including the right to vote, access to education, and equal employment opportunities.

Bolsheviks

A member of the majority faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party, which was renamed the Communist Party after seizing power in the October Revolution of 1917. Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks advocated for a socialist revolution and the establishment of a communist state. It is important because they played a key role in the Russian Revolution, establishing the Soviet Union.

Karl Marx

A German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist and socialist revolutionary. His ideas on capitalism, class struggle, and communism have had a profound impact on political and economic thought. He is important because his theories have inspired revolutionary movements and have shaped the development of socialist and communist ideologies.

Nationalism

Identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. It can promote unity and pride but can also lead to conflict and xenophobia. It is important because it has been a major force in shaping political boundaries and international relations, often leading to both cooperation and conflict.

Bloody Sunday

The name given to the events of Sunday, 22 January [O.S. 9 January] 1905 in St Petersburg, Russia, when unarmed demonstrators, marching towards the Winter Palace to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II, were shot down by soldiers of the Imperial Guard. It is important because it fueled popular discontent with the Tsarist regime and contributed to the outbreak of the Russian Revolution of 1905.

Communism

A political theory advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. It is important because it has inspired revolutionary movements and the establishment of communist states, but it has also faced criticism for its authoritarian tendencies and economic inefficiency.

Romanticism

A movement in the arts and literature that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing inspiration, subjectivity, and the primacy of the individual. It is important because it influenced various artistic, literary, and intellectual movements, celebrating emotion, imagination, and the beauty of nature.

Militarism

The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. It is important because it can lead to an arms race, increased international tensions, and ultimately, war.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes. In Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie are the capitalists who own the means of production. It is important because they play a significant role in shaping social and economic norms.

Revolutions of 1848

A series of republican revolts against European monarchies, beginning in Sicily, and spreading to France, Germany, Italy, and the Austrian Empire. It is important because it challenged existing political structures and contributed to the rise of nationalism and liberalism, even though many of the revolutions were ultimately unsuccessful.

Gavrilo Princip

The assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, which sparked World War I. He was a member of the Black Hand, a secret Serbian nationalist society. He is important because his actions directly triggered the July Crisis and the outbreak of World War I.

Proletariat

Workers or working-class people, regarded collectively. In Marxist theory, the proletariat are the exploited class who must overthrow the bourgeoisie to achieve a communist society. It is important because they are seen as the driving force behind social and economic change.

Camillo Cavour

An Italian statesman and a leading figure in the movement toward Italian unification. He served as the Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia and used diplomacy and political maneuvering to unite Italy under the House of Savoy. He is important because he played a key role in the creation of a unified Italian state.

Blank Check

Germany's unconditional support of Austria-Hungary during the July Crisis of 1914. This assurance emboldened Austria-Hungary to issue a harsh ultimatum to Serbia. It is important because it escalated the crisis and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

Giuseppe Garibaldi

An Italian general, patriot, revolutionary and republican. He played a key role in the Italian unification. He is important because he led military campaigns that brought many Italian states together.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty imposed on Germany by the Allied powers in 1920 after the end of World War I which demanded exorbitant reparations from the Germans. It is important because it caused long-term economic issues in Germany and animosity, which contributed to the rise of extremist parties.

WWII

The global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. It is important because it reshaped international political alignments and social structures.

Italian Unification

The political and social movement that consolidated different states of the Italian Peninsula into the single kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. It is important because it created a unified Italian state.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government founded in Germany following Kaiser Wilhelm II's abdication near the end of War World I. It is important because it was Germany's first attempt at democracy and was marked by political instability and economic hardship.

Adolf Hitler

The dictator of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945. He is important because he initiated World War II in Europe by invading Poland.

Otto von Bismarck

A conservative Prussian statesman who dominated German and European affairs from the 1860s until 1890. He is important because he engineered a series of wars that unified the German states (excluding Austria) into a powerful German Empire under Prussian leadership.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I under the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. It is important because it was an attempt to prevent future wars.

Benito Mussolini

An Italian politician and journalist who founded and led the National Fascist Party. He is important because he created a fascist state in Italy during World War II.

Berlin Conference

A series of negotiations at Berlin (1884-85) at which the major European nations met to decide all questions connected with the Congo River basin in Central Africa. It is important because it formalized the Scramble for Africa and partitioned the continent among European powers.

Vladimir Lenin

A Russian communist revolutionary, politician and political theorist. He is important because he served as the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution.

Joseph Stalin

The dictator of the Soviet Union from 1929 to 1953. He is important because he transformed the Soviet Union into an industrial and military superpower. He caused a great famine, and implemented many 5 year plans that focused on industrializing the nation.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means. It is important because it shaped the political map of the world and led to the exploitation of resources and people in colonized regions.

Grigori Rasputin

A Russian mystic and self-proclaimed holy man who befriended the family of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, and gained considerable influence in late imperial Russia. It is important because his presence may have undermined public opinion of the Tsar.

The Great Depression

The worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world, lasting from 1929 to 1939. It is important because it led to widespread poverty and unemployment and had a profound impact on global politics and economics.

Social Darwinism

The theory that individuals, groups, and peoples are subject to the same Darwinian laws of natural selection as plants and animals. It is important because it was used to justify social inequality, racism, and imperialism.

Red Terror

A campaign of political repression and executions carried out by the Bolsheviks in Russia. It is important because it was a period of extreme violence and terror.

Totalitarianism

A political system in which the state recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life wherever feasible. It is important because it represents an extreme form of authoritarianism.

White Man's Burden

The task that white colonizers believed they had to impose their civilization on the black inhabitants of their colonies. It is important because it was used to justify colonial rule and the exploitation of indigenous populations.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret diplomatic communication issued from the German Foreign Office in January 1917 that proposed a military alliance between Germany and Mexico. It is important because it helped turn the American public against Germany.

Fascism

A political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition. It is important because of the mass atrocities that were committed during World War 2.

Crimean War

A military conflict fought from 1853 to 1856 in which Russia lost to an alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. It is important because it exposed Russia's military weaknesses and led to reforms.

War Guilt Clause

Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles, which forced Germany to accept full responsibility for causing World War I. It is important because it was a source of resentment and instability in Germany.

Nazi Party

A political party in Germany active between 1920 and 1945, practicing the ideology of Nazism. It is important because it came to power under Adolf Hitler.

Bessemer Process

A steel-making process, now largely superseded, in which carbon, silicon, and other impurities are removed from molten pig iron by oxidation in a blast of air in a special tilting retort. It is important because it was a major technology during the Industrial Revolution.

Reparations

The making of amends for a wrong one has done, by paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged. It is important because it affects international relations and economies.

Nuremberg Laws

Antisemitic laws enacted in Nazi Germany. They are important because they stripped Jews of their citizenship.

Poor Law of 1834

An Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed to amend the country's poor laws. It is important because it reformed the British welfare system.

New Economic Policy

An economic policy of Soviet Russia proposed by Vladimir Lenin in 1921 as a temporary expedient. It is important because it was a move away from pure communism.

Maginot Line

A line of concrete fortifications, obstacles, and weapon installations built by France in the 1930s to deter invasion by Germany. It is important because it failed to prevent Germany from invading.

Beer Hall Putsch

A failed coup attempt by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Munich, Bavaria. It is important because it was an early attempt by the Nazis to seize power.

Cold War

A period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc. It is important because it shaped much of the 20th century.

Appeasement

The policy of making concessions to the dictatorial powers in order to avoid a major war. It is important because it is associated with the Munich Agreement.

Vietnam War

A conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It is important because America was heavily involved in the conflict and it caused many social issues in the nation.

Blitzkrieg

An intense military campaign intended to bring about a swift victory. It is important because it proved a very effective military operation. “Lightning War”

Big Three

The leaders of the Allied nations during World War II: Franklin D. Roosevelt (United States), Winston Churchill (Great Britain), and Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union). It is important because it represents the team that defeated the Axis powers.

Mikhail Gorbachev

The last leader of the Soviet Union. He is important because he played a key role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Holocaust

The genocide of European Jews during World War II. It is important because it was one of the worst atrocities in human history.

Truman Doctrine

The principle that the US should give support to countries or peoples threatened by Soviet forces or communist insurrection. It is important because it shaped American foreign policy during the Cold War.

Glasnost

The policy of more openness and transparency in the activities of all government institutions and freedom of information. It is important because it helped to transform the Soviet Union.

Pearl Harbor

A surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service upon the United States against the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, just before 08:00 on Sunday, December 7, 1941. It is important because it was the start of the war with Japan.

NATO

A military alliance of European and North American democracies founded after World War II to strengthen international ties between member states—especially the United States and Europe—and to serve as a counter-balance to the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. It is important because it has been one of the most important military alliances in history.

Perestroika

The policy or practice of restructuring or reforming the economic and political system. It is important because it helped transform the Soviet Union.

Rape of Nanking

An episode of mass murder and mass rape committed by Imperial Japanese soldiers against the residents of Nanjing, then the capital of China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It is important because of the mass atrocities.

Nikita Khrushchev

A Soviet politician who led the Soviet Union during part of the Cold War. It is important because of the decisions that he made during that time.

Vladimir Putin

The current president of Russia. He is important because of his roles in his current war with Ukraine.

Miracle at Dunkirk

The evacuation of Allied soldiers during World War II from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, in the north of France, between 26 May and 4 June 1940. It is important because it saved many allied soldiers so they would live to keep fighting and caused Germany to lose the war.

Berlin Wall

A guarded concrete barrier that physically and ideologically divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It is important because it represented a political and social barrier that separated the Free West Berlin from the rest of Soviet controlled East Germany

European Union

A political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. It is important because each nation shares their economies.

Battle of Britain

A military campaign of the Second World War, when the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the Royal Navy defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany's air force, the Luftwaffe. It is important because it was the first major campaign fought entirely by air forces.

Mao Zedong

A Chinese communist revolutionary who was the founder of the People's Republic of China. He is important because he implemented Maoism (communism in China).

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning American ballistic missile deployment in Italy and Turkey with consequent Soviet ballistic missile deployment in Cuba. It is important because it was a period where nuclear war was imminent.

Battle of Midway

A decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II that occurred six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. It is important because it was a crucial turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

Berlin Airlift

A military operation in the late 1940s that brought food and other needed goods into West Berlin by air after the government of East Germany, which at that time surrounded West Berlin , had cut off its supply lines. It is important because it was a huge win for the Western Bloc.

Space Race

A 20th-century competition between two Cold War rivals, the Soviet Union and the United States, for achievements in space exploration. It is important because many countries are still benefiting from the technologies that came from space race.

Battle of Stalingrad

A major battle on the Eastern Front of World War II in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad. It is important because it marked a turning point and one of the largest battles in history.

Korean War

A war between North Korea (with the support of China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (with the principal support of the United States). It is important because it was one of the main proxy wars during the cold war.

Detente

The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries. It is important in preventing future wars and fostering successful relations.

D-Day

The landing operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. It is important because it started the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany.

Red Scare

The promotion of a widespread fear during WW1 of a potential rise of communism. It is important because it has affected U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

Brexit

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. It is important because it had economic and political implications for the UK and the rest of the world.