AP World History Unit Vocabulary (Communism to Hajj)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the AP World History lecture notes.

Communism

A political and economic system with common ownership of production and a classless society.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private property, free markets, and voluntary exchange.

Civilization

A complex society with cities, centralized government, social hierarchy, and writing.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism and related traditions.

BCE

Before the Common Era, a time designation alternative to BC.

CE

Common Era, a time designation alternative to AD.

Aryan (Agarian)

Indo-European people or cultures associated with early Vedic India.

Artisan

A skilled craftsworker who makes goods by hand.

Eightfold Path

The Buddhist path to end suffering: right views, intentions, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Hierarchy

A system of ranked groups or levels of authority.

Bureaucracy

An administrative system staffed by trained officials.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and customs between cultures.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

City-State

A self-governing city and its surrounding territory.

Philosophy

Systematic study of fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, and values.

Buddhism

Religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

Siddhartha Gautama

The historical founder of Buddhism, known as the Buddha.

Confucius

Chinese philosopher whose teachings shaped ethics and social harmony.

Analects

A collection of Confucius sayings and ideas compiled by followers.

Filial Piety

Respect and duty to one's parents and ancestors.

Legalism

Chinese philosophy emphasizing strict laws and centralized control.

Daoism/Taoism

Chinese philosophy/religion advocating harmony with the Dao and natural order.

Abrahamic Faiths

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; monotheistic traditions linked to Abraham.

Animism

Belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and phenomena.

Democracy

System of government where the people hold power, often via voting or representation.

Monotheism

Belief in a single, supreme God.

Judaism

Monotheistic religion of the Jewish people; sacred laws in the Torah.

Shinto

Indigenous religion of Japan focusing on kami and rituals.

Dynasty

A succession of rulers from the same family or lineage.

Polytheism

Belief in multiple gods.

Covenant

A sacred agreement between God and the people in Hebrew Scriptures.

Empire

A large political unit with extensive territory and diverse peoples, ruled by an emperor.

Mandate of Heaven

Chinese idea that rulers gain authority from heaven and can lose it through misrule.

Yahweh

God of the Israelite people in Judaism.

Ideology

A system of ideas that explains and guides political or social action.

Patriarchal

Societal structure where men hold primary power and authority.

Abraham

Patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; ancestor of many peoples.

Imperialism

Policy of extending a country's power through acquisition or influence.

Matriarchal

Societal structure where women hold primary power.

Moses

Prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible; core Jewish law and narrative.

Indigenous

Original inhabitants of a region; native peoples.

Theocracy

A government ruled by religious authorities believed to be divinely guided.

Monarchy

Rule by a king or queen.

Hinduism

Major world religion from the Indian subcontinent; concepts include dharma karma and reincarnation.

Nation State

A sovereign state whose citizens share a common national identity.

Oligarchy

Government by a small, privileged elite.

Republic (Kepublic)

A state in which supreme power is held by elected representatives and the people.

Tributary State

A state that pays tribute to a more powerful neighbor in exchange for protection or recognition.

Neolithic Revolution

Transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agriculture and settled communities.

Reincarnation

Belief that a soul is reborn into a new body after death.

Caste System

Social stratification based on birth in traditional Hindu society.

Dharma

In Hinduism and Buddhism, duty cosmic order and the right path.

Karma

Moral cause-and-effect; actions influence future outcomes.

Christianity

Monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus; includes the Gospels.

Jesus of Nazareth

Central figure of Christianity; preacher and founder of the faith.

Gospels

Four New Testament accounts of Jesus life and message.

Islam

Monotheistic religion based on revelations to Muhammad and the Qur'an.

Prophet Muhammad

Founder and final prophet of Islam; messenger of God.

Qur’an

Islamic holy scripture believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

Kaaba

Sacred cube-shaped structure in Mecca toward which Muslims pray.

Vedas

Ancient Hindu scriptures that guide ritual and philosophy.

Hajj

Mandatory Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca performed at least once if able.