Global History Midterm Review

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Global History lecture notes for midterm review.

Primary source

An original record created at the time of an event by someone who experienced it, such as letters, diaries, and photographs.

Secondary source

Interpretation or analysis based on primary sources, created after the event, such as textbooks and documentaries.

Fact

A verifiable statement that can be proven true or false using evidence, such as dates and measurements.

Opinion

A statement of belief, judgment, or feeling that is not verifiable in the same way as a fact.

Geographic isolation

When a region is separated from others by natural barriers, reducing contact and cultural exchange.

Cultural diffusion

The process by which different cultures share ideas, goods, and traditions, often facilitated by travel and trade.

Hinduism

A polytheistic religion that believes in samsara (reincarnation), karma, and dharma, with a goal of moksha.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama that focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, seeking nirvana.

Polytheistic

Belief in many gods, as seen in religions like ancient Egyptian religion.

Monotheistic

Belief in a single god, as exemplified by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Mandate of Heaven

A Chinese political and religious doctrine used to justify the rule of the emperor of China.

Cuneiform

The first known system of writing developed by the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia, used for various purposes.

Hieroglyphs

A writing system used in ancient Egypt that employed picture symbols to represent sounds and ideas.

Ziggurat

A rectangular stepped tower, sometimes surmounted by a temple, common in ancient Mesopotamia.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Irrigation

The artificial application of water to soil for the purpose of aiding in growing crops.

Urban planning

The process of designing and regulating the uses of space in urban areas including the infrastructure and services.

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.