Modern World History Unit 5: Power and Privilege

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Unit 5 of Modern World History focused on power and privilege.

Power

The ability to control one's circumstance and to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.

Privilege

A special advantage, immunity, permission, right, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual, class, or caste.

Nuclear Arms Race

A competition between nations to develop and accumulate nuclear weapons.

New Imperialism

A policy where imperial powers exert influence over other nations, often diminishing local citizenship rights.

Containment

A foreign policy strategy aimed at preventing the expansion of an adversary, particularly during the Cold War.

Detente

The easing of strained relations, especially between countries, during the Cold War.

Proxy Wars

Conflicts where two opposing countries or parties support combatants that serve their interests instead of directly engaging in fighting.

Glasnost

A policy of openness and transparency in government activities introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika

A policy of economic restructuring initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union.

Solidarity

A labor and political movement in Poland that united workers against the Communist regime.

Ethnic Cleansing

The deliberate and systematic removal of a particular ethnic group from a geographic area.