Key Concepts in Political and Economic History

This set of flashcards contains key vocabulary terms and their definitions related to political, economic, and social concepts essential for understanding history.

Imperialism

A powerful country asserting political, economic, and/or social dominance over other countries.

Nationalism

Belief in the superiority of one's own nation and the promotion of its interests, often at the expense of others.

Independence Movements

Movements, mostly post-WWII, aimed at gaining independence from colonial rule.

Total War

A war where countries completely mobilize their resources and people, including civilians, to support the war.

Economic Depression

A period characterized by very low economic activity and high unemployment.

Government-Controlled Economy

An economy controlled by the government instead of private investors.

Nonviolent Resistance

Protesting injustice without using physical force or violence.

Cultural Assimilation

Forcing colonized people to abandon their culture and laws in favor of European culture and laws.

Authoritarianism

A political system where a small group holds power without representation for the people.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the government has total control over individual citizens' lives.

Fascism

A political system led by a dictator promoting extreme nationalism and intolerance of opposition.

Decolonization

The process of former colonies fighting for and establishing independent nation-states.

Liberal Democracy

A political system that limits government power and emphasizes individual rights.

Geopolitical

The study of the relationship between politics, geography, demography, and economics.

Communism

A system based on communal ownership of property, with the idea that actual ownership is ascribed to the community or state.

Collectivization

The replacement of peasant villages with large, state-run farms by a Communist government.

Genocide

The systematic killing of a racial or cultural group.

Consumer Culture

A culture created by advertisements and the resulting need to buy things.

International Economic Organizations

Organizations like IMF, World Bank, and WTO that arrange economic plans for developing countries.

Consumer Goods

Products and services that satisfy human wants directly.