AP World History: Modern - Vocabulary Flashcards

Key terms and events from AP World History: Modern lecture notes, designed for vocabulary review.

Abbasid Caliphate

Major trading and intellectual center in Baghdad from 750-1258, known for viziers, extensive trade, Turkish migration, translation of Western texts, and the House of Wisdom.

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (960-1279) known for urbanization due to plentiful food, emphasis on Neo-Confucianism, technological innovation, proto-industrialization, expanded trade (especially tea), hyper-patriarchy (foot-binding), and scholar-gentry without military experience.

High Middle Ages

A period around c. 1000 marked by a warming climate, prolific agriculture, rising populations, strengthening states, and increased warfare in Europe.

Fourth Crusade

Crusade in 1204 prompted by economic motivations of Italian city-states, resulting in the sacking of Constantinople with the blessing of the Pope and severely weakening the Byzantine Empire; Seljuk Turks closed Levant region to pilgrims initiating the Crusades.

Pax Mongolica

Period following Genghis Khan's conquests (beginning 1206), characterized by increased overland trade (Silk Road) and the spread of the bubonic plague. Also responsible for gunpowder spreading to the West.

Magna Carta

Signed in 1215, this document limited the power of the monarchy in England and served as an inspirational/influential document during the Age of Revolution.

Renaissance

A period beginning c.1300-1700 in Europe marked by humanism and scientific inquiry due to increasing wealth from Mediterranean trade.

Little Ice Age

A period from c.1300-1870 characterized by reductions in agriculture leading to social unrest, famines, massive migrations, and the rise of the potato after 1492.

Aztec Empire

Empire established by the nomadic Mexica in Central Mexico (1428-1521). They created tribute systems of luxury goods, conducted flower wars, and practiced blood sacrifice. Innovations included chinampas ('floating gardens').

Inca Civilization

Civilization (1438-1533) that innovated in the Andes Mountains. Notable achievements included the Carpe Nan road system, mi'ta system, quipu, rope bridges, earthquake-resistant masonry, terraced farming, and waru waru.

Printing Press

Its use in Europe, c. 1450, led to increased literacy and the rapid spread of knowledge, furthering the Renaissance and allowing new ideas to proliferate.

Fall of Constantinople

Occurred in 1453 when the Ottomans conquered the city, leading Christian scholars to bring knowledge to Europe (Italian Renaissance). Prices increased, beginning the Age of Exploration as European merchants integrated into the Indian Ocean trade.

Guru Nanak

Established Sikhism as a syncretic religion in India in 1469.

Columbian Exchange

Began in 1492 with Columbus's voyages, bridging the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

Protestant Reformation

Initiated by Martin Luther in 1517. It caused a split in the Church creates religious and political conflicts.

Mughal Empire

Established in 1526, unifying decentralized India under Islamic minority rule.

Tokugawa Shogunate

Began in 1600, signified the rise of military power, a reduction in the emperor's authority, a closed-door trade policy, persecution of Christians, and the continuation of Japanese feudalism.

Trading Post Companies (EIC/VOC)

Established around 1600/1602, these companies facilitated European economic systems replacing previous systems of trade in the Indian Ocean, marking the beginning of European colonization and hegemony.

Enlightenment

From 1685-1815, spread across Europe, inspiring revolutions and progressive movements for liberal reforms (abolitionism, suffrage, etc.).

Glorious Revolution

Established the English Bill of Rights in 1689, protecting personal freedoms and property; two legal ideas credited with making Britain the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Industrial Revolution

Emerging around 1750 with cottage industries, industrial output allowed women some economic freedoms and prompted the development of inventions that led to full mechanization of production.

Steam Engine

Invented by James Watt in 1765, it allowed industrial production to no longer require water wheels, starting the Industrial Revolution in full force with coal.

French Revolution

From 1789-1799, this revolution led to the end of French feudalism, the rise of Napoleon, the end of French absolute monarchy, and the abolition of French slavery.

Haitian Revolution

In 1804, the first and only successful slave revolt; Increased pressure on nations to end slavery.

Congress of Vienna

European borders redrawn after Napoleonic Wars in 1815 to balance power; maintains conservativism.

Opium War

China's loss in 1839 sparked attempts at modernization; Hong Kong turned over to the British; economic spheres of influence created.

Meiji Restoration

Ended the Tokugawa Shogunate and began successful modern reforms and industrialization in Japan in 1868.

Berlin Conference

In 1884, European nations divided up African lands for exploitation.

Treaty of Versailles

Signed in 1919, its steep punishments to Germany failed to prevent future conflicts. It did not address Japanese imperialism or establish a strong League of Nations.

Cold War

From 1945-1991, the dominant political and economic paradigm of the post-war world created new superpowers, proxy wars, and nuclear proliferation.

Marshall Plan and Truman Plan

Enacted in 1947 as part of containment, these plans were created to assist nations with economic or political upheaval in the battle against communism.

Cuban Revolution

Began in 1953-1959, Cuba became Communist under Fidel Castro, Red Scare begins in 1954, triggered by Joe McCarthy during this time.

Vietnam War

Proxy war (1955-1975) between North and South Vietnam with US backing of unpopular dictator; sparked use of chemicals. Tarnished US image.

Iranian Revolution

In 1978-1979, the loss of Iran as an ally in the Middle East; the rise of Islamic fundamentalism; Iran-Hostage Crisis took down Jimmy Carter’s re-election campaign

Glasnost and Perestroika

Implemented by Gorbachev from 1985-1991 in USSR and ultimate lead to the collapse of the USSR.