AP World History Final Exam Review Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary and concepts for the AP World History final exam. Organized by historical era and theme.

Confucianism

Chinese philosophy emphasizing filial piety, order, and hierarchy.

Hinduism

Ancient Indian religion with polytheistic elements, karma, and reincarnation.

Reincarnation

The belief in rebirth based on one’s karma in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Mandate of Heaven

The Chinese belief that rulers are divinely chosen but can be overthrown if they fail.

Feudalism

A decentralized system of government based on landowners and vassals in medieval Europe and Japan.

Islam

Monotheistic religion founded by Prophet Muhammad; follows the Quran.

Indian Ocean Trade

Key maritime trade network linking East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Trans-Saharan Gold Roads

Trade routes connecting North and West Africa, known for gold and salt trade.

Kingdom of Mali

Powerful West African empire known for Mansa Musa's pilgrimage and control of gold trade.

Chinese Tributary States

Neighboring regions acknowledging Chinese supremacy in exchange for trade benefits.

Mongol Empire

Largest land-based empire, facilitating trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia.

Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

Forced migration of African slaves to the Americas for labor.

Columbian Exchange

Exchange of goods, people, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.

Sugar Trade

Profitable industry driving colonization and slavery in the Caribbean.

Silver Trade

Global commerce centered on Chinese demand for silver, leading to European dominance.

Aztecs

Mesoamerican empire famous for advanced city planning, human sacrifices, and Spanish conquest.

Spread of Christianity to the Americas

Catholic missions, conversion efforts by colonizers.

Mercantilism

Economic theory where colonies provide wealth for the mother country.

Ottoman Empire

Muslim empire controlling trade routes, with religious tolerance policies.

Sunni & Shia

Islamic sects; Sunni majority, Shia concentrated in Iran.

Sufism

Mystical Islamic tradition emphasizing personal devotion and spirituality.

Casta System

Spanish colonial racial hierarchy defining social status by ancestry.

Mestizo

Mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, significant in Latin American societies.

Mughal Empire

Indian empire blending Islamic and Hindu culture; known for architectural achievements.

Gunpowder Empires

Empires like the Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals using firearms for dominance.

Manchu (Qing) Empire

Chinese dynasty established by Manchus, expanding China’s territory.

Simon Bolivar

Leader in Latin American independence movements.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, liberty, and democracy.

Haitian Revolution

First successful slave rebellion leading to Haiti’s independence.

French Revolution

Overthrow of the monarchy, leading to radical change and Napoleon's rise.

Joint Stock Companies

Early corporations funding colonization efforts (e.g., British East India Company).

Opium War

Conflict between Britain and China over opium trade, leading to China's weakening.

Industrial Revolution

Transition to mechanized production, drastically changing economies and societies.

Imperialism

Expansion of European control over colonies, driven by economic and political motives.

Scientific Racism

Misuse of science to justify racial hierarchies and imperialism.

Berlin Conference

European division of Africa without African input, fueling colonial exploitation.

Causes for WWI

Militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism, and assassination of Archduke Ferdinand.

Decolonization

Process of colonies gaining independence post-WWII.

Non-aligned Movement

Countries avoiding Cold War alliances.

Total War

Warfare engaging entire societies and economies (e.g., WWII).

Nationalism

Strong identification with one's nation, often leading to conflict.

Gamal Abdel Nasser

Egyptian leader advocating Pan-Arabism and resisting Western influence.

Globalization

Increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and technology.

Green Revolution

Agricultural innovations improving food production but causing environmental concerns.

NATO

Military alliance formed against Soviet expansion.

Partition of India

Division of British India into India and Pakistan, leading to mass migration and violence.

Cold War

Political and military tension between the U.S. and USSR.

USSR

Communist state that collapsed in 1991, ending the Cold War.

Climate Change

Global issue driven by industrialization and greenhouse gas emissions.