AP World History - Ultimate Guide

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) that teaches the Four Noble Truths and emphasizes meditation and the rejection of the caste system.

Four Noble Truths

The central teachings of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and salvation.

Confucianism

A philosophical system founded by Confucius focusing on ethics, family loyalty, and social harmony through hierarchical relationships.

Hinduism

A major religious tradition originating in India that believes in a supreme force, Brahma, and the cycle of rebirth influenced by karma.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an, emphasizing submission to Allah and following the Five Pillars.

Judaism

The monotheistic religion of the Hebrews, characterized by a covenant relationship with God and adherence to the laws outlined in the Torah.

Feudalism

The dominant social system in medieval Europe, characterized by a hierarchy of lords and vassals exchanging land for military service.

Mongol Empire

A vast empire across Asia and Europe established by Genghis Khan, noted for its cultural diffusion and trade expansion.

Renaissance

A cultural movement in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century that revived interest in classical learning, humanism, and arts.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in 16th century Europe that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and significant changes in Western Christianity.

Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrial growth and development marked by advancements in technology, manufacturing, and social changes beginning in the 18th century.

Cold War

A geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States from the end of WWII to the early 1990s, characterized by political and military rivalry.

Decolonization

The process through which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, particularly in Africa and Asia after WWII.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries and cultures worldwide, particularly in economics, technology, and communication.

Apartheid

A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s.

Neocolonialism

The practice of using economic and political pressures to control or influence countries, particularly former colonies, even after formal independence.

Genocide

The intentional action to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, exemplified by the Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide.

Environmental Change

The alterations to the environment, often due to human activities, including climate change and loss of biodiversity.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

An international organization that regulates global trade, aiming to ensure trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible.