Exam Review Notes on Historical Developments (1200-2000)

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms from historical developments from 1200 to 2000, focusing on various philosophies, cultural practices, economic theories, and global events.

Confucianism

A philosophy that teaches that human society is hierarchical by nature, composed of unequal relationships.

Filial Piety

The practice of honoring one's ancestors and parents, central to Confucianism.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival of Confucian thought that incorporates elements from Buddhism and Daoism.

Imperial Bureaucracy

A system in the Song Dynasty where positions were awarded based on merit through civil service exams.

Foot Binding

A cultural practice in the Song Dynasty that restricted women's foot growth, signifying their social status.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that makes teachings available to everyone and emphasizes compassion.

Eightfold Path

A guide to ethical and mental development in Buddhism leading to enlightenment.

Pax Mongolica

The period of peace after the Mongol conquests that facilitated trade and cultural exchange.

Silk Roads

Trade routes that connected East and West, facilitating not only commerce but also cultural diffusion.

Trans-Saharan Trade Network

A network of trade routes connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa, primarily for the exchange of gold and salt.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that encourages government regulation of a nation's economy for augmenting state power.

Casta System

A hierarchical system based on race and birthplace in colonial Latin America, categorizing individuals into distinct social classes.

Encomienda System

A system where Spanish settlers were granted land and labor from indigenous people in exchange for protection and Christianization.

Indentured Servitude

A labor system where people worked for a fixed term in exchange for passage to a new country, typically in the Americas.

Civilizing Mission

The belief that European powers had a duty to civilize non-European societies, often used to justify imperialism.

Proletariat

The working class in Marxist theory, who sell their labor for wages and are often exploited by the bourgeoisie.

Iron Curtain

Metaphor for the division between communist and non-communist areas in Europe during the Cold War.

Non-Aligned Movement

A group of states that chose not to align with either the Western powers or the Soviet bloc during the Cold War.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gained independence from colonial powers, particularly after WWII.

Globalization

The process through which businesses or other organizations develop international influence, or start operating on an international scale.

Green Revolution

A series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that increased agricultural production worldwide.