Lecture on World History and Sovereignty

These flashcards cover key concepts related to world history as discussed in the lecture, including the development of nation-states, the significance of cosmology, sovereignty, and the cultural practices of early civilizations.

What is world history?

A field of study focused on exchanges, connections, and integrated themes across the globe.

Nation State

A political unit characterized by defined geographic boundaries, a central government, and sovereignty.

Cosmology

A worldview or conception about how the universe operates.

Sovereignty

The legitimate authority to govern and rule within a defined territory.

Trade routes in history

Paths historically used for exchanging goods and services across regions.

National myth making

The process through which nations create foundational myths to establish a sense of identity.

Animated cosmology

Belief systems that attribute life and agency to inanimate objects.

Divided world cosmologies

Worldviews that emphasize a separation between humanity, divinity, and the natural world.

Abraham Ortelius

A 16th-century cartographer known for creating one of the first modern atlases.

Thematic approach

A method of studying history that focuses on specific themes rather than chronological events.

The Era of Sovereign Rulers (1500-1650)

A period in which sovereignty was largely viewed as an attribute of individual rulers.

The Era of Sovereign States (1650-1900)

An era during which sovereignty began to be recognized as a characteristic of states rather than individuals.

The Era of Nation States (1800-1900)

A period marked by the development of nation-states as central units of political organization.

Animism

A cosmological belief system where non-human entities possess a spiritual essence.

Chinampas

Floating gardens used in ancient Mesoamerica, particularly by the Mexica, for agriculture.

Tributary States

Territories that provide resources or tribute to a more powerful state in exchange for protection or governance.

Huitzilopochtli

The Mexica god of war and the sun, whose worship involved human sacrifice.

Hongwu Emperor

Founding emperor of the Ming dynasty in China, known for establishing state authority.

City-States

Independent sovereign cities, commonly found in ancient times, that governed themselves and surrounding territories.

Flowery Wars

Ritualistic conflicts fought by the Mexica for purposes of capturing prisoners for sacrifice.

Quetzalcoatl

An important deity in Mesoamerican culture often associated with creation and the wind.

Tezcatlipoca

A central deity in Mexica cosmology associated with the night, conflict, and the unpredictable nature of life.

Legitimacy in Governance

The recognized right of authority to rule, often tied to cultural narratives and traditions.

Post-WWI Victory Parade

An illustration of how nation-states celebrate their achievements to bolster national identity.

Protocols of Nation States

Rules and norms governing interactions and relations between sovereign states.

Political Community

The collective body of citizens within a defined political unit, sharing governance and identity.

The Unintended Consequences of Sovereignty

How the establishment of nation-states can lead to conflicts or disparities.

Narrative Frameworks of Sovereignty

Storylines used to justify authority and explain the naturalness of a ruler's power.

European Map-Making

The process of creating representations of political power in Europe that evolved over centuries.

The Role of Famine in Mexica Society

Famine influenced social structures, resource allocation, and power dynamics within the Mexica civilization.

Impact of Colonialism

The effect on indigenous cultures and political structures due to European expansion efforts.

Indigenous Representation

How indigenous peoples represented themselves and their gods through art and narrative traditions.

Narrow Frame of Focus

A limited perspective that can restrict understanding of broader historical phenomena.