AP World History Vocabulary

Diaspora

the spread of a people from their original homeland

Syncretic

the combination or blending of different beliefs, practices, philosophies, or cultural elements to form a new, cohesive system

Capricious

one whose attitude or behavior is characterized by sudden, unpredictable, and unexplained changes, often driven by whim or impulse rather than reason

Monasticism

a religious way of life involving the renunciation of worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully to spiritual activities, often through a structured, ascetic lifestyle centered on prayer, work, and community or solitude

Caravan

a group of people, especially traders or pilgrims, traveling together across a desert in Asia or North Africa

Maritime

adjective referring to things connected to the sea or other waterways, encompassing shipping, navigation, marine life, and coastal areas

Decentralization

the transfer of control of an activity or organization to several local offices or authorities rather than one single one

Polygamy

the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time

Patriarchy

a system of society or government in which the father or eldest male is head of the family and descent is traced through the male line

Indentured Servitude

a labor system where a person signs a contract (an indenture) to work for a specific period, usually in exchange for passage to a new land, room, board, and sometimes future compensation like land and goods

Coerced Labor

also known as forced labor, is work performed involuntarily under the threat of punishment

Dharma

in Hinduism and Buddhism; the right way of living, a path for morality and virtuous action, and the cosmic law that upholds the universe

Homage

a public demonstration of respect or honor to someone or something

Imperialism

the policy of a powerful nation extending its rule and influence over other territories or peoples, often through political, economic, or military control, aiming to gain wealth and power on the international stage