General Historical Vocabulary – AP World History: Modern

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from AP World History: Modern notes.

Aristocracy

A social class of elites, often land-owning nobles who held power by birth and wealth.

Bureaucracy

A system of government where state officials (not elected leaders) carry out policies and administration.

Centralization

The concentration of political power in a single authority or governing body (e.g., Ming China, Louis XIV's France).

Commercial

Related to commerce or trade (e.g., commercial revolution, commercial networks).

Commerce

The activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale (e.g., Indian Ocean trade, Atlantic commerce).

Consolidate

To strengthen or unify power, territory, or institutions (e.g., rulers consolidating power through military or religion).

Decentralization

Distribution of power away from a central authority, seen in feudal systems or post-classical Europe.

Democracy

A political system in which power is exercised by the people, often through elected representatives (e.g., Ancient Athens, modern republics).

Diffusion

The spread of ideas, technologies, religions, or goods across cultures (e.g., cultural diffusion, technological diffusion).

Diplomacy (Diplomatic)

The practice of managing international relations, especially through negotiation rather than conflict.

Empire

A large political unit that controls multiple peoples and territories, often through conquest and centralized authority.

Facilitate

To make a process easier or smoother (e.g., improved transportation facilitated trade).

Hierarchy

A ranked order, often used to describe social structures or class systems.

Ideology

A system of beliefs or ideals that shape political, economic, or social systems (e.g., liberalism, nationalism, communism).

Infrastructure

The basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society to function (e.g., roads, irrigation, ports).

Mandate

An official order or authority to act, such as the Mandate of Heaven in China that justified dynastic rule.

Matriarchy

A social system in which women hold primary power, though less common historically (some indigenous societies show matriarchal traits).

Militarism

A political and social emphasis on military strength and values, often leading to expansion or conflict (e.g., WWI causes).

Monarchy

Rule by a king or queen, often hereditary (can be absolute or constitutional).

Nationalism

A strong identification with one's nation or ethnic group, often leading to independence movements or unification efforts.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles in leadership, privilege, and property control.

Reform

To improve or change systems or policies (e.g., Meiji Reforms, Protestant Reformation).

Republic

A state in which power rests with elected representatives and an elected leader rather than a monarch (e.g., U.S., France post-1789).

Sovereignty

The full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without interference.

State

A political organization with a centralized government, defined territory, and recognized sovereignty.

Syncretism

The blending of different cultural, religious, or philosophical traditions (e.g., Sikhism, Neo-Confucianism).

Theocracy

A government controlled by religious leaders or based on religious law (e.g., Safavid Empire, Iran post-1979).