9th grade Hon History finals

Absolute monarch

A monarch who holds complete, unchecked power and can make decisions without any governing body to challenge them. Examples include rulers of France, Russia, Prussia, and Spain. Absolutism failed in England and the Dutch Republic.

Divine right

The belief that a ruler’s authority comes directly from God. This idea was common in the 17th century but later challenged by philosophers like John Locke.

Louis XIV of France

Absolute monarch who ruled France from 1643-1715. Known as the “Sun King,” he built the Palace of Versailles and expanded French territory, ushering in a golden age of art and culture.

Peter the Great of Russia

Tsar and later Emperor of Russia (1682–1725) who westernized Russia by introducing European customs, expanding education, increasing women’s status, founding St. Petersburg, and modernizing the military.

Frederick the Great of Prussia

Prussian king (r. 1732–1786) known for military leadership, religious tolerance, and belief that rulers should serve like a father to their people. Led Prussia in the Seven Years’ War.

John Locke

Enlightenment thinker who argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property), religious tolerance, and that governments exist to protect these rights—or be overthrown. Influenced the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Enlightenment

17th–18th century intellectual movement emphasizing reason, rights, and democracy. Inspired revolutions and reforms in government and society.

Baron von Montesquieu

French philosopher who promoted separation of powers into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent tyranny. His ideas inspired the U.S. system of checks and balances.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Enlightenment thinker who believed in the social contract: people give up some freedoms for the common good. Supported direct democracy and the “general will” of the people.

Voltaire

Enlightenment philosopher who supported freedom of speech, religion, and separation of church and state. Criticized the government through satire in works like Candide and influenced the French Revolution.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document written by Thomas Jefferson that announced the American colonies’ separation from Britain. Influenced by Enlightenment ideas, especially those of John Locke.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing individual freedoms. Reflect Enlightenment values such as free speech, religion, and fair trials.

Amendment 1

Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and protest.

Amendment 2

Right to bear arms.

Amendment 3

No quartering of soldiers in peacetime.

Amendment 4

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants required.

Amendment 5

Right to due process; no self-incrimination or double jeopardy.

Amendment 6

Right to a speedy, public trial by impartial jury.

Amendment 7

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Amendment 8

No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendment 9

Rights not listed in the Constitution are still protected.

Amendment 10

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states and people.

Short-term effects of the Crusades

Spread of Christianity, creation of temporary Crusader kingdoms, increased violence, and second sons gaining land and power.

Long-term effects of the Crusades

Cultural exchange, increased trade, enduring mistrust between Muslims and Christians, and the spread of ideas and goods from the Muslim world to Europe.

Renaissance and Reformation impact on modern world

Encouraged humanism, education, and questioning authority. Led to scientific discoveries, secularism, and Protestantism, reshaping religious and cultural norms.

Absolutism in Europe and its impact

Showed the dangers of unchecked power. George III's tyranny led to the American Revolution, motivating the creation of a government based on liberty, rights, and democracy.

Enlightenment and American Revolution’s impact on the modern world

Promoted ideas of liberty, rights, and democracy. Enlightenment thinkers inspired documents like the Constitution and Bill of Rights; revolution showed how to fight for representative government.

Golden Age definition

A time of peace, prosperity, learning, and advancement in a civilization. It requires political stability, economic success, strong infrastructure, and often, a flourishing of culture and ideas.

Tang and Song China as a Golden Age

Civil Service Exam encouraged education; the Fubing system provided military strength without draining resources; advances in trade, art, and technology.

Mayan Empire as a Golden Age

Achievements in astronomy, medicine, writing, religion, and agriculture led to a prosperous society lasting nearly 2,000 years.

Trade and Golden Ages

Trade fosters specialization and wealth, connects cultures, spreads ideas, and funds advancements in art, science, and infrastructure.

Muhammad begins preaching in Mecca (613 CE)

Marks the start of Islam. Promoted the Five Pillars (Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj), uniting Muslims and fostering a global community with shared religious duties and cultural exchanges.

Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emperor (800 CE)

Symbolized the fusion of Roman, Christian, and Germanic elements; boosted Church authority and centralized medieval European power.

Completion of the Grand Canal in China (609 CE)

Enabled trade and movement between north and south China, boosting economy, agriculture, and cultural unity.

House of Wisdom established in Baghdad (c. 810 CE)

Center for learning where scholars preserved and advanced knowledge in medicine, math, astronomy, and philosophy. Spread Islamic and classical learning globally.

Magna Carta (1215)

English document limiting the king’s power and establishing legal rights. Foundation for modern democracy and rule of law.

Mande Charter (1224 CE)

Early African declaration of rights from the Mali Empire. Promoted justice, environmental protection, and religious tolerance.

Hajj of Mansa Musa (1324 CE)

Pilgrimage to Mecca that showcased Mali’s wealth and increased global interest in Africa. Spread Islam and boosted trade and education in West Africa