AP World History - Ultimate Study Guide

Long-Distance Trade

Growth of trade networks connecting distant regions, facilitating cultural exchange and economic development.

Religious Mysticism

Practice within religions focusing on mystical experiences to connect with the divine through prayer and meditation.

Eightfold Path

Core teachings of Buddhism, guiding followers towards enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

Feudalism

Social hierarchy system in medieval Europe where land was exchanged for loyalty and military service.

Chivalry

Code of conduct among medieval European knights promoting virtues like honor, loyalty, and respect.

Nation-States

Emergence of modern countries based on linguistic and cultural identities, transitioning from feudal kingdoms.

Neo-Confucianism

Blend of Confucian and Buddhist ideas emphasizing filial piety, loyalty, and proper roles in society.

Silk Route

Ancient trade route connecting East and West, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth in cities like Baghdad and Chang’an.

Mongol Empire

Vast empire spanning from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe, characterized by skilled horsemen and archers under leaders like Genghis Khan.

Scholasticism

Intellectual movement in medieval Europe focusing on the synthesis of faith and reason, often associated with universities and education.

Mongol Empire

A vast empire that did not enforce a specific culture or religion on conquered nations but facilitated cultural advancements and diffusion.

Timur Lang

A Mongol leader who conquered India and promoted Islam in the region through destruction and conquest.

Mali and Songhai

African empires known for their wealth, with Mali attracting Islamic traders due to its gold reserves and Songhai becoming a major cultural center under rulers like Mansa Musa and Sonni Ali.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that emphasized merit-based bureaucracy, civil service exams, and technological advancements, leading to improved governance and literacy rates.

Trade Networks and Cultural Diffusion

The expansion of trade routes like the Silk Road, Indian Ocean trade, and Trans-Saharan routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, religions, and diseases, promoting global awareness and cultural diffusion.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement led by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, resulting in the formation of new Christian denominations and religious conflicts.

Scientific Revolution

A period marked by advancements in scientific knowledge, including the heliocentric model by Copernicus, experiments by Galileo, and the development of the scientific method, leading to significant changes in society and beliefs.

European Rivals

Spain, Portugal, England, and France competed for power through exploration, colonization, and conflicts, shaping global politics and trade during the Age of Discovery.

Russian Expansion

Russian leaders like Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and Catherine the Great expanded and modernized Russia, transforming it into a major European power through military conquest and cultural reforms.

Islamic Gunpowder Empires

Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid Empires in the Middle East and South Asia that utilized gunpowder technology, centralized rule, and cultural achievements to establish powerful states and influence regional politics.

Qing Dynasty

Ruled China from 1644 to 1911, displayed Chinese historical items to affirm legitimacy

Kangxi

Qing Emperor (1661-1722), conquered Taiwan, Mongolia, Tibet, and central Asia

Tokugawa Shogunate

Ruled Japan from 1600 to 1868, enforced a rigid social class model

Maroon Societies

Caribbean and Brazil, resisted slave-owners and avoided recapture

Columbian Exchange

Transatlantic transfer of animals, plants, diseases, and technology between Europe, Americas, and Africa

Encomienda System

Spanish colonial system of forced labor on natives and African slaves

African Slave Trade

Slaves brought to the New World to work on plantations and mines

Enlightenment

17th-18th-century movement questioning government authority and divine right

American Revolution

Colonies revolted against British rule, leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776

French Revolution

Overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

Sioux Resistance

Sioux resisted US government invasion of their land, facing violence during protests.

Muhammad Ahdam

Led Mahadists against Egyptian colonial rule, halted by the British.

Industrial Revolution

Originated in Britain in the 19th century, spreading to Europe, Japan, and the US.

Enclosure

Transition of shared public lands for farming to enclosed private properties.

Steam Engine

Invented by Thomas Newcomer and James Watt, revolutionizing industry.

Telegraph

Enabled rapid long-distance communication.

Marxism

Based on Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, advocating for working class control of production.

Factory Act of 1883

Imposed limits on work hours, child labor, and improved factory conditions.

Indian National Congress

Formed in 1885 to fight for Indian independence.

Opium Wars

Conflicts between Britain and China over opium trade, leading to unequal treaties.

Meiji Restoration

Period of Japanese westernization, transforming Japan into a world power.

Berlin Conference

Hosted by Otto van Bismarck in 1884 to discuss African colonization by European powers.

Monroe Doctrine

US policy declaring Western Hemisphere off-limits to European intervention.

Triple Alliance

Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy to counter France.

World War I

Global conflict involving alliances like Triple Entente and Central Powers, leading to millions of casualties.

Treaty of Versailles

Signed in 1919, it marked the official end of World War I and imposed strict punishments on Germany, including war reparations and territorial losses.

League of Nations

Proposed by President Wilson, it aimed to preserve peace and establish humanitarian goals but was not widely accepted, even by the US.

Russian Revolution

Sparked by Czar Nicholas II's forced resignation, it led to the rise of the Bolsheviks, a socialist party led by Vladimir Lenin, who established the Soviet Union.

Fascism

A political ideology that emphasizes extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and the suppression of individual will in favor of the state.

Triple Entente

An alliance between Britain, France, and Russia during World War I, later joined by the USA.

Five-Year Plans

Implemented by Joseph Stalin in the USSR, these plans aimed at industrializing the country through collectivization and state-owned enterprises.

Appeasement

The policy of giving in to the demands of an aggressor to avoid conflict, notably seen in the Munich Conference of 1938 with Hitler.

Cold War

A period of geopolitical tension between the US and the Soviet Union from 1945 to 1991, characterized by ideological conflict and arms races.

Truman Doctrine

A US policy that aimed to contain communism by providing aid to countries threatened by its spread.

Mao Zedong

Leader of the Chinese Communist Party, he established the People's Republic of China and implemented policies like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

US intervention in Nicaragua targeting Sandinista guerrillas in the 80s.

Export Economies

Reliance on exports leading to poor domestic economies and debt.

Multi-party Election in Mexico

First occurrence in 2000 with the opposition PAN party winning.

Solidarity Movement in Poland

Led by Lech Walesa for reform of the communist economic system.

German Reunification

East and West Germany reunified after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989.

Soviet Union Collapse

Disintegration in 1991 after nations like Poland separated.

Indian National Congress

Established in 1885 to increase rights of Indians under colonial rule.

Amritsar Massacre

Event in 1919 where 319 Indians were killed by the British during a peaceful protest.

Apartheid in South Africa

System of racial separation established in 1948, abolished with Nelson Mandela's presidency.

Creation of Modern Israel

Established in 1948 with two parts for Jews and Muslims, leading to conflicts.

Persian Gulf War

Conflict in 1990-1991 when Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to UN intervention.

Taliban and Al Qaeda

Fundamentalist groups involved in Afghanistan and international terrorism.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Trade agreement uniting North American countries.

European Union (EU)

Formed to unite European countries economically and politically.

Rise of China and India

Both countries becoming economic powerhouses with global influence.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Formed to reduce barriers on international trade with 153 member states.

Green Revolution

Agricultural changes in the 50s and 60s leading to environmental and social impacts.

Global Warming

Accelerating due to human activity, causing environmental concerns.

Age of the Computer

Development of personal computers, internet, and social media changing global interactions.