Introduction to History and Economics Lecture Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the history lecture including the definition of history, government forms, economic principles, and post-Civil War Reconstruction.

Astoria

The Greek word from which history derives, meaning to inquire or ask questions.

History

The written record of past events.

Bias

A personal perspective or interpretation error stemming from human flaws, leading different individuals to recount the exact same event in different ways.

Zeitgeist Shift

A shift in the mood or spirit of the people that causes them to think differently as society transitions from one era into another.

Horsepower

The number of horses required to move a vehicle a specific distance in a specific amount of time.

Democracy

A system of government originating from the Greek term for majority rules.

Anarchy

A state of chaos that Plato stated is caused by excessive democracy and uneducated voting.

Tyranny

Rule by a tyrant or oppressor, which serves as the resolution to anarchy.

Constitutional Republic

A form of government led by elected officials where the government is based on laws rather than men, and the rights of the minority are protected.

Economy

The production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in a free market system.

Production

The process of making goods or products.

Distribution

The process of sharing or moving goods and services around.

Consumption

The act of buying, using, or consuming goods and services.

Goods

Tangible items or products that can be physically touched, such as pens and paper.

Services

Intangible economic activities that cannot be physically touched, such as teaching or providing protection.

Free Market System

An economic model defined by the free exchange of goods and services at an agreed-upon price with minimal government control.

Competition

The economic force that drives profit, prevents monopolies, and removes low-quality producers from the market.

Presentism

The fallacy of judging historical facts and past events based on modern knowledge and contemporary standards.

Reconstruction

The post-Civil War era and process focused on rebuilding the nation, recognizing emancipation, and reintegrating Southern states.

Perpetual Union

Abraham Lincoln's constitutional stance that the United States exists forever and ever, rendering secession legally impossible.