Key Concepts from Historical Lecture

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts discussed in the lecture, focusing on historical themes, important figures, and systems that influenced various societies.

SPICE Themes

An acronym referring to Society, Politics, Innovation, Culture, and Economics, which are key themes used to analyze historical developments.

Filial Piety

A Confucian principle emphasizing respect and duty to one's parents and ancestors, critical in maintaining social hierarchy in traditional Chinese society.

Dar al Islam

A term that refers to the areas of the world where Islam is predominant and can be practiced freely.

Sufism

A mystical Islamic belief system that emphasizes introspection and spiritual closeness to God, known for facilitating the spread of Islam through syncretism.

Syncretism

The blending of different religious and cultural practices, often seen in the context of the spread of religions like Islam and Hinduism.

Civil Service Exam

A test in Imperial China aimed at selecting candidates for the state bureaucracy, heavily influenced by Confucian teachings.

Feudal System

A hierarchical system of land ownership and duties, characterized by the relationship between lords and vassals, prominent in both Japan and Europe.

Mansa Musa

The ninth emperor of the Mali Empire, noted for his pilgrimage to Mecca and for spreading Islam and showcasing the wealth of West Africa.

Champa Rice

A fast-growing rice variety from Southeast Asia that allowed for increased agricultural output and population growth in China.

Silk Road

An ancient trade route connecting East and West, known for the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between civilizations.

Ecomienda System

A labor system instituted by the Spanish Crown in the Americas, granting landowners the right to forced labor from Indigenous peoples.

Gunpowder Empires

Empires that used gunpowder technology as a significant factor for their expansion, notably the Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid empires.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement initiated by Martin Luther in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and significant changes in Christianity.

Triangular Trade

A trade system between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of slaves, goods, and raw materials.

Janissaries

Elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire, originally formed from Christian boys taken through the devshirme system.

Bhakti Movement

A spiritual movement in India emphasizing devotion to a personal god, blending aspects of Islam and Hindu practices.

Vassal

A person who has entered into a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch in a feudal system, often in exchange for land and protection.