Key Concepts in Napoleon, Qing Dynasty, Japan, India, and Africa

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader who became Emperor during the Revolution. Expanded across Europe but was defeated at Waterloo.

Napoleonic Code

Set of laws by Napoleon. Gave equality to men but limited women's rights and strengthened male authority.

Concordat

Agreement between Napoleon and the Catholic Church. Restored religious stability in France.

Waterloo

Battle in 1815 where Napoleon was defeated by British and Prussian forces. Ended his rule.

Directory

Weak and corrupt government in France before Napoleon took power.

Battle of Austerlitz

Napoleon's greatest victory in 1805 against Austria and Russia. Strengthened his control in Europe.

St. Helena

Island where Napoleon was exiled after his defeat. He died there.

Louisiana Purchase

Land sold by France to the U.S. in 1803. Doubled U.S. territory.

Nationalism

Belief that people should be loyal to their nation. Helped weaken empires and inspire revolutions.

Qing Dynasty

Last Chinese dynasty ruled by the Manchus. Fell due to rebellion, corruption, and foreign pressure.

Opium War

War between Britain and China over opium trade. China lost and was forced to open trade.

Taiping Rebellion

Large civil war led by Hong Xiuquan. Nearly overthrew the Qing Dynasty.

Hong Xiuquan

Leader of the Taiping Rebellion who claimed to be Jesus's brother.

Kangxi Emperor

Powerful Qing ruler who brought stability and strengthened China.

Qianlong Emperor

Expanded China's empire but his later rule led to corruption and decline.

Li Zicheng

Rebel leader who helped overthrow the Ming Dynasty before the Qing took over.

Nurhaci

Leader who united the Manchus and laid the foundation for the Qing Dynasty.

Queue hairstyle

Required hairstyle under Qing rule showing loyalty to the Manchu government.

Lord Macartney

British diplomat who failed to open trade relations with China.

Century of Humiliation

Period when China was weakened and dominated by foreign powers after losing wars.

Tokugawa Shogunate

Military government that ruled Japan during its isolation period.

Sakoku (Isolation)

Policy where Japan closed itself off from most foreign trade and influence.

Commodore Perry

U.S. naval officer who forced Japan to open its ports in 1853.

Treaty of Kanagawa

Agreement that opened Japanese ports to the United States.

Meiji Restoration

Revolution in 1868 that restored power to the emperor and modernized Japan.

Sakamoto Ryoma

Japanese leader who helped overthrow the shogunate and support modernization.

Sonno Joi

Movement meaning "revere the emperor, expel the barbarians."

Boshin War

Civil war that ended the Tokugawa Shogunate and led to Meiji rule.

Mughal Empire

Powerful empire in India that declined due to internal weakness and invasion.

British East India Company

British trading company that gained control of India through trade and military power.

Sepoy Rebellion

Indian revolt against British rule in 1857. Led to direct British control.

Queen Victoria (Empress of India)

British ruler who took control of India after the rebellion.

Nadir Shah

Persian ruler who invaded and looted India, weakening the Mughal Empire.

Marathas

Indian group that gained power during Mughal decline.

British Raj

Period of direct British rule in India after the Sepoy Rebellion.

Berlin Conference

Meeting where European nations divided Africa without African input.

Scramble for Africa

Rapid European colonization of Africa for resources and power.

Cecil Rhodes

British imperialist who expanded control in southern Africa and owned diamond mines.

Boer Wars

Wars between Britain and Dutch settlers in South Africa over land and resources.

Ashanti Empire

Powerful West African empire known for gold and strong military resistance.

Oyo Empire

West African empire known for cavalry and organized government.

Benin Kingdom

African kingdom known for bronze art and strong city defenses.

Congo Free State

Territory controlled by Belgium where harsh exploitation and abuse occurred.

Askari

African soldiers who served in European colonial armies.

Sick Man of Europe

Nickname for the declining Ottoman Empire.

Selim III

Ottoman ruler who tried to modernize the military.

Mahmud II

Ottoman ruler who pushed reforms and modernization.

Tanzimat Reforms

Series of reforms to modernize the Ottoman Empire and improve equality.