AP World Unit 9 Vocab

Deng Xiaoping

Chinese leader who introduced market-oriented reforms in the late 20th century, opening China to global trade while keeping communist political control.

Wangari Maathai

Kenyan environmental activist who founded the Green Belt Movement, promoting tree planting and women’s rights.

Jonas Salk

American scientist who developed the first effective vaccine against polio.

Desmond Tutu

South African archbishop and activist who fought against apartheid and supported human rights and reconciliation.

Margaret Thatcher

British prime minister who promoted free-market policies, privatization, and reduced government intervention.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by individuals, industries, or countries.

Green Revolution

A period of agricultural innovation that increased food production through new seeds, fertilizers, and technology but also caused environmental harm.

Green Belt Movement

An environmental organization in Kenya focused on tree planting, conservation, and women’s empowerment.

Paris Agreement

An international treaty aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Shipping containers

Standardized cargo boxes that made global trade faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

Multinational corporations

Businesses that operate in multiple countries and play a major role in the global economy.

Economic liberalization

The reduction of government control over the economy to encourage free markets and trade.

Knowledge economy

An economy based on information, technology, and skilled labor rather than traditional industry.

Debt restructuring

The process of changing the terms of a country’s or organization’s debt to make repayment easier.

Internet

A global network that allows instant communication, information sharing, and economic activity worldwide.

Americanization

The spread of American culture, values, and products to other parts of the world.

Human rights

Basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to, such as freedom, equality, and protection under the law.

Refugees

People who are forced to leave their country due to war, persecution, or disaster.

Fair Trade

A system of trade that ensures fair wages, good working conditions, and environmental standards for producers.