Grade 10 Social Studies Year Notes

This is a collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms and concepts from the Grade 10 social studies lecture notes.

Civilization

People settled in stable communities based on agriculture, leading to the emergence of complex social structures.

Irrigation Systems

Ancient people constructed these to improve agricultural productivity and support larger populations.

Cuneiform

A writing system developed by Sumerian scribes, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

Harappan Civilization

The civilization developed in the Indus Valley, known for its advanced urban planning and architecture.

Mandate of Heaven

The Chinese belief that a ruler's power is granted by divine approval, central to justifying the rule of the Zhou Dynasty.

City-state (polis)

A fundamental political unit in ancient Greece made up of a city and its surrounding countryside.

Democracy

A form of government in which citizens rule directly, as seen in ancient Athens.

Bushido

The code of conduct followed by samurai in feudal Japan, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and martial arts.

Feudalism

A political system based on the exchange of land for military service and loyalty, dominant in medieval Europe.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing five pillars and ethical living.

Commercial Revolution

The expansion of trade and business in medieval Europe, leading to increased economic activity.

The Crusades

A series of religious wars initiated by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Black Death

A devastating pandemic in the 14th century that caused widespread death and social upheaval in Europe.

Nationalism

A sense of pride and identity as a nation-state, which grew stronger during and after the Hundred Years' War.

The Oracle

A means of communication with the divine, often used in ancient civilizations to guide decisions.