AP World History Final 2025

Allied powers of WW2

United Kingdom, the United States, the Soviet Union,

Appeasement Policy

a diplomatic strategy aimed at avoiding conflict by conceding to aggressive powers, notably used by Britain and France towards Nazi Germany before World War II.

Areas of Africa which did not become colonized during 1800s

Liberia and Ethiopia were the primary areas of Africa that remained uncolonized during the 1800s

American, French, and Haitian Revolutions - Similarties and Differences

The American, French, and Haitian Revolutions shared the common goal of achieving independence and freedom from colonial rule, yet differed in their social hierarchies, revolutionary methods, and outcomes.

Axis Powers of WW2

the coalition of Germany, Italy, and Japan that opposed the Allied Powers during World War II.

Berlin Conference (1885)- explanation and impact

The Berlin Conference of 1885 regulated European colonization and trade in Africa, leading to the partitioning of the continent among European powers and significant political and social upheaval for African nations.

Black Death- Explanation and Significance

The Black Death was a devastating pandemic of bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, leading to the deaths of millions and significant social and economic changes.

Central Powers of WW1

the coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria that fought against the Allies during World War I.

Allied Powers of WW1

the coalition of nations including the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Italy, and the United States that opposed the Central Powers during World War I.

Cold War- Definition and Explaination

A long period of tension after World War II between the United States and the Soviet Union. They competed for power and influence around the world without large-scale direct fighting.This era was characterized by ideological conflict, nuclear arms race, and proxy wars.

Columbian Exchange- explanation and long-term effects

The Columbian Exchange refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's voyages. Long-term effects included significant changes in agriculture, population growth, and the introduction of new diseases, which impacted indigenous populations.

Early European Colonies- Purpose and Main colonizers

The early European colonies were established primarily for economic gain, expansion of territory, and the spread of Christianity. Major colonizers included Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands, each seeking to exploit resources and establish trade routes. God, Glory, and Gold.

Effects of Enlightment thinkers

The effects of Enlightenment thinkers were profound and widespread, promoting ideas of reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. Their philosophies influenced political revolutions, leading to changes in governance and the rise of democratic ideals.

Enlightment- main ideas

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement characterized by the emphasis on reason, science, and individual rights. It challenged traditional authority and laid the groundwork for modern democracy and human rights. Key concepts included liberty, equality, and rational thought.

French Revolution- motto and Main goals

The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799, marked by the overthrow of the monarchy, establishment of a republic, and widespread violence including the Reign of Terror. It sought to abolish feudal privileges and promote ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Haitian Revolution- what was it and what was its impact

The Haitian Revolution was a successful slave revolt that took place from 1791 to 1804, resulting in Haiti's independence from French colonial rule. It had a significant impact by inspiring other slave uprisings and challenging the institution of slavery globally. The revolution led to the first successful establishment of a free black republic and influenced abolitionist movements across the Americas.

Impact of King Leopold II on Congo

King Leopold II of Belgium's colonial rule in the Congo from 1885 to 1908 was marked by extreme exploitation and brutality, leading to the deaths of millions. His regime focused on extracting resources like rubber, fostering a legacy of violence and economic exploitation that profoundly affected the region's history.

Industrial Revolution- explanation and early impacts

The Industrial Revolution was a period of transition to new manufacturing processes and technologies from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, which transformed economies from agrarian to industrial. Its early impacts included urbanization, improvements in transportation, and significant changes in labor and production methods, contributing to the rise of factory systems and economic growth.

Main causes of World War One

The main causes of World War I included nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and a complex system of alliances among European powers. These factors contributed to rising tensions, which ultimately erupted into global conflict following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Main Causes of World War 2

The main causes of World War II included the Treaty of Versailles' punitive measures, economic instability from the Great Depression, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and aggressive expansionist policies by countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan. These factors culminated in widespread conflict starting in 1939. These factors include unresolved issues from World War I, economic hardship, and the emergence of fascist governments.

Main Colonies of British Empire at its height (circa 1850s)

The main colonies of the British Empire at its height in the 1850s included Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and numerous territories in the Caribbean and the Pacific. These colonies played significant roles in trade, resources, and military strategy for Britain.

Mao Zedong- Main Program and Impacts

Mao Zedong was a Chinese communist revolutionary who led the Communist Party of China to victory in the Chinese Civil War. His main programs, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, aimed to transform China's economy and society but resulted in widespread famine, cultural destruction, and significant loss of life.

Martin Luther- who was he and what was his impact

Martin Luther was a German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation. His Ninety-Five Theses challenged the Catholic Church's practices, leading to significant religious reform and the establishment of Protestant denominations.

Medevial Europe- Explain power structure (who had power?)

In Medieval Europe, the power structure was hierarchical, dominated by monarchs, nobles, and the Church. Kings held ultimate authority, but local lords and bishops wielded significant influence and control over land and vassals. Fiefs were granted to nobles in exchange for military service, creating a feudal system that defined societal roles and responsibilities.

Mohandes Gandhi- his ideas and significance

Mohandas Gandhi was an Indian leader known for his principles of nonviolent resistance, which he employed to lead India in its struggle for independence from British rule. His philosophy inspired global movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Motives for Europeans to explore new trade routes to Asia

Europeans sought to establish direct trade links for spices, silks, and other valuable goods, aiming to increase wealth, spread Christianity, and gain geopolitical advantage.

Opium Wars- explanation and impact

The Opium Wars were two significant conflicts in the mid-19th century between China and Western powers, primarily Britain, over trade imbalances and the illegal opium trade. The wars resulted in China's defeat, leading to the Treaty of Nanking and the establishment of foreign control over key ports, significantly weakening China's sovereignty.

Ottoman Turk empire areas of influence and years of influence

The Ottoman Empire, which existed from 1299 to 1922, influenced parts of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It was known for its diverse culture, trade networks, and significant military strength.

Propaganda- explanation and purpose

Information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, or nation

Renaissance- Main ideas and effects

The Renaissance caused big improvements in art, science, and writing. It made people want to explore, question the church, and helped create today's Europe.

Resistence to Colonization (Sepoys, Zulu)

Resistance to colonization took many forms, ranging from armed conflicts to cultural preservation. The Sepoy Mutiny in India (1857) was a major uprising against British rule, sparked by cultural and religious grievances among Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British East India Company's army. The Zulu Kingdom in South Africa, under leaders like Shaka and Cetshwayo, fiercely resisted British expansion through military campaigns like the Anglo-Zulu War (1879). These acts of resistance, though ultimately suppressed, demonstrated the strong desire of colonized peoples to maintain their autonomy and cultural identity in the face of European imperialism.

Significant events of early French Revolution

The early phase of the French Revolution included significant events like the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a symbol of rebellion against royal power. Another key event was the Tennis Court Oath, where the Third Estate pledged to form a new constitution, marking a critical step towards revolutionary change.

The creation of modern state of Israel and the displacement of who, and why was it created

The modern state of Israel was established in 1948 primarily to provide a homeland for the Jewish people after the Holocaust and rising antisemitism. This led to the displacement of many Palestinians, creating an ongoing conflict over land and self-determination.

The spark that ignited WW1

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, served as the immediate trigger that ignited World War I. This event led to Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia, setting off a chain reaction of alliances that drew major European powers into the conflict.

Triangular Trade

A system of trade in which slaves, crops, and manufactured goods were traded between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.

Triple Entente of WW1

The Triple Entente was an alliance between France, Russia, and Great Britain formed in the years leading up to World War I. It was characterized by mutual diplomatic support and a commitment to defend each other in case of attack by the Central Powers. It was a response to the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, acting as a counterbalance to their growing power. The Triple Entente's purpose was mutual military support in case of an attack by any of the other great powers, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

V-E day

Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945; it marked the official surrender of all German military operations.

V-J Day

V-J Day, or Victory over Japan Day, marks the end of World War II, specifically the surrender of Japan. It's celebrated on August 14, 1945, in the United States, following President Truman's announcement that Japan had surrendered unconditionally.

What was the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall

The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, symbolized the end of the Cold War, the collapse of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, and the reunification of Germany. It triggered revolutions across Eastern Europe, leading to the downfall of communist governments and the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. The event reshaped international relations, promoted democracy and economic liberalization, and became a powerful symbol of freedom worldwide.

Why did Pakistan become a separate state from India

Pakistan became a separate state from India in 1947 due to religious and political differences. The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, pushed for a Muslim-majority nation, fearing Hindu dominance in a united India. The British approved the partition, leading to widespread violence and mass migration, with millions displaced. Pakistan was created as a Muslim homeland, later splitting into Pakistan and Bangladesh in 1971.

World superpowers after WW2

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two global superpowers, marking the beginning of the Cold War. The U.S. led the Western Bloc, promoting democracy and capitalism, while the USSR controlled the Eastern Bloc, spreading communism. This rivalry shaped global politics, leading to proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and ideological conflicts. The war also led to the formation of the United Nations, efforts to rebuild Europe through the Marshall Plan, and the eventual decolonization of many nations