AP World History Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes covering key concepts in AP World History.

The Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for national independence or self-rule.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit.

Abolitionism

The movement to end slavery and the slave trade.

Utopian Socialists

Early socialists who sought to establish perfect societies based on equality and cooperation.

Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrial growth and technological advancement from the late 18th to the early 20th century.

Labor Unions

Organizations of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests.

Total War

A conflict in which nations mobilize all of their resources and population toward the war effort, often leading to significant impacts on society.

Social Darwinism

A theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to sociology and politics, often used to justify imperialism.

Decolonization

The process by which colonies gain independence from colonial powers.