regina vocab column2

Global History Vocabulary  #57-111: 

Global History Vocabulary #57-111 By: Regina Fojas Mr.Persoff/Period 1

Color-Coding Key: 

Color-Coding Key Southeast Asia Middle East Africa East Asia Europe Latin America India General Category U.S.A Euro-Asia Central Europe

Slide3: 

Bolshevik 57. Europe

Bolshevik: 

Bolshevik Definition The Bolsheviks were revolutionary Russian Marxists. They were part of the larger political party called the Marxist Russian Social-Democratic Labor Party. They were known for overthrowing the Russian government during the Russian Revolution of 1917. Significance During the Russian Revolution, there were two main political parties: the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks, also known as the “hard” group was created by Vladimir Lenin. The supporters of this group opted for radical change and socialism. After overthrowing the government in 1917, they renamed themselves the All-Russian Communist Party, which made them stand out as the main communist party of the Soviet Union.

Slide5: 

bourgeoisie 58. Europe General Category

bourgeoisie: 

bourgeoisie Definition The bourgeoisie refers to the people of the middle class. Significance The middle class of the social pyramid is called the bourgeoisie. In many times throughout history, it was the people belonging to this “category” that urged reform and change in the government. During the French Revolution, though the peasants were the real victims of the time, the bourgeoisie felt a right to revolt because of their lack of power. When factory workers were forced to work under horrible and dangerous conditions, it wasn’t them who protested. It was the bourgeoisie that spread ideas of reform and urged for laws that protected factory workers.

Slide7: 

Boxer Rebellion 59. East Asia

Boxer Rebellion: 

Boxer Rebellion Definition The Boxer Rebellion was a Chinese protest against foreign influence that started from November 1899 to September 7, 1901. Many of the peasants and workers composed the secret Society of Harmonious Fists and decided to rebel against what was happening to their country. Unfortunately, the protesters were crushed by Japanese, British, French, German, American and other European armies that came to the aid of the European section of Beijing, China. Significance China had always been independent since civilization started there. The Chinese believed that they were the Middle Kingdom, and that outsiders were barbarians. As time evolved into the Age of Exploration, European nations became curious with China and sought the riches the country could offer them. However, China had an strict limited trading policy. China was eventually forced to establish the Open Door Policy, which allowed the country to trade internationally, but many peasants opposed the powerful influence the Europeans had on China. The Boxer Rebellion was the first step towards nationalistic movements in China. Though it wasn’t successful, it didn’t stop the Chinese from thinking about severing European ties.

Slide9: 

Boxers 60. East Asia

Boxers: 

Boxers Definition The Boxers were the peasants were the members of the Society of Harmonious Fists. It was a secret society that opposed how the Dowager Empress allowed the rise of foreign influence in China. Significance The Society of Harmonious Fists was led by working class of China who disliked the Christian Chinese and Europeans who received special privileges, while they did all the back-breaking labor. After the Boxer Rebellion of the early 1900’s thousands of Boxers were killed by foreign armies. This secret society started the spread of nationalistic feelings that wanted China to become self-sufficient again without the interference of foreign leaders. The group was formed around 1898 in Shandong. By this time, the Opium War had passed and western countries were already gaining power in many of China’s cities. This further increased the Boxer’s resentment towards foreigners.

Slide11: 

Brahma 61. India

Brahma: 

Brahma Definition Brahma is a Hindu god. In Hinduism, he is part of the trinity of gods. Vishnu and Shiva are the other gods. Brahma is the god of creation. He has four heads and arms also. Significance Brahma is believed to be born without a mother. There are different “theories” of how he was born. One is that he emerged from the naval of Vishnu in a lotus flower. Another belief is that the world was created out of the fragments of golden egg that Brahma was born from. Unlike Shiva and Vishnu, Brahma is not considered one of the important gods because of a series of events. In one story, Brahma had become obsessed with Shatarupa, an Indian goddess. Shiva thought that she was Brahma’s daughter and was shocked by Brahma. He considered him “unholy” of worship.

Slide13: 

British East India Company 62. Europe India

British East India Company: 

British East India Company Definition The British East India Company was the group that traded with Asia, especially India. The company was established by Queen Elizabeth I and continued trading from 1600 to 1873. Significance The British East India Company traded with Asian countries, but most of all, greatly influenced India. The large and monopoly-like company had political power in India by the 1800’s and even set up factories in the country employing it with Indian workers. The British East India Company was England’s first step into conquering India. After the Indian Mutiny of 1857-1858, the region of India that was under British influence was now under British political control.

Slide15: 

bubonic plague 63. General Category Europe

bubonic plague: 

bubonic plague Definition The bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death was a highly contagious disease spread by rodents during the Middle Ages. Through trade ships, the fleas from the rats infected humans, which spread to other countries. The disease affected lymph nodes called the buboes. Thus, the name bubonic plague. Significance Roots of the bubonic plague can be traced to China during the 1330’s. As a result of trading with European countries, infected rodents climbed aboard ships infecting the crew, which then spread to Europe. From the China to Europe a domino effect of deaths caused by high fevers, black spots and swelling buboes swept through Europe. Upon the plague’s “arrival” in Europe, the disease wiped out one-third of Europe population by the mid-1300’s.

Slide17: 

Buddha 64. East Asia

Buddha: 

Buddha Definition Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism. He was born in Kapilavastu, Nepal in 566 B.C. According to tradition, Siddhartha’s birth showed that he was going to either be a religious leader or world ruler. Before becoming a Buddha, Siddhartha meditated for six years. Siddhartha was finally enlightened after 49 days meditating under a fig tree. As a noun, Buddha means an enlightened one. Significance When Buddha discovered the cause of human suffering through the Four Noble Truths, he called it his enlightenment. All of life he had been isolated from the world because his father followed a prophecy that stated if Siddhartha stayed at home, he would become a world leader. However, Siddhartha was curious about the world. So he left his palace and decided to explore the world after seeing sick men. He thought that through religious truth, one would escape suffering. Buddha also believed in the Eightfold Path, which consisted of steps to follow in life in order to reach nirvana.

Slide19: 

Buddhism 65. East Asia

Buddhism: 

Buddhism Definition Buddhism is a religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama, which focuses on eliminating human suffering in the world. He was a prince of the Sakya Tribe in Nepal. Buddhism was born after Siddhartha Gautama reached his enlightenment as he mediated under a fig tree. From then on, he started to spread his teachings about living the right path called the Dharma. His philosophies attracted many monks and nuns, who then became his followers. This began the spread of Buddhism. Significance The basic Buddhist Wisdoms are the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Kalama Sutta. Buddha was intrigued by human suffering and he believed that through religious truth, we could overcome this suffering. Through the Four Noble Truths which was part of his first sermon, Buddha described that in order to stop human suffering, all desires must be eliminated. The Eightfold Path was the “step by step” process one should take to reach nirvana, and the Kalama Sutta is a discussion between the Kalama people and the Buddha about finding the difference between bad and good morals.

Slide21: 

bureaucracy 66. General Category

bureaucracy: 

bureaucracy Definition A bureaucracy is a body of government officials that have the administrative responsibilities of establishing laws and passing other legislature. Significance The term bureaucracy has French and Greek origin. In French, the word bureau is actually a type of inexpensive table cloth for office desks. In Greek, -kratia or –kratos means power. When put together, bureaucracy means “office power.” There are many types of bureaucracies found in the world today. Hospitals, governments, and militaries are forms of bureaucracies. There are hierarchies within these groups that all follow and carry out a set of standards and laws.

Slide23: 

Bushido 67. East Asia

Bushido: 

Bushido Definition The Bushido was the code of life that the Samurai, or prestigious Japanese warriors followed strictly. In Japanese, the term means “Way of the Warrior.” Some aspects of the code were self sacrifice, honor, modesty, manners and justice. It was written between the 9th to 12th century, which was around the Hein and Tokugawa Ages. Significance The Bushido aspects were rooted in the Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. Other sources of influence were Zen and Confucianism. The samurai were like the knights of the Medieval Ages. However, these men were taught not to be afraid of death. Through death came honor for one’s country and reincarnation. If a samurai was a prisoner of war they followed the rule of self-sacrifice. In order to preserve honor and not live a live of shame, a samurai would kill himself. By the Bushido, the samurai fought fiercely with spirit and loyalty.

Slide25: 

Byzantine Empire 68. Europe

Byzantine Empire: 

Byzantine Empire Definition The Byzantine Empire was the ruling group that followed the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. Their capital was Constantinople and they were also known as the Eastern Roman Empire. Their empire fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Significance The Byzantine Empire or the Eastern Roman Empire was the only part of the Roman Empire that did not crumble in the 5th century. This empire helped preserve and enrich the Greek and Roman culture for about 1,000 years. From Constantinople, the emperors ruled the now independent kingdom because Rome was two big to control. The Byzantine emperors held absolute power and believed they were heirs of Julius Caesar. In addition, as the empire ruled on its own, the dominant religion, Christianity also began to differ from the western part of Rome. So, the Byzantine Empire helped create another branch of Christianity, which is called Eastern Orthodox.

Slide27: 

Byzantium 69. Europe

Byzantium: 

Byzantium Definition Byzantium was an old port city in the Eastern Roman Empire. It was rebuilt by Emperor Constantine after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. In addition, he renamed it Constantinople. Significance Byzantium or Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Part of the Roman Empire. Constantinople is a Greek name located in the Bosporus strait. It became of the Byzantine Empire in 330. With the power of Emperor Constantine, Byzantium was reconstructed. Constantine believed that from the east, he could better defend the empire, unlike the Western Roman Empire, from the Germanic tribes; and he though that he could keep watch over his flourishing empire from Byzantium.

Slide29: 

Caliph 70. Middle East

Caliph: 

Caliph Definition A caliph is the name given to the head of state of the Muslim world after the Muhammad’s death. The caliph had two roles: first, as a government official and second, as religious leader. The Muslims looked up to their caliphs with great importance because they took over Muhammad, the last and most honored holy prophet of Allah. Significance The establishment of the “title” or position of caliph started when Muhammad died in 632. Muhammad did not leave a male heir, which began a never ending argument of who would succeed the last prophet. After Muhammad death, the Islam divided into two groups: the Shi’s and the Sunni’s. The Sunni was the first “dynasty” to rule the Middle East after Muhammad. The first caliph was Abu Bakr. The men of the Sunni group were the disciples of Muhammad. They were known as Muhammad’s Sahaba, which means disciples.

Slide31: 

Camp David Accords 71. Middle East

Camp David Accords: 

Camp David Accords Definition The Camp David Accords was a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. However, the treaty was also a proposal of creating peace in the Middle East. It was witnessed by the U.S. President Jimmy Carter from September 5 to September 17, 1978 at Camp David. Significance The Camp David Accords was created for Egypt and Israel after four wars within 30 years. From the start, the people of the Middle East were constantly fighting each other. The chaos and unrest of this region propagated an instability that affect the progress of the Middle Eastern countries. Pushed by the 1976 presidential campaign, President Jimmy Carter made it one of his goals to bring peace to the Middle East.

Slide33: 

Cape of Good Hope 72. Africa

Cape of Good Hope: 

Cape of Good Hope Definition On the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa is the Cape of Good Hope. It is also called Cape or Cape Point. It played a major role during the 19th century when the European countries wanted a way to East Asia. Significance The Cape of Good Hope was an important location during the Industrial Revolution. During the late 1800’s the European countries began trading with East Asia and used the Cape to unload goods and refuel their steam ships. The first country to develop and discover the Cape of Good Hope was Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias in 1488. Then the Dutch came over and took control around the late 1680’s. After the Anglo-Dutch War and the Boer War, the Cape of Good Hope fell into Great Britain’s hands, who used the colony to their trading advantage also.

Slide35: 

capitalism 73. General Category

capitalism: 

capitalism Definition Capitalism is a type of economic system where private owned or corporate companies control the production of the major goods. These businesses compete in a free market and operate for profit from sales. Significance The origins of capitalism has been proposed by many different economists throughout history. However, the hypothesis about economic systems started in the 18th century. Economists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo believed in an economy that ran by laissez faire, where the government has no power in the way the economy is run. The ideas of capitalism was one of the causes of the Industrial Revolution. Thomas Malthus, another political economist believed that free markets were the key factor in a successful economy.

Slide37: 

cartel 74. General Category

cartel: 

cartel Definition A cartel is a group of people that control the prices of certain goods. They fix the prices of products to their advantage, so that they could have larger profits. Significance In many countries, such as the United States cartels are illegal because of antitrust laws. The United States President Theodore Roosevelt made it one of his goals to dispose of the businesses that caused monopolies. In the United States, a cartel is known as a trust. Cartels control the supply of raw materials, which affects the prices and limits competition. Two known cartels are the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the De Beers. The De Beers cartel controls the production and sales of diamonds.

Slide39: 

Cash Crop Economy 75. General Category

Cash Crop Economy: 

Cash Crop Economy Definition A Cash Crop Economy is a type of economic system that is wholly based on certain products or staple crops like sugar, salt, tobacco or coffee. Significance Cash Crop Economies depend on certain plants as their major exportation. Some examples of countries that have cash crop economies are the United States, the South American countries and some sub-Saharan African countries. Though wheat and corn are two of the major cash crops of the United States, marijuana, an illegal crop, is the largest cash crop. Bolivia is an example of a South American country that produces coffee, and sugar. Tea, cocoa and palm oil are important goods of Africa too. Raw materials that are the major cash crops of developing countries are important because they bring in a steady flow of money, since the crops are always in need.

caste: 

caste 76. India General Category

caste: 

caste Definition A caste is a type of social class in a hierarchy or social pyramid. A person belong to a certain caste based on many different reasons such as wealth or ancestry. Significance The word caste can be derived from the Romance language. Casta means lineage or race and casto means pure or chaste. Caste systems are like the social hierarchies that shape a society and civilization. Sometimes there are tensions between castes over superiority and discrimination too. The Indian Caste System is a known and traditional form of social stratification. In this system, castes were established based on the roles people played within society. (See Caste System)

Caste System: 

Caste System 77. India

Caste System: 

Caste System Definition A Caste System is the way people are ranked in society based on their income, their jobs and other factors. It is an important part of a country’s culture and values. Significance The Caste System of India is a known system of hierarchy among the Indian people. It is hypothesized that this caste system was created during the Indo-Aryan Migration. However, there is still ongoing debate on this matter. The Caste System of Indian is broken down into four groups: Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra and Harijans. In India, a caste is called a jatis. At its height, the Indian people were forced to marry within their own caste in order to maintain peace and order; and the caste one was born into was the caste that they lived in till the day they died. The use of the Caste System was outlawed by the Indian Constitution, but because it has grown to be part of the Indian culture, it is difficult for the power of the system to quickly fade away.

caudillo: 

caudillo 78. Latin America

caudillo: 

caudillo Definition A caudillo a military dictator or leader of the a Latin American country. Significance By the late 1800’s most of Latin America that was once colonized by Spain had gained its independence. With the spread of nationalistic feelings and the determined power of the Creoles, the Spanish colonies were finally free. For years these colonies experience oppressive governments and dictatorship from Spain. When Creoles finally obtained power they attempted to establish a democracy in the independent countries. However, since their previous positions were always in the military, the Creoles quickly returned to their strict, military-like ways and became caudillos of the Latin American countries. The people of Latin America were not familiar with democracy and were already used to dictatorship, which helped the caudillos maintain their control.

CE: 

CE 79. General Category

CE: 

CE Definition CE is an abbreviation for the Common Era. This time period started, according to the Gregorian calendar, in year 1. CE is also known as BCE, or Before the Common Era. Significance Just like BCE, the term the Common Era had come under debate. Before CE was used, anno Domini was the term that referred to the “years of our Lord.” Many people were concerned with the previous terms that were used to describe the time periods because they seemed religion orientated. However, other believe it is an unnecessary use of political correctness. Since the terms have been used for hundreds of years, the change wouldn’t make a major difference.

centralized government : 

centralized government 80. General Category

centralized government: 

centralized government Definition A centralized government is a type pf government where the power rests in the hands of a main authoritative group or figure. The laws and powers of the central authority are enforced by the local governments that were appointed. Significance The United States of America is an example of a country that has a centralized government. The main power is in the hands of the president and his cabinet. It is difficult to spread one’s ideas to the rest of the states through a single person, so the president appoints local government officials to carry out his laws and proposals. However, most issues and decisions go back to the president and the other branches of government to approve and disagree with.

checks and balances: 

checks and balances 81. General Category

checks and balances: 

checks and balances Definition Checks and balances is a system where governmental power is distributed equally among different branches or parts of the government. Each branch has certain duties to carry out and a certain amount of power to prevent a branch from doing something. Significance The system of checks and balances was first proposed by a French philosopher named Charles de Secondat, de baron Montesquieu during the Enlightenment. The branches in which the power was distributed were the executive, legislative and judiciary. Each of these branches have specific responsibilities. However, since they only have limited powers, they are “checked” by the other branches. The United States uses a system of checks and balances in order to maintain order. It does not lead into tyranny because the branches are always on the “lookout” for each other’s decisions and actions. Even though, it may increase the time it takes for decisions to be made, it avoids power resting in one person’s hands and using it only to their advantage.

Christianity: 

Christianity 82. General Category

Christianity: 

Christianity Definition Christianity is a monotheistic religion. It is one of the three oldest religions in the world. The other two are Judaism and Islam. Christianity is a religion where followers believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. Significance Christianity’s values and beliefs are centered around the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Being a monotheistic religion, many Muslim civilizations accepted Christians settling in their regions because they were “people of the book.” Therefore they had a tolerance for Christians, but made them pay a small tax for living on their land. Christians also read from the Old Testament, and the New Testament that teaches them that Jesus was the Savior. The religion was created around 1 A.D. and is the world’s largest religion. Christianity was once a part of Judaism, and now has many branches of belief itself.

circumnavigate: 

circumnavigate 83. General Category

circumnavigate: 

circumnavigate Definition In order to circumnavigate, one must go completely around an area or a location, such as Earth. A car, for example, can circumnavigate traffic or makes it way around the congestion. Significance During the Age of Exploration, a Portuguese explorer named Ferdinand Magellan and his crew were the first to circumnavigate by boat to get to the other side of the world. Magellan sailed from Portugal to the Philippines right through the Strait of Magellan. Today the term circumnavigate is not only connected with sailing, but with flying. There are plane flights that circumnavigate the Earth to get to one’s destination.

city-state: 

city-state 84. General Category

city-state: 

city-state Definition A city-state is a location or an area that is influenced and controlled by a major city. It also has the power to govern the people and make decisions in that area. Significance City-states were very common during the first signs of civilization. In ancient Greece and Phoenicia, city-states became the centers for learning and trade. Today some of the major city-states are Hong Kong, Singapore, the Principality of Monaco and the Vatican. Hong Kong was at first colonized by the English. However, once they attained independence, Hong Kong was given to China. The influence of Hong Kong is still strong, and is the most powerful in the city-state.

civil disobedience: 

civil disobedience 85. General Category

civil disobedience: 

civil disobedience Definition Civil disobedience is the refusal of a citizen to obey laws or standards of government. No violence is involved in civil disobedience. Instead, protest and encouragement of the issues are brought up informally. Significance One known form of civil disobedience is Mahatma Gandhi (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948). Gandhi believed in India’s independence and social welfare for the people. He disobeyed laws to protest his cause without any physical violence. One of his first uses of civil disobedience was in South Africa, when encouraged Indian farmers there to fight for their civil rights. Gandhi believed that if there were mass displays of civil disobedience, the government would finally listen to the needs of the people.

civilization: 

civilization 86. General Category

civilization: 

civilization Definition Scientists and historians define civilization in many different ways. However, a simple meaning is that civilization is the formation of culture through the development of cities, specialized workers, advanced technology and types of record keeping. Significance Before the formation of civilizations, humans roamed the Earth as nomads. They traveled from one place to another in search of food and shelter. However, when the climate became warmer, humans realized that they could settle in one area. They could cultivate the land and domesticate animals creating a constant supply of food. Once those needs were taken care of, other aspects that make an civilization could be developed. People began to acquire special skills, like smelting metals or carpentry. They became artisans. Sumer and Mesopotamia, the locations of the cradle of civilization began to record history through cuneiform. People had more time to be creative and form a culture.

clan: 

clan 87. General Category

clan: 

clan Definition Clans are formed by groups of people who are connected by a common ancestor or kinship. The common ancestor can also be a spirit. Significance Clans do not always have to strictly follow biological ancestry. People can be married or adopted into certain clans. As stated above, the ancestor is not always a deceased relative. It can be a symbol or a spirit. Clans can hold up to 7,000 to 10,000 people. They represent people of a larger group called a tribe. In many countries, clans are formed based on the male or female lineage. The aspects of a clan is different for every culture.

Code of Hammurabi: 

Code of Hammurabi 88. Middle East

Code of Hammurabi: 

Code of Hammurabi Definition The Code of Hammurabi was created by the sixth king of the Amorite Dynasty. It was written in 1760 B.C. and is an early form of law making. Significance Old Babylon was the origin of the Code of Hammurabi. Its major “theme” for its laws, created by King Hammurabi, was “an eye for an eye.” If a man did something to another, the action would be reciprocated. These laws instilled a fear in the people, which made it easier for King Hammurabi to control his civilization. The people obeyed the king’s rules for the risk of their life. However, Hammurabi created the set of rules also for his gods, and unlike many other kings he did not believe that he was related to the gods.

Cold War: 

Cold War 89. U.S.A Europe

Cold War: 

Cold War Definition The Cold War was a non-violent war that lasted from 1945 to 1991, beginning after World War II. The catalyst to the war was the decisions of reconstruction after World War II. The argument and diplomatic tensions were mainly between the Soviet Union and the United States. Significance After World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States, who were allies, began to brainstorm ideas for reconstruction of Europe and their enemy’s lands. However, the Soviet Union and the U.S.’s ideas never reached a common ground or agreement. This eventually led to political tension, which spread to other European countries, and constant competition in advanced technology, such as the formation of nuclear weapons, between the Soviet Union and the U.S. When the Soviet Union crumbled in the late 1980’s, the Cold War fell with it in 1991.

colonialism: 

colonialism 90. General Category

colonialism: 

colonialism Definition Colonialism is the domination of a certain country over land that is usually outside of its borders. Usually, the mother country would send a portion of its citizens over to the colony to settle there, and supply goods to their mother country. Significance Colonialism is always mixed up with the term imperialism. However, one way to distinguish the difference between the words is that in colonialism, the mother country usually sends people over to the new land. America, before its independence, was a colony of England. The Puritans, who were tired of religious intolerance in England, decided to move to the New World. However, colonialism merged into imperialism, when the mother country started to use the fertile soils of the New World to farm crops like coffee, cocoa and sugar to meet the demands in Europe.

colonization: 

colonization 91. General Category

colonization: 

colonization Definition Colonization is the act of creating colonies in other lands. It is “blanket” term for the settlement of a species in a new region. Unlike colonialism, where a mother country has a purpose of establishing a colony, colonization can refer to any species moving to another location. Significance In Latin, colere, which is a root word for colonization, means “to inhabit, to cultivate or to guard.” The growth of a plant species or a bacteria in a new area is an example of colonization. It doesn’t have to always refer to humans. However, an example of colonization by humans, was when the nomads started to settle in Ancient Greece and started to cultivate the land there. At the start of the Roman Empire, the Romans moved to different parts of Europe and North Africa and colonized those areas adding them to their empire.

colony: 

colony 92. General Category

colony: 

colony Definition A colony is a region or a land that is conquered by a mother country, who is usually far away. Significance During the Age of Exploration, European countries such as Portugal, and Spain were curious about the world that lay in the East. They wanted to discover the rich spices and goods of India, and the fine silks of China. So, after years of finding different routes to Asia, these European countries finally established colonies in the New World, specifically Latin America, and in Asia. By establishing these colonies, the mother countries had control over the goods in the New World and could meet the demands of the goods over in Europe by increasing the production and forcing laborers to work more.

Command Economy: 

Command Economy 93. General Category

Command Economy: 

Command Economy Definition A Command Economy is a type of economic system where the government controls the supply and demand of a country. Significance Unlike laissez faire- a theory where government should not take part of, a Command Economy is run by the government. During the height of the USSR, a command economy dominated the states. This meant that the state government decided on the amount of raw materials to send to factories and the places that the factories would send the finish products to. In addition, there was a greater demand in one certain area, that state was forced to ration its supply. This way of handling the economy did not meet the people’s needs and held back the state’s potential to grow as a result of competition and a free market.

Commercial Revolution: 

Commercial Revolution 94. Europe

Commercial Revolution: 

Commercial Revolution Definition The Commercial Revolution occurred from about 1520 to 1650. It was a time period in Europe where trading, exploration and colonialism increased. Significance One of the first causes of the Commercial Revolution was the Middle Ages and the Crusades. The spread of ideas from the Middle East inspired people to learn more about the world outside of Europe. During the Middle Ages the growth of trade fairs and banks eventually led to the flourishing industries in the 16th and 17th century. As European countries found riches in the New World and in Asia, they established colonies to take control of their wealth. In order to meet the demands of the European countries for exotic goods, trade also increased between countries.

Commonwealth of Independent States: 

Commonwealth of Independent States 95. Europe

Commonwealth of Independent States: 

Commonwealth of Independent States Definition The Commonwealth of Independent States, also known as CIS was the group of countries that formed after the fall of the Soviet Union in December 1991. Significance Members of CIS are Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. These countries are still developing after gaining independence only 15 years before. In 1993, they agreed to have common economic space and a free market policy. The countries agreed that by working together, the countries would benefit from trade, and the leaders would have a better watch on the economy.

commune: 

commune 96. General Category

commune: 

commune Definition A commune is a term that most of the time, is linked with communism. It is a community or a farm where a large number of people work and live equally. Significance All around the world, there are different types of communes. They may be created based on religious beliefs, values, or political views. In these communities, all goods and supplies are shared equally among the people. It is less likely for a person to own property in a commune. Examples of intentional communes are Counterculture communes, which is known as the “Hippie” groups; alternative-family communes, and Christian communes. One of the most known communes in history is the Paris Commune of 1871. During the French Revolution, France experience chaos and turmoil. There was no major ruling power after the king was executed. So, a socialist government was put up temporarily to maintain some type of order in France. Most people today think of hippies when they hear the word commune, but they are just communities with shared resources, which may be more economically affordable for some people.

communism: 

communism 97. General Category

communism: 

communism Definition Communism is a form of government where decisions and all the aspects of governing are put in the proletariat's control. In a communist society all goods, factories and businesses are owned by the entire people. There is no hierarchy because all the means of production are shared, never personally owned. Significance The idea of communism was first conjured by Karl Marx, and was even practice by the Czarist powers. According to Marx, after the capitalist government was overthrown by the proletariat, the people would be controlled by a “dictatorship of the proletariat.” The new rulers who fought for their freedom would make decisions that would benefit the entire country and reduce the competition between businesses, so that everybody could be equal. In doing so, a classless society would develop and inevitably become communism where everything is shared.

The Communist Manifesto: 

The Communist Manifesto 98. Europe

The Communist Manifesto: 

The Communist Manifesto Definition The Communist Manifesto was a piece of literature written by Karl Marx and Friederich Engels. They were both German men who believed in the suffering of the proletariat and fought for their cause. This pamphlet described their view of society, which would later be called Marxism. The Communist Manifesto was published in 1848. Significance The Communist Manifesto was a display of the way Marx and Engels pictured society. They believed that history was made by the continuous tension and the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, or the working class. They believed that during the Industrial Revolution, the capitalist government that was in power would soon crumble to pieces as a result of the rise of the angry proletariat. They supported the working men and believed that after they gained power which occurred after a revolution or revolt, the country would become communist. Since the proletariat would want their decisions to benefit the country as a whole, they would try to make everybody equal.

Communist Revolution: 

Communist Revolution 99. Europe

Communist Revolution: 

Communist Revolution Definition A communist revolution is an uprising led by the proletariat or the working class. It is a fight for equality among all; where the bourgeoisie's power is disposed of and communism takes the place of capitalism. Significance A communist revolution is the result of the resentment of the proletariat towards the bourgeoisie, who tend to take advantage of them. The proletariat are forced to meet the needs of the bourgeoisie and give the profits they make as a result of surplus to the bourgeoisie. According to the Marxist theory, as the bourgeoisie oppressive control over the proletariat increases, the anger the working class towards them rises also. A revolution would cause the bourgeoisie’s power to slip from their hands and into the proletariat’s, who would convert the country into communism after years of economic class struggle.

concentration camp: 

concentration camp 100. General Category Europe

concentration camp: 

concentration camp Definition A concentration camp is a place where prisoners of war are placed. These camps usually treat their prisoners brutally and are held under unlivable conditions. Significance The most infamous concentration camps were the camps created for the Jewish people during World War II. These camps were located in horrible conditions, with no heat during freezing winters of Eastern Europe. Concentration camps were located in countries such as Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Ruthless Nazi-soldiers abused the vulnerable and helpless Jews that were captured and forced to live there. Thousands died from starvation and malnutrition. Others were forced into showers where toxic gas was released which became mass killings of many Jews.

Confucianism: 

Confucianism 101. East Asia

Confucianism: 

Confucianism Definition Confucianism is a set of beliefs or an ethics system created by the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Confucius was born in 551 BCE. He believed that harmony and order could be obtained with the Five Basic Relationships and filial piety or respect for one’s elders and parents. (See Confucius) Significance Confucianism is not a religion. It is a set of moral values that Confucius believed led to stability in one’s life. Some of the major aspects of these beliefs were centered around Li (mannerisms); Hsiao loving one’s family); Yi (righteousness); Xin (honesty and trustworthiness); Jen (kindness to one another); and Chung (loyalty to the state). Confucius believed that making most of the important times of a person’s life and being establishing benevolence in the Five Basic Relationships (ruler and subject, father and son, husband and wife, older brother and younger brother; and friend and friend) would form a peaceful and conflict-free life.

Confucius: 

Confucius 102. East Asia

Confucius: 

Confucius Definition Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and teacher. He was born during 551 B.C. when the Zhou dynasty ruled China. He is known for shaping Chinese culture with his teachings about the ideal man, and the importance of morals and filial piety. He died in 479 B.C. leaving an enduring influence on the Chinese people. Significance There is no information recorded about Confucius that can be proved true with evidence. Most that the world knows about this honored philosopher is through legends. Born into a poor family, Confucius spread his ideas and philosophies when he was able obtain a seat in his state government as a minister. He valued things like education, respect for one’s elders, morality, and refined behavior. Confucius’ teachings and writings can be found in The Analects, which was written by his students. Confucius’ lasting mark has enriched the culture and created a form of ethics for China.

Congress of Vienna: 

Congress of Vienna 103. Europe

Congress of Vienna: 

Congress of Vienna Definition The Congress of Vienna was an international meeting of the “great powers” of Europe who were Prussia, Russia, Austria, and Britain. These conferences were held from September 1814 to June 1815. These countries discussed how territories would be divided after Napoleon I lost power. Significance The Post-Napoleonic period left Europe in chaos and distress. Napoleon I had conquered a large portion of Europe and after his downfall, the other European countries needed to figure out who would take control of his territories, and who was to govern France. The “great powers’” goal was to keep France weak and strengthen the surrounding countries. So, the territories that were once conquered by Napoleon joined together. The Austrian Netherlands and the Dutch Republic became the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the 39 German states was named the German Confederation.

conquistadors: 

conquistadors 104. Latin America Europe

conquistadors: 

conquistadors Definition The conquistadors were the Spanish explorers or soldiers that traveled to South America and the Asia Pacific. They claimed the lands they discovered for Spain. They colonized these regions during the Age of Exploration from the 15th to the 17th century. Significance The conquistadors were the men began Spain’s long reign and colonization in the New World and Asia. Beginning with Christopher Columbus’ journey in 1492, a sea of adventurers and explores quickly came after him, curious about the riches and wonders of the foreign world. Some of the first Spanish explorers to reach the Americas were Juan Ponce de León and Diego Velázquez. They colonized Puerto Rico and Cuba. Although finding plentiful resources of rare products was beneficial for the Spanish in trade, the people that were conquered were usually abused and forced to work for the conquistadors.

constitutional monarchy: 

constitutional monarchy 105. General Category

constitutional monarchy: 

constitutional monarchy Definition A constitutional monarchy is a form of government, where a monarch is the head of state, but does not usually exert as much power as the legislative body. The monarch is a figure head, which means that the person is most important for ceremonies only. There is more separation of powers in a constitutional monarchy. Significance During the Glorious Revolution, the Parliament and the English people were fighting to overthrow the oppressive absolute monarch. When James II was successfully overthrown, Parliament decided that England could be led under a monarch, who has very limited powers. Therefore, Parliament could have better control in governing the country and establishing laws. Today, England is still under a constitutional monarchy, but is also a representative democracy. This means that the prime minister is the person that exerts the most power in the country’s politics, even though the monarch is head of state.

containment: 

containment 106. General Category

containment: 

containment Definition Containment can mean the act of being contained; when dealing with nuclear physics, containment means the process of preventing radioactive material from leaking out of a reactor. Politically, containment is a type of policy where a country wants to keep “watch” on a specific hostile country’s expansion by creating alliances with other countries that are being affected negatively by it. Significance After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union had collaborated to discuss the what would become of Germany. However, after many disagreements and opposing thoughts, nothing was solved and the tensions between both countries began to grow. This eventually led to the Cold War, which was a political war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. They competed with each other in creating nuclear weapons and making other advances in knowledge. During this war, the U.S. used containment, which is a foreign policy strategy, to keep an eye on the Soviet Union and their influence on the countries surrounding it. The U.S. didn’t want the USSR to influence its neighboring countries to communism. So, they made alliances with these countries to avoid the spread of the USSR’s power.

continent: 

continent 107. General Category

continent: 

continent Definition A continent is a large land mass. The seven continents on Earth were chosen because of their size. They are North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Asia and Australia. Significance Before the Earth’s current continents, large continuous land masses covered the planet. The Plate Tectonic Theory explains that over millions of years of collision, movement and other natural factors, these land masses divided into seven main continents. In addition, these continents continue to move even today. The continents on Earth now are called tectonic plates. There are also minor plates, that are smaller in size. The word continent has its origins in Latin. In this language, terra continens means “a connect or continuous tract of land.”

Contra: 

Contra 108. General Category

Contra: 

Contra Definition A Contra was a member of the National Guardsmen who opposed the Sandinista Junta of National Reconstruction. Contras were part of Anastasio Somoza Debayle’s government, who was the leader of Nicaragua at the time. However, they also overthrew him in July 1979. The United States CIA even supported the Contras during their fight. Significance The Sandinista Junta of National Reconstruction was a group that wanted to dispose of Anastasio Somoza Debayle and the Somoza family rule. These leaders were dictators, preventing the growth of Nicaragua. The Contras were the National Guardsmen that did not like the Sandinista government who took over after Debayle was overthrown in 1979. The U.S. CIA helped the Contras by providing financial and military support. This caused a lot of debate, which probably pushed the U.S. Congress to outlaw U.S. support for the contras in 1984. The United State tried to make their way around the law when selling weapons to Iran (Iran-Contra Affair). Some of these weapons were sent to the contras, which broke the law against contra assistance.

cooperative: 

cooperative 109. General Category

cooperative: 

cooperative Definition A cooperative is a business formed by a group of people who come together to have their economic, social and cultural needs met. There are different co-operations too, such as a housing cooperative, worker cooperative or agricultural cooperative. Significance One form of a cooperative is car sharing. In European countries like Britain, Switzerland and Austria some citizens share cars. This is getting very useful in Europe because it may cut the costs of owning a car individually. This is a type of economic need met. Another benefit of sharing cars is its effect on the environment. If every person had their own car, there would be more gas emissions in the environment, which is harmful. If people share cars, not only is it inexpensive, but it can reduce the pollution in our environment.

co-prosperity sphere: 

co-prosperity sphere 110. General Category

co-prosperity sphere: 

co-prosperity sphere Definition A co-prosperity sphere is a theory that the Japanese proposed. They believed that they could make the countries in Asia self-sufficient. It is also ethnocentric, in that the Asian countries only depend on themselves and not the Western world. Significance The Great East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere was an idea from the Japanese. Japan didn’t want any influence from the Western world on the Asian countries. During the Age of Exploration, China only had one port for trading with European countries. They wanted to keep the Chinese culture “concentrated.” General Hachiro Arita conjured this idea of self-sufficient Asian countries that would be dominated by Japan. This was Japan’s plan during World War II, when they wanted to gain entire control of Asia. The plan prevented imperialism by the western countries and preservation of their culture.