regina vocab column3

Global History Vocabulary  #111-169: 

Global History Vocabulary #111-169 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: 

corporation 111. General Category

corporation: 

corporation Definition A corporation is a business or a group that are controlled by stockholders. However, they are considered separate from the actual business. The stockholders only take part in profits and are not held accountable for the business’ debt. Significance During the Industrial Revolution, factories and businesses spread throughout the United States. Examples of these booming businesses were the railroad, oil, and steel. However, in order to run these growing industries, the owners needed money. So, they sold shares of their company to people. By purchasing stocks of the business, the people were investing a portion of their money, and receiving profit if the sales were successful. This trade of buying stocks of companies, made the stockholders part-owners. Owners were happy to receive money to run their businesses, and stockholders hoped to receive profit from good sales.

Slide5: 

cosmopolitan 112. General Category

cosmopolitan: 

cosmopolitan Definition Being cosmopolitan means having a wider spectrum of the world. One is acceptable to different ideas and not conservative. It can also mean that a certain resource or product is found in different places and climates of the world. It can also define a person, such as a traveler, who feels comfortable in all regions of the world. Significance The term cosmopolitan has its origins in Greek language. It is a combination of cosmos which means world, and polis, which means people or city. Literally, it means a person of the world. Cosmopolitan can also be understood as a sophisticated person that is considers himself as a “citizen of the world.” A cosmopolitan can adopt to whichever culture he desires. It can even be a culture made by the person. An example of an action that is cosmopolitan is the European Union’s decision to ban the sales of products containing lead. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive prohibited this. This action is a form of cosmopolitanism, an idea where there should be a uniform culture for the world, because it encourages all countries to cease the production of goods with lead and form a standardized type of product.

Slide7: 

Counter-Reformation 113. Europe

Counter-Reformation: 

Counter-Reformation Definition The Counter-Reformation took place in the 16th and 17th century. It was a time when the Roman Catholic Church decided to make changes and reforms within the church. The wrongdoings of the Catholic Church were brought to surface by the Protestant Reformation, which was led by Martin Luther. The Council of Trent was an important meeting of the clergy to improve the ways of the Catholic Church and show the Protestants that the church was not corrupt. Significance It was through the leadership of Pope Paul III that the Counter-Reformation happened. After years of complaints by the Protestants about the abusive ways of the church, such as the sales of indulgences, Pope Paul III decided to take action. During the Council of Trent from 1545-1563, Paul III and other members of the clergy agreed on doctrines that truly defined the Catholic Church such as, the Bible and Church tradition are strong authorities that guides Christians’ lives, and faith and good works were required for salvation. Another result of the Counter-Reformation was the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits. The Jesuits were completely devoted to Jesus’ teachings and led conservative and simple lives. This religious order was founded by Ignatius of Loyola and was recognized by the pope in 1540.

Slide9: 

coup d’état 114. General Category

coup d’état: 

coup d’état Definition A coup d’état is a sudden seizure of the government or political power. Sometimes bloodshed is involved to obtain power. This is usually done by a group of people that were once a part of the government or were already politicians. Significance An example of a coup d’état was one that occurred in Thailand in September of 2006. Most coup d’états occur in countries with developing governments. The Royal Thai Army seized the government while the current leader then, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was attending a meeting at the United Nations on September 19, 2006. The previous prime minister led a corrupt and weak government that was bound to crumble. Thailand’s process of its coup d’état included arresting the cabinet members and prohibiting many political events from happening. The country today is working to create a stable democracy. This coup d’état was the first after fifteen years in Thailand. The current leader is Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Slide11: 

Cradle of Civilization 115. Middle East

Cradle of Civilization: 

Cradle of Civilization Definition The Cradle of Civilization is most often connected to Mesopotamia, which is in the Middle East. It is proposed that this region was where the first civilization began. This took place during the 4th millennium B.C. that humans began to settle in one area and develop farms, instead of leading nomadic lives. Significance Mesopotamia is not the only area that is considered the “Cradle of Civilization.” The city-states of Mesopotamia were located in the Fertile Crescent. It was between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which flooded the lands of the civilization once a year. This brought many fruitful harvests for the people. However, around the same time that agrarian communities began to develop in Mesopotamia, there were also civilizations growing in , South Asia, East Asia, Mesoamerica and Africa. The Indus River Valley civilization developed in modern-day India. There was the Huang-He-Yangtze Civilization in China, and the kingdoms that ruled on the Nile River in Egypt. Later on in the 1500’s B.C. one of the first forms of civilizations in Mesoamerica were the Olmecs.

Slide13: 

creditor 116. General Category

creditor: 

creditor Definition A creditor can be a person or an organization. Their job is to collect money that people have indebted to them. However, a creditor can also be the person in charge of making sure others have fulfilled their responsibilities. Significance Creditors are also known as lenders. There are the people or the companies that led people borrow services or money, with the notion that it will be returned. There are two types of creditors too. There are personal creditors, or people who have control of properties that debtors owe money to. Then, there are creditors who are appointed by the government to collect money or make sure certain tasks are done because it is a law for these obligations to be fulfilled. In the financial world, the creditors are the people who lend money to people in the form of loans and mortgages.

Slide15: 

Fertile Crescent 117. Middle East

Fertile Crescent: 

Fertile Crescent Definition The Fertile Crescent is located in modern-day Iraq, Syria and Turkey. It is surrounded by the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, it is known as one of the locations for the Cradle of Civilization. It is an unusually fertile area where crops can be grown in the Middle East, which is mostly desert. (See Cradle of Civilization) Significance The Fertile Crescent was given its name because of its unique shape and ability to grow crops. Mesopotamia, where one of the first civilizations developed is a plain located in the center of the Fertile Crescent. It is surrounded by the Tigris and Euphrates River, and it is because of these rivers that the people of Mesopotamia could survive. Yearly floods brought silt, a mud rich with nutrients, to the lands. This allowed farmers to plant crops and provide a stable supply of food for their family and their town. Some of the staple crops of the Fertile Crescent were wheat and barley.

Slide17: 

cross-cultural 118. General Category

cross-cultural: 

cross-cultural Definition As an adjective, cross-cultural means associating with other cultures to make comparisons with each other. Cross-cultural communication is a study of the ways different cultures exchange ideas or communicate. Significance The term cross-cultural can be associated with many types of studies. There is cross-cultural communication, which studies how people different parts of the world find connections or converse with each other. Cross-Cultural Solutions is an organization like the Peace Corps that voluntarily travels to different parts of the world to learn about foreign cultures and experience the lives of the local people. Basically, cross-cultural means connecting with other countries and observing a variety of cultures that can broaden people’s outlook on the world and educate themselves about new people.

Slide19: 

Crusades 119. Middle East Europe

Crusades: 

Crusades Definition The Crusades were the series of wars that Christian soldiers fought to conquer the Holy Land, which the Muslims had settled on. These wars lasted for 200 years, starting from 1093 when Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus wrote a letter to Pope Urban about defeating the Muslims from taking their capital Constantinople. One of the famous leaders of the Crusades was Richard the Lion-Hearted. He fought against Muslim leader, Saladin. By 1200’s the spirit to conquer the Holy Land weakened and the Crusades came to a gradual stop A crusade also means a “holy war.” Significance The Crusades were started at the command of Pope Urban II. He promised the soldiers that if they died fighting for God, they would certainly go to heaven. This filled the Christian soldiers with religious zeal and pushed them towards the Holy Land. The First and Second Crusades took place around 1097. Poorly trained and equipped soldiers managed to win Edessa, a small portion of the Holy Land, only to get it taken by the Turks again. The Third Crusade was led by Richard the Lion-Hearted who fought against Saladin. Both were excellent leaders and Saladin defeated Richard’s army. So they made a mutual agreement to end the fighting in 1192. The Fourth Crusade failed because issues within the armies prevented them from marching to the Middle East. Instead they just ransacked Constantinople.

Slide21: 

cultural diffusion 120. General Category

cultural diffusion: 

cultural diffusion Definition Cultural diffusion is the spread of ideas and culture through trade, war and other contact between different cultures. Significance The Crusades was a time of cultural diffusion. The Christian soldiers from Europe learned a lot about Middle Eastern culture. After the Crusades, soldiers that returned to Europe spread stories of their journeys and the things they had learned. This encouraged merchants to start trading with the Middle East, who had exotic goods that could not be found in Europe. In addition, the rich culture and value of education in the Middle East influenced Europe to renew their interest in learning. Soon, trade increased, towns developed and universities began to be established.

Slide23: 

Cultural Revolution 121. East Asia

Cultural Revolution: 

Cultural Revolution Definition The Cultural Revolution took place between 1966-1976. It was an uprising influenced by the famous communist leader Mao Zedong. The revolt was in China where the Red Guards, who were supporters of Mao Zedong came together to form a classless society. They wanted to create a social order where the peasants and workers were equal. The Red Guards also believed in a world where peasants were the focus of a stable society. Significance In order to spread their ideas, the Red Guards closed down schools and other organizations where peasants were regarded as the “lower” class. Some of these places included factories, and colleges. The Red Guards wanted the educated and intellectual people to see the harsh lives of the peasants and be able to experience them. So, they forced professors, factory managers and other people who were in upper classes to go to villages and perform back-breaking work. The Red Guards didn’t believed in the importance of education, but promoted the hard work of the peasants. However, their revolution became too violent where many were killed or imprisoned. Mao Zedong had to put a stop to this before a civil war broke out.

Slide25: 

cuneiform 122. Middle East General Category

cuneiform: 

cuneiform Definition Cuneiform is a system of writing that was created by the Sumerians in 3000 B.C. It is a type of writing where wedge symbols are used and started as pictographic. Some symbols represent whole words, while others became ideographic. That means that the symbol represented an idea, rather than a specific word. Significance Mesopotamia was one of the Cradles of Civilization, and one of the signs of a complex civilization is development of a writing system. The Sumerians were a people who lived in Mesopotamia. Using clay tablets and reeds, they recorded history through block letters. Before it was known as cuneiform, the symbols that the Sumerians drew were pictographic, which means they represented words. However, the symbols gradually became ideographic so that they represented concepts or ideas. The Semites’ written language was influenced by cuneiform too. Other symbols of cuneiform represented syllables. So, the language became more complicated over time. In Latin, cuneus means wedge and forma means shape.

Slide27: 

Cyrillic 123. Euro-Asia Europe

Cyrillic: 

Cyrillic Definition The Cyrillic alphabet is the basis of many modern languages used today in Russia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It was created by Saints Cyril and Methodius for the Slavic languages in the night century A.D. Significance The Cyrillic alphabet originated from the Glagolitic alphabet. During the split of the Church into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox, Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius created this alphabet. They were part of the Eastern Orthodox Church and became important leader in spread Eastern Orthodox Catholicism. When the church had separated, many missionaries began to travel all over trying to convert people to their side. Saint Cyril and Methodius decided to go to the Slavics of the north. So, in order for the Slavics to read the Bible, the two saints created an alphabet for them.

Slide29: 

Czar 124. Europe

Czar: 

Czar Definition A czar is a Russian a monarch or emperor. This title originates from the Roman governmental position of Caesar. Significance The title of a Czar was used to describe a monarch that was recognized or crowned by a religious figure like the Pope. At first, it was not used to describe the main ruler. It eventually became the title for non-Christian monarchs too. Around the 19th century, the definition of the Czar title changed. Many people, who used it in Central Asia and Eastern Europe understood the “czar” as the person with supreme power and king.

Slide31: 

daimyo 125. East Asia

daimyo: 

daimyo Definition A daimyo is the title given to a feudal lord and his family during the medieval ages in Japan. The daimyo had control over the samurai warriors. They were land-owners too. Significance The Middle Ages in Japan took place between the 12th to19th century. The daimyo had the same rank as the feudal lords in Europe. They were in charge of certain territories that their country was divided into. They employed peasants to work their land and commanded the samurai army. The samurai warriors responsibilities as “employees” of the daimyo were to protect his family and lands from enemies because they made themselves loyal to the daimyo.

Slide33: 

debtor 126. General Category

debtor: 

debtor Definition A debtor is a person that owes money, property or services to someone, such as a creditor. (See creditor) Significance A debtor is the person whom the creditor lends money or services too. However, by allowing the person to borrow these materials, they had also obligated themselves to repay what they have been lent. In history, before the 1850’s, debtors who were not able to repay their balances were forced to go to debtor’s prison. There were reforms to prohibit debtor’s prison too, such as the Debtors Act of 1869. This act prohibited debtor’s prison in England. The United States has also banned some reasons to go to debtor’s prison such as federal debt. However, if the one is indebted in child support, alimony, or money along, they can still be imprisoned.

Slide35: 

Declaration of the Rights of Man 127. Europe

Declaration of the Rights of Man: 

Declaration of the Rights of Man Definition The Declaration of the Rights of Man was a statement that the National Assembly wrote in 1789 during the start of the French Revolution. This statement included revolutionary ideals such as all men are created equal. This contrasted with the thoughts oppressive monarchy and aristocrats, who were at the top of the social pyramid of France. Significance The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen discussed how the neglect of the governments’ protection of the natural rights of man led to turmoil and corruption. It was influenced by many Enlightenment philosophers’ ideas like John Locke. Locke believed that all men were born with three natural rights: life, liberty and property. It was the job of the government to protect these rights and if they failed to do so, the people had the right to elect a new government to better defend them. By the National Assembly’s declaration, they were telling the monarchy that the chaos France was in was due to the irresponsibility of the government. It also contained their beliefs of the rights men were born with.

Slide37: 

decolonization 128. General Category

decolonization: 

decolonization Definition Decolonization was a period of time from 1922 to 1975 when the colonies of Western Europe countries like England, gained independence from their motherlands. Significance Some of the European countries that lost their colonies during this time were France, England, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Portugal. These countries had many colonies in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The desire for independence started before World War I, but the mother countries ignored their colonies. Much of Europe became more preoccupied during the World War II too. By the time the wars were over, France, England and the other countries still had their hands full because of revolting colonies. They decided to grant them their independence, because keeping control over the colonies would be even harder, between 1922 and 1975 starting in the Middle East.

Slide39: 

default 129. General Category

default: 

default Definition Default has several definitions. It can mean the failure to repay one’s debts or not meet an obligation required by law. In legal terms, default meets not showing up at a proceeding at the needed time. Default can also mean, making a decision without full consideration because there is no other option. Significance In law situation, a party can ask the judge for a default decision, when the opposing party does not respond or defend their side of the case in the required time. If the judge approves this notion, a letter is first sent to the opposing side. If that side still does not respond, then the case is finally decided on the favor of the party who spoke on behalf of their side. Financially, default refers to a person or group who has not repaid their debts. Unlike bankruptcy, which has to be legally filed, default is the state that the debtor is in for not being able or not wanting to return what they had been loaned.

delta: 

delta 130. General Category

delta: 

delta Definition Delta is a geographic term that describes a marshy area that was formed from the currents of a river. Silt and other sediments carried by the water is deposited at the mouth of the river. Significance The term delta was given to the geographic landform because when the silt and small rocks are deposited at the end of the river, the marshy area is sometimes in the shape of a triangle. In Greek, the delta symbol is a triangle, which gives its name. One of the known deltas today is the Mississippi Delta. The Mississippi Delta was created thousands of years ago. When the Ice Age came to an end, all the glaciers began to melt increasing the sea levels including the water level of the Mississippi River. The waters soon began to carve valleys and other landforms in the Mid-West. Then as the river made its way down, the loess or sediments carried by the wind, and sediments piled themselves at the mouth of the river.

demilitarized zone: 

demilitarized zone 131. General Category

demilitarized zone: 

demilitarized zone Definition A demilitarized zone is a region or a place where military activity is prohibited. This boundary has to be recognized by a type of treaty between alliances or opposing armies. Significance Demilitarized zones are neutral areas. Armies are not allowed to claim these territories as a result of a mutual agreement or armistice. Some demilitarized zones stay neutral or are given to an army. Others have become wildlife preservation areas because the land is too fragile to be developed. The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a long piece of land that separates North Korea from South Korea. It was established for safety reasons, and is guarded by many soldiers so that citizens from either part of the country can cross the border. Some known demilitarized zones in history is the Israel-Egypt DMZ which was formed after Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, and the Germany Rhineland. Rhineland became a DMZ by the Treat of Versailles in 1919, but was claimed by the Germans again in 1936.

democracy: 

democracy 132. General Category

democracy: 

democracy Definition A democracy is a form of government in which the people control the power directly. However, based on the type of democracy a country is under, there can be representatives elected by the people who carry out the needs of the country and enforce laws. Significance There many forms of democracy, such as direct, representative, socialist and liberal democracy. The United States of America is an example of a country that runs under a representative democracy and constitutional republic. Abiding by the rules of the Constitution, the American government is organized in certain ways, such as how it’s split into three divisions: the federal, state and local powers. The representatives within these divisions can be appointed by other politicians. Citizens of the United States also vote for their representatives based on what they can do to effectively carry out the needs of the people. Within the government, a system of checks and balances keeps power equal. There is the legislative, judiciary and executive branches all share power so that one group cannot out rule the other.

democratic republic: 

democratic republic 133. General Category

democratic republic: 

democratic republic Definition A democratic republic is a title that a country gives itself. It emphasizes the democratic government the country is politically ruled under. Significance Countries that often name themselves with “Democratic Republic” in their title are ex-colonies or states previously in the Soviet Union. North Korea for example as named itself the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea to emphasize the fact that they were democratic unlike their enemies like South Korea. However, North Korea is actually a communist nation. Sometimes countries such as the ex-Soviet Union states put “democratic republic” in their name even if they are communist. It is supposed to send the message that an oppressive power was overthrown and the country is now free and its government is based on a democracy. Another example of a current democratic republic is the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

density : 

density 134. General Category

density: 

density Definition Density is a physical property. It is the measure of how the atoms of a certain sample matter is packed. The mass and volume of the sample affect its density. Significance The concept of density was first thought by the Greek mathematician Archimedes. The King of Syracuse assigned Archimedes a challenge around 250 B.C. He wanted to know if a craftsman that created his crown tricked him by adding silver to his crown instead of making it pure gold. It is said that Archimedes found his solution when he stepped into his tub for a bath. He realized that the amount of water he displaced with his body when he entered the tub, would be the same amount that spilled. So using a pure gold and the king’s crown Archimedes placed them in separate bowls of water. He found out that the craftsman did add silver to the king’s crown!

desertification: 

desertification 135. General Category

desertification: 

desertification Definition Desertification is the metamorphosis of semi-arid land that has been developed into desert. Significance Overgrazing, over-cultivation, poor farming techniques and other man made causes can increase the risk of desertification of land. This process usually occurs in semi-arid regions that are cultivated to produce crops. As the world’s population increases, some people are forced to overuse their land in order to create a stable food supply for their family. Unfortunately, it has negative effects on the environment. As a result of desertification, the soil of these regions are no longer able to support plant life. This is important because plants roots hold down the soil, allow the land to absorb water and nutrients. If there is no more plant life, erosion increases. It has been studied that the desertification of arid and semi-arid regions increases each year and is influenced by global warming.

détente: 

détente 136. General Category

détente: 

détente Definition In French, détente means “relaxing” or “easing” something or a situation. This term was often used during the 1970’s international politics and during the Cold War. Significance Détente is a term that was commonly used during the 1970’s, especially during the Cold War. At the time, the USSR, the United States of America and China had very tense relations and had to control chaos within their nations. Before the outbreak of another war, especially a nuclear war, because the U.S. and the U.S.S.R had been competing to see which country could create more nuclear weapons, President Richard Nixon worked towards a détente. This lessened the suspicions and tensions between the three countries, who tried to find mutual agreements, through the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks treaty. Nixon and President Gerald Ford started to improve relations with China and the Soviet Union. Nixon even visited China and the U.S.S.R. which had never been attempted by a world leader at the time.

developing nations: 

developing nations 137. General Category

developing nations: 

developing nations Definition Developing nations are countries who are still in the process of industrialization. Unlike, the United States for example, these nations have not advanced as quickly as some of the major powers of the world. Significance Most of the developing nations today are found in Asia, Africa and Latin America. These countries still have the potential to grow and prosper. However, they need to develop economically, and form stable governments. Developing nations are different from the other countries in the world because they have not completed the process of industrialization, which keeps it from catching up to the advances of the rest of the world. In addition, most developing countries have lower standards of living, and lower standards in education, healthcare and other services of the government.

dharma: 

dharma 138. General Category India

dharma: 

dharma Definition In the religion of Hinduism, dharma is the Divine Law of the Lord that guides people to eternal happiness. It can also mean the principle of unity and righteousness. Significance Dharma is the power that all people and all the world should follow. If the whole world abides by the dharma, then it really is the truth to everything that exists. The term Dharma has many definitions, which makes it an eternal and mysterious power. Through Dharma, one becomes closer to God and has been guided to the right path of glory. However, if one misuses Dharma, he or she can experience some severe consequences. Dharma also means “duty.” So, each person has a different dharma to follow according to their needs and their lives. Dharma is variable and everlasting.

diaspora: 

diaspora 139. General Category

diaspora: 

diaspora Definition A diaspora is movement of a certain people or ethnic population from their homeland. It is a migration that was either forced or caused by something. Significance The Jewish Diaspora is an example of this type of dispersion of a people and their culture. The Jews began to move from their homeland of Palestine to other countries since the time when the Romans destroyed their sacred temple in Jerusalem (A.D.70) Essentially, the Jewish Diaspora was exile of the Jews to the rest of the world. However, diasporas also means the development of these exile people's culture and how they have changed over the time they moved.

dictator: 

dictator 140. General Category

dictator: 

dictator Definition During the Roman Empire, a dictator was a temporary absolute ruler that also commanded the army. In modern definitions, a dictator is a supreme ruler who is also oppressive and ruthless to the people. Significance During the Roman Empire, there were a total of 88 dictators. Julius Caesar was one of the famous dictators of this time. Dictators were supposed to rule for about six months especially during times of emergency and chaos. They commanded the army and established laws. These dictators were also very strict. Caesar was very popular among the Roman people, and when the senate appointed him dictator for his second term, it was a permanent position. He added his friends into the senate, which gained him more support. He also helped the Roman poor people by employing them to construct the new buildings. Julius Caesar’s rising power and support from the people was a threat to some members of the senate, and eventually led to his assassination in 44 B.C.

dictatorship: 

dictatorship 141. General Category

dictatorship: 

dictatorship Definition A dictatorship the a form of government where one ruler or one political party has absolute power in all aspects of ruling and governing the society. Significance Dictatorships are usually formed in times of chaos, when order must be restored quickly to prevent turmoil to continue. Most dictators are usually oppressive tyrants who demand absolute obedience from the people. It is an example of absolutism, where one group has overpower the other branches of government. Some historical dictatorships were Adolf Hitler’s over Nazi-Germany and Benito Mussolini over Fascist Italy. Currently there are dictatorships present in Latin America. However, they are usually weak because keeping power concentrated in one ruler’s hands can lead to instability and ineffective decisions.

diplomacy: 

diplomacy 142. General Category

diplomacy: 

diplomacy Definition Diplomacy is the a skill or practice of establishing international agreements, policies and treaties. Significance Diplomacy is the art of creating peaceful relations with other countries. However, it is not easily carried out. In recent news, for example, the diplomatic relations between the United States and Iraq are in very tense states. This is the result of the War on Terrorism. The United States is interested in guiding Iraq into developing a democracy and ending the war. Unfortunately, other issues have interfere with making peaceful relations such as the Iraqi people’s confusion on electing the most effective leader for their developing country. There are still many groups, such as those that support terrorism, who have great power over the Iraqi society.

discrimination: 

discrimination 143. U.S.A Europe

discrimination: 

discrimination Definition Discrimination is the biased opinion or treatment of a certain group based on their religion, race, gender or other traits. It can be negative or favorable treatment. Significance In the United States of America’s Constitution, a number of rights are granted to all America citizens. Examples of these rights are freedom of speech, religion, and press. However, these privileges aren’t always defended by U.S. leaders. During the Civil Rights Movement was a fight led by the African Americans to end discrimination of people of their race and all citizens who were treated illegally by the rules of the Bill of Rights. This occurred during he 1960’s when African Americans battled against segregation and other acts of discrimination. One of the most famous and influential leaders of this time was Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.

disparate: 

disparate 144. General Category

disparate: 

disparate Definition Disparate describes the contradicting traits of a mixture or of a situation. Significance Disparate is used to refer to the distinct qualities of certain things. It is also a policy used between employers and employees. When an employee calls for a disparate treatment claim, they are reporting incidents where their boss has shown discriminatory behavior or treatment towards himself or herself. However, when proving a disparate treatment claim, there must be evidence to prove the employer’s actions. In a disparate impact claim, a group of employees are reporting an employer’s discriminatory actions towards a specific group, while he or she treats other groups neutrally. There is not need to provide evidence in a situation like this, since more than one person is the victim. These policies were established under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

disparity: 

disparity 145. General Category

disparity: 

disparity Definition Disparity defines the major differences between a country or a continent’s economy. It can also be within a small area like a state or province. In the brain, disparity is the ability for the brain to understand images by processing what the left and eight eye see. Significance Disparity is a term that is can describe a variety of situations. Income disparity refers to the gap of work wages within the social classes of a country. However, it can also describe the economic inequality between men and women. In some countries, men’s wages are higher than women’s. Income disparity can display the differences of wages among different minority and majority groups too. Another example of disparity is economic disparity. It ties in with income disparity, but focuses more on the development of a country’s economy compared to others. A country’s economic growth can affect its income disparity also.

distortion: 

distortion 146. General Category

distortion: 

distortion Definition Distortion refers to the changes made to alter the shape or image of an object. Significance Distortion is change of an object’s original shape or appearance. It can be seen as a negative or positive alteration. This term is associated with geography and map making or cartography. When the area or size of a country, continent or any landform is inaccurately show on a globe or a map, it is called distortion. It can also refer to a country in turmoil. After a revolution or a major war, a country’s economic system and/or government would probably be in a distorted state. As a result, reconstruction and reforms would have to be done to return to the stability of the country.

diversity: 

diversity 147. General Category

diversity: 

diversity Definition Diversity is an assortment or mixture of types or qualities of objects. Significance The migration of many immigrants which started in the 19th century to the present has made the United States are very diverse country. Diversity has made Americans more open to new ideas and values. It enriches our culture and educates one about the beliefs of another country. However, some people in the U.S. are opposed to immigration and feel it is a threat to American traditions and values. On the other hand, the American culture evolved from many different cultures as a result of immigrants that have settled in this country. The fact that American is open to change persuades people to come here for better opportunities and for better protection of their rights.

divide and conquer: 

divide and conquer 148. General Category

divide and conquer: 

divide and conquer Definition Divide and conquer is a strategy to solve a problem or handle a situation by breaking it down and focusing on smaller parts first. Significance Divide and conquer is used to solve a difficult situation or problem. However, it is also a military strategy. Napoleon Bonaparte was an excellent war strategist and commanded the French army during and after the French Revolution. During the Napoleonic Wars and his conquest for land, Napoleon divided his army and the opposing army into wings. Instead, charged at each other like in previous wars, Napoleon found it more effective by attacking one section of the enemy’s troops at a time. This broke down the battle in smaller, more capable tasks. His strategy proved effective because Napoleon conquered a large area of Europe at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

divine right: 

divine right 149. Europe General Category

divine right: 

divine right Definition Divine right is the belief that the monarch is appointed by the will of God. These rulers were representatives of Gods on Earth. Significance Absolute monarchs ruled at their height during the 16th and 17th century. They believed that it God appointed them as the rulers of their country. Therefore, if any citizen talked harshly about and protested against the ruler, they were fighting against God. By ruling under divine right, the absolute monarch gained more control over their people, who did not want to anger God. Absolute monarchs also controlled all the aspects of government, whether it was establishing laws, commanding buildings to be constructed or spending money for the lavish lifestyles they lived.

dollar diplomacy: 

dollar diplomacy 151. General Category U.S.A

dollar diplomacy: 

dollar diplomacy Definition Under the command of President Howard Taft, dollar diplomacy was the United States strategy to increase their foreign power over Latin America and East Asia through trade and other foreign markets. Significance Dollar diplomacy was the established by President Howard Taft during his term from 1909 to 1913. With the help of Philander C. Knox, a corporate attorney, the United State's presence in countries especially in Latin America and East Asia increased. Knox wanted to stabilize the United States’ economy, and he proposed that by bringing American business and lending money to the countries in need of those nations, the U.S. would gain money and expand their foreign influence too. An example of dollar diplomacy in action was a revolt in Nicaragua in 1909. Taft quickly came to the insurgents aid and encouraged bankers to provide loans for them.

Doctrine: 

Doctrine 150. General Category

Doctrine: 

Doctrine Definition A doctrine is a set of ideas or a “body of teachings.” It is also a collection of values or beliefs. Significance Doctrines are written for religious, economic and governmental reasons. In religions, doctrines are made to display the specific morals or principles that worshippers should abide by. They can also be the principles of the law or a principle of self-defense, which are used in establishing choices or making judgments. When discussing foreign relations and policies, doctrines are written about how a country handles their influence on other countries or making peaceful international relations. Some examples of American doctrines are the Monroe Doctrine, and the Bush Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine was written by President James Monroe and stated that the other European nations do not have the right to colonize any of countries in the Americas. It also stated that the U.S. would try and stay neutral in wars.

domestic: 

domestic 152. General Category

domestic: 

domestic Definition The word domestic refers to things within a household or a family. It can also describe events happening within a country itself. Domestic, as a noun is household assistance. Significance There many correlations to the word domestic. Domestic flights, for example are only flown within a country’s borders. In law making, domestic policies are laws or legislature that affects the country itself, unlike international policies that can affect several countries. Domestic violence is a serious situation that occurs in a relationship between a man and a woman. Usually, the man uses physical abuse to show their power over the woman. However, women and children can also be affected in domestic violence.

domino theory: 

domino theory 153. General Category Europe

domino theory: 

domino theory Definition The domino theory is a proposal that as a result of the fall of the Communist regime, the surrounding countries connected to regime will eventually crumble also. It is called a domino theory because one catalyst can affect many countries. Significance The domino theory was proposed by President Dwight Eisenhower and Vice-President Richard Nixon. After observing the effect of the U.S.S.R. and the Korean War, both men realized the power of communism and its influence on other countries. They believed that there communism should come to a stop, so they started by coming to the aid of South Vietnam who was weakening to the communists of North Vietnam. Eisenhower theorized that if the communist regime in North Vietnam captured South Vietnam, then the countries at risk like Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia would be fall under the communists’ domino path.

drought: 

drought 154. General Category

drought: 

drought Definition A drought is a period of time where there is limited rainfall or “below the normal” rainfall, which decreases food supply. This can negatively affect certain regions based on the needs of the people and other life forms. Significance There are four main types of droughts: meteorological, agricultural, physiological and hydrological. Meteorological droughts are period of times when the rainfall is falls under the average. Agricultural droughts are caused by imbalances in moisture that which decreases crop cultivation. This can negatively affect a region great depending on the specific needs of the people. Agricultural droughts are also caused by inefficient farming methods too. When crops or plants are absorbing an excess of salt, a physiological drought occurs, and when water reserves’ levels have decreased because of larger demand, a hydrological drought occurs. Some of the most devastating droughts in history were the Dust Bowl, which occurred in 1930’s in the U.S., the drought in Sichuan, China in 1936, and the drought that occurred in India in 1900, which destroyed the lives of millions.

Duma : 

Duma 155. Europe

Duma: 

Duma Definition The Duma was established during the 20th century. It is the main body of assemblies or national parliament of Russia. Dumas are a representative assembly in the Russian government. There are different assemblies organized in the Russian parliament. The State Duma is the higher representative assembly in the Russian Parliament. Significance The Duma was Russia’s first parliament that was established by Nicholas II in 1906. However, as much as Russia wanted change and reform during the 1900’s, Nicholas II resisted. Moreover, the politicians that composed the Duma were conservatives that also supported a constitutional monarchy for Russia. As revolutionary ideals spread, Nicholas decided he wanted the power to himself. He didn’t want the Duma making decisions for Russia, so he dissolved it. There were also other Dumas established that were never successful in creating major changes for Russia’s needs. Eventually, the czars lost power to the rise of communism.

dynastic cycle: 

dynastic cycle 156. East Asia

dynastic cycle: 

dynastic cycle Definition The dynastic cycle was used during the reign of the dynastic families in China. It is the pattern that displays why dynastic families come into power and fall. Significance The dynastic cycle was used along with the Mandate of Heaven to explain the rise and fall of ruling families in China. The Mandate of Heaven was the idea that a higher power, like heaven granted a ruler and his family the right to govern their country. This was the start of the dynastic cycle. As a result of the rise of a new leader, the citizenry must devote themselves to their ruler and show respect, and obedience to them. In doing so, they accepted the Mandate of Heaven, which would lead to a stable economy and flourishing of the country. However, if calamities began to increase and order was established, the ruler lost the mandate, which ended that dynasty and continued the dynastic cycle.

dynasty: 

dynasty 157. General Category East Asia

dynasty: 

dynasty Definition A dynasty is a group of rulers that comes from one family and governs a country for a period of time. Some of the famous dynasties in history were located in China. Significance The Shang dynasty was one of many dynasties that governed China during its early history. This dynasty lasted from 1766 to 1122 B.C. and was founded by Shang Tang, who was clan leader. The Xia dynasty, which Shang Tang overthrew preceded the Shang dynasty. During the reign of the Shangs, a writing system was developed, which enabled the first records of Chinese history. The Shang dynasty governed a highly developed society with a complex social pyramid, and government. While the emperor governed the capital and the lands around it, he appointed family members to rule the outside lands. The Shang dynasty was also known for its bronze-making, jade and highly trained military. The dynasty fell in 1122 B.C. and was succeeded by the Zhou dynasty.

Edict of Milan: 

Edict of Milan 158. Europe

Edict of Milan: 

Edict of Milan Definition The Edict of Milan was a policy made by Emperor Constantine the Great and Licinius Augustus. It guaranteed Christians in Rome toleration for their religions. This policy made by the East and West sides of the Roman Empire in A.D. 313. Significance The Edict of Milan was written by the rulers of the western and eastern parts of the Roman Empire- Constantine I and Licinius Augustus. They decided that the prosecution of Christians and those of other religions would stop. They also returned the land and other properties that were taken from the Christians. Most of the discrimination that Christians experienced was tolerated by the government. However, by the Edict of Milan, Christians were going to be treated as the Roman pagans. In addition, Christians called this time of toleration the Peace of the Church.

Eightfold Path: 

Eightfold Path 159. East Asia

Eightfold Path: 

Eightfold Path Definition The Eightfold Path was the path to the righteous life according to Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha. In Buddhism, if one follows this step by step procedure, they will can their human suffering and reach nirvana which is eternal happiness. Significance Buddha proposed that the Eightfold Path would lead to understanding another important aspect of Buddhism called the Four Noble Truths. The main concepts of the Eightfold Path are wisdom, ethical conduct and mental development. Each of these divisions were broken down into subtopics that made the eight steps of the path. The goal of the Eightfold Path was to end all selfish desires and remove one from attachments that is the root of human suffering. The eight steps of the Eightfold Path are 1) Right view, 2) Right intention, 3) Right Speech, 4) Right Action, 5) Right Livelihood, 6) Right Effort, 7) Right Mindfulness and 8) Right Concentration.

emancipation: 

emancipation 160. General Category

emancipation: 

emancipation Definition Emancipation can be related to several events in history. It refers to the liberation of a group or something. In addition, it can also mean the equalization of someone or of a people. Significance Emancipation can be associated with different situations such as when African Americans were given the right to vote and rights granted by the Constitution. African Americans were granted suffrage in 1868 by the 14th Amendment. In legal terms, emancipation is the permission granted by court that gives a minor the responsibilities that are usually associated with adults. In other cases, for example, a minor is given these responsibilities to take care of their siblings because of their parents’ death.

empathy: 

empathy 161. General Category

empathy: 

empathy Definition Empathy is the understanding or compassion for someone in a specific state or feeling. Significance During times of stress and chaos for countries who may be experiencing oppressive rulers or natural disasters, other nations empathize for the people who suffer in these countries. During the tsunami of 2004, many countries lent a helping hand to the people of Sri Lanka. Clothes, food and other needed supplies that the tsunami wiped out were sent over. Another example of empathy was the aid given to the people of New Orleans, after Hurricane Katrina. Firefighters, police officers and volunteers flooded into the area to comfort the people. They provided food, supplies and mental support for the people who had lost everything: family, friends and their homes.

encomienda: 

encomienda 162. Europe

encomienda: 

encomienda Definition Encomienda was the land given to a colonist to cultivate in the New World. It also gave the them the right to use Native Indians as laborers. Significance Encomiendas were originated in New Castile, Spain and were transported to the New World. They were the land grants given to the encomenderos, or the colonists who settled in Latin America during the colonization period. These encomiendas were granted by the Spanish government and allowed the encomenderos to use the Native Americans as their laborers. However, physical abuse of the Native Americans often occurred, since Spanish government officials were not always present to keep watch over the lands.

encomienda system: 

encomienda system 163. Europe

encomienda system: 

encomienda system Definition Encomienda system was a feudal system that was established in the New World in May 1493. It granted land laborers, who were the Native Americans to the colonists. Significance Spanish explorers transported feudal ways of Spain to the New World. They divided the land of the New World as it were theirs and made the forced Native Americans to become slaves for the colonists’ grants of land. An encomendero was the person who received the grant, which included the land and the Indians. The encomenderos were supposed to educate and convert the Native Americans that worked on the lands to Christianity. However, because the mother country was an ocean away from Latin America and the Caribbean, the encomenderos would take advantage of the native Americans and would not follow the rules of the encomienda system.

enfranchisement: 

enfranchisement 164. General Category

enfranchisement: 

enfranchisement Definition Enfranchisement is the act of granting freedom. It is commonly connected to giving slaves their freedom. In the business world, it means freedom from a corporation or from the control of government. Significance One example of enfranchisement was the freeing of African Americans from ownership as slaves. The climax of their enfranchisement occurred in 1872, during the Reconstruction after the Civil War in the United States. Their enfranchisement may be the reason for the large numbers of African Americans that moved north for better opportunities and those that became active politicians. Another form of enfranchisement was the suffrage movement for women during the late 19th century. In “Reasons For and Against the Enfranchisement of Women,” Mrs. Bodichon, an Englishwoman, explains that if women are supposed to pay taxes, they should have as much right as men to vote. They also believed that were just as eligible and educated also.

English Bill of Rights: 

English Bill of Rights 165. Europe

English Bill of Rights: 

English Bill of Rights Definition The English Bill of Rights was a list of limitations written by the British Parliament that William and Mary of Orange were required to agree to if they became the dual monarchs of England. This set of rights that the monarch was granted was written in 1689. Significance After an unsuccessful rule by James II, the English Parliament brainstormed who the next leader of the country would be. They were afraid of appointing another monarch that would support Catholicism and establish laws that would not benefit the country. So, they invited Mary, the daughter of James II and Protestant, and her husband William of Orange. William was an important Protestant prince of Orange, and Parliament decided to elect them so that Protestantism would remain strong in England. However, William, who became the main ruler, and Mary were required to sign a set of rights they had as rulers, which limited their power. This prevented them from becoming absolute rulers.

enlightened despots: 

enlightened despots 166. Europe

enlightened despots: 

enlightened despots Definition Enlightened despots were absolute rulers that governed their country for the benefit for the entire society. Unlike the other despots, or absolute rulers of the 18th century, enlightened despots used Enlightenment philosophers to guide them in meeting the needs of the people. Significance Some of the most important enlightenment despots are Frederick the Great of Prussia, Joseph II of Austria and Catherine the Great of Russia. They Enlightenment philosophers persuaded these despots to create effective reforms and laws that defended the natural rights of the people. Most absolute rulers believed that the state and its citizens served the monarch. However, enlightened despots believed it was their job to serve the citizens. All of the mentioned rulers abolished serfdom in their countries too.

Enlightenment: 

Enlightenment 167. Europe

Enlightenment: 

Enlightenment Definition The Enlightenment was movement in the 18th century in Europe. It was a time when philosophers applied the scientific method, ideas from Scientific Revolution and the law of reason to explain society. Significance The Enlightenment brought many new ideas about the formation of society and the duties of the government. John Locke and Baron de Montesquieu were philosophers that created new ideas of the purpose of government. Locke proposed that all men were born with three rights: live, liberty, property. He believed that it was the government’s responsibility is protect those rights and if they became corrupt and failed to do so, the people had the right to overthrow their leader. Montesquieu, was a French philosopher who believed that power in the government should be distributed through a separation of powers. Therefore, power wouldn’t be concentrated in one rulers’ hand which would eventually lead to chaos.

enterprise: 

enterprise 168. General Category

enterprise: 

enterprise Definition An enterprise is a business that is run for the goal of a profit. Enterprise can also mean a risk or complication. Significance Enterprises are businesses that have developed in the U.S. since the Industrial Revolution. Examples of these enterprises were the oil and railroad industries. These were very wealthy and successful companies that were a necessity to the growing economy of America at the time. J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller were some of the important leaders of these enterprises. Morgan owned the Carnegie Steel Company and Rockefeller owned the Standard Oil Company. However, their enterprises became monopolies that reduced competition and became to control the American economy. President Theodore Roosevelt led a campaign against the monopolies passing the Sherman Antitrust Law, which reduced the monopolies in the U.S.

environment: 

environment 169. General Category

environment: 

environment Definition An environment can include the circumstances, the people, and objects that surround a situation or a person. The natural environment on Earth consists of the living and non-living things present. Significance There are different kinds of environments. There is the natural environment as mentioned above, and there are social, and business environments too. Each are composed of conditions that affect the development of the specific situation. In a natural environment, the physical traits and different stimuli affect the lives of living organisms and how they survive. In a business environment, the standards a boss enforces, In computer science, an environment are all the parts of the computer that allow it to function. This includes its software, hard drive and its operating system.