Concept Vocabulary Terms
World History I
Culture- refers to an individuals or groups way of life. Includes art, religion, dress,
language, food, etc.
Tools- man made, hand held objects created for a specific job or purpose.
Codified law- laws that have been written down or recorded so that all people are
aware of a society’s rules.
Hierarchy- social ranking from most to least important or from most powerful to
least powerful.
Geography- the physical characteristics, especially the surface features of an area.
Artifacts- an object of archaelogical or historical interest.
BCE- before Common Era
CE- common era
Polytheism- the worship or belief in more than one god
Monotheism- the worship of one God
Traditional economy- an economy based on farming
Clan- a large group of relatives, friends or associates
Extended family- a family unit that consists of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents,
etc.
Nuclear family- a family unit that consists of a mother, father and children.
Stereotype- judgements or preconceived ideas about a group based on gender, race,
religion, etc.
Infrastructure- transportation and communication systems – foundation of any
society.
Technology-The application of science, especially to industrial or commercial
objectives
Values- A principle, standard, or quality considered worthwhile or desirable.
Absolute Monarchy- total (absolute) unchallenged rule by a king or queen.
Anarchy- absence of any form of political authority.
Communism- An economic and political system in which the state plans and
controls the economy and a single party holds power.
Feudalism- a political system of Europe (9th-15th century) based on the holding of
land in exchange for protection.
Democracy- government by the people either directly or thru elected officials.
Citizen- a resident of a city or town entitled to enjoy privileges there.
Dictatorship- a political system in which one person exercises complete control of his
people.
Divine Right Theory- political theory that a ruler derives his or her power from God
and is accountable only to God.
Fascism- political system based on supreme nationalism. Authority is held by a
dictator whom surpresses control through terror and censorship.
Monarchy- rule by a king or queen.
Nonalignment- not allied with any other nations.
Republic- A political order in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens
who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them.
Theocracy- a government where the ruler is both a religious and political authority.
Economy- The system or range of economic activity in a country, region, or
community
Agrarian- farming
Barter System- an economic system where goods rather than money are exchanged.
Capital- money.
Capitalism- an economic system based on private ownership.
Cash crop economy- crops that are grown to be sold or traded by a farmer.
One crop economy- when a single crop is grown for export.
Command Economy- An economy that is planned and controlled by a central
administration, as in the former Soviet Union.
Interdependence- when one country is dependent on another.
Market Economy- economic system based on production and consumption of goods
and services based on a voluntary exchange in markets.
Mercantilism- wealth equals power
Modernization- to accept or adopt modern ways.
Class system- social rank based on wealth
Cultural Diffusion- the exchange of goods, ideas and customs among many different
cultures.
Diversity- variety
Ethnocentrism- belief that your ethnic group is superior to others
Nationalism- pride in one’s own nation: a desire for independence
Social Mobility- the ability to move from one society to another
Subsistence farming- when a farmer grows only enough food to provide for his
family or village
Westernization- the spread of European culture
Human Rights- the right to life without persecution (live free)
Imperialism- policy of building an empire-a strong nation goes into a weaker nation
for economic or political gain
Urbanization- the spread of city living
Supply and Demand - Demand means the quantity of a given article, which would
be purchased at a given price. Supply means the quantity of that article which could
be purchased at that price
Free Enterprise- The freedom of private businesses to operate competitively for
profit with minimal government regulation
Desertification: The growth of the desert
Belief Systems Vocabulary
1.
Monotheism - Belief in one god
2.
Polytheism - Belief in more than one god.
ANIMISM
3.
Animism – The oldest known type of belief system in the world. Animists
believe that all living and nonliving objects in the universe has a spirit and also
practice ancestor worship (Nature)
4.
Ancestors worship – A ritual that is a means of communicating with and
showing respect to ancestors.
5.
Medicine Man - a healer, act as a guide for people
6.
Ceremonies - ritual or celebration. Usually held to honor the gods or an
ancestor.
7.
Fetish - good luck charms (Ex: necklaces made out of bones)
8.
Griot - professional storyteller
HINDUISM
9.
Hinduism - A polytheistic religion that was formed in India. Hinduism’s
main beliefs consist of reincarnation, karma, dharma, Moksha and the practice of
the caste system
10.
Aryans – A nomadic group from central Asia that settled in India and is
believed to be the earliest people to practice Hinduism.
11.
Brahma - Hindu god known as the creator
12.
Vishnu - Hindu god known as the preserver of life
13.
Shiva - Hindu god known as the destroyer
14.
Vedas - collection of Hindu prayers and verses about creation and reverence
of life. “Books of knowledge”
15.
Upanishads - Hindu holy writings regarding discussions about the soul and
proper ways of behavior. GUIDELINES TO LIFE
16.
Karma – Deeds (Actions, thoughts, words) committed in a previous life that
affect your future. “What goes around comes around.”
17.
Dharma - duties of your caste.
18.
Moksha - The ultimate goal of Hinduism, the highest state of being,
represents the end of the life cycle.
19.
Caste System - Hindu hierarchy that explains one’s station (social class) in
life. You are born into this station and only through reincarnation can you hope to
attain a better life.
20.
Reincarnation – The belief that when you die, your soul is reborn into
another body
BUDDHISM
21.
Buddhism – Belief system founded in India founded by Siddhartha Gautama
(Buddha) that spread to East Asia and SE Asia; It’s main beliefs include
reincarnation, karma, the Four Nobles Truths, the Eight-Fold Path and Nirvana
22.
Buddha – Name given to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism
which means “Enlightened One”
23.
Four Noble Truths - Siddhartha Gautama’s (Buddha) teaching that
suffering is a result of one’s people’s desire and that desire can be eliminated by
following the 8-Fold Path
24.
Noble Eight Fold Path - Guidelines that Buddhists must follow to achieve
Nirvana.
25.
Nirvana - The goal of all Buddhists and when achieved, a person is the
release from the cycle of life.
CONFUCIANISM
26.
Confucianism – Belief system founded in China by Confucius. It provides
guidance on how to live your life and provided social and political order to China;
Main beliefs consist of Filial piety and the Five Relationships
27.
Confucius - A Chinese scholar and politician. Founded the philosophy of
Confucianism.
28.
Five Relationships - Confucianism teaches that there is a natural social order
to society which can best be explained through the Five Relationships: Ruler to
subject, Father to son, Older brother to younger brother, Husband to wife, Friend
to friend
29.
Filial Piety - Respect for your parents and elders
30.
Jen – Human kindness should be shown towards one another.
31.
Li - Proper etiquette should always be used, and one should strive to achieve
perfect virtue.
32.
Gentry - The educated, upper class
DAOISM/TAOISM
33.
Daoism/Taoism - Belief system in China founded by Lao-tzu that emphasizes
living simply and in harmony with nature; Beliefs include the yin and yang
34.
Lao-tzu - Founder of Daoism/Taoism
35.
Dao/Tao – It a philosophy which teaches that nature has a "way" in which it
moves and that people should passively accept the "way" of nature, rather than
resist it.
36.
Wu-wei - Philosophy which means "not doing." This means that people
should not act unnaturally by doing things, but rather should openly accept the
natural way
37.
Yin and Yang – In Daoism, they are known as the opposing forces of nature,
representing the male and female aspects of life
JUDAISM
38.
Judaism – Oldest monotheistic religion in the world founded by Abraham in
the Middle East (today’s Israel); Main beliefs include: Monotheism, the 10
Commandments, the readings of the Torah and the Talmud
39.
Covenant - An agreement between God and his people
40.
Torah – The Holy book for Jews (The first 5 books of the Old Testament)
41.
Diaspora - The scattering of the Jewish people throughout the world
42.
Talmud - A book of ethical decisions written by Jewish religious leaders
43.
Salvation - To be saved
44.
Ten Commandments - The foundation of ethical and religious beliefs for
Christians and Jews. (Guidelines of life)
CHRISTIANITY
45.
Christianity – Second oldest monotheistic religion founded by Jesus in
Jerusalem whose branches include: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern
Orthodoxy ; Main beliefs include: The Holy Trinity, the 10 Commandments,
atonement, and readings from the Old and New Testaments (Bible)
46.
Jesus - Founder of Christianity; Christians believe he is the son of God and
the Messiah (Savior)
47.
Holy Trinity - formed by the Creator (Father), Redeemer (Son), and
Sustainer (Holy Spirit). Christians believe that these three entities are all part of a
single higher power.
48.
Old Testament - Stories written in the first half of the Bible that were prior
to the life of Jesus.
49.
New Testament - Section of the Bible that contains stories regarding the life
and teachings of Jesus.
50.
Bible - Holy book for Christians.
51.
Atonement - Forgiveness of sins.
52.
Messiah - A savior; name given to Jesus.
53.
Great Schism - The split within the Christian church dividing it into Roman
Catholicism in the West and Greek Orthodox in the East – 1054 C.E.
54.
Roman Catholicism – The largest Christian branch and claims over a billion
members, representing approximately half of all Christians. The Church's highest
earthly authority is the Pope. This branch of Christianity is predominately practiced
in Western Europe and the Latin America. (Latin based)
55.
Eastern Orthodoxy - The 2nd largest Christian branch, estimated to number
between 225 and 300 million members. The highest earthly authority is the
Patriarch. This branch of Christianity is predominately practiced in Eastern
Europe and Russia. (Greek)
56.
Protestant Christianity – A branch within Christianity, containing many
denominations of different practices and doctrines that originated in the sixteenthcentury Reformation (Branches include: Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican,
etc.) These branches of Christianity are predominately practiced in Western Europe
and the United States (Vernaclular)
57.
Martin Luther – German Monk who started the Protestant Reformation.
Wrote and posted the 95 theses (his complaints against the Catholic Church)
58.
sins.
Indulgences - Certificates the Catholic Church sold in order to forgive one’s
59.
Justification by faith - Martin Luther’s theory that any action (sin) can be
forgiven by having faith in God.
60.
John Calvin - Reformation leader who created a Protestant religious
community in Geneva, Switzerland
61.
Predestination - John Calvin’s theory that God pre-determined your destiny
(Salvation) before you were born
ISLAM
62.
Islam – The youngest monotheistic religion in the world; founded by
Muhammad, in Mecca.
63.
Shia Islam (Shiite Muslim) – Shia is the minority branch of Islam; The
followers of Shia Islam are called Shi'ites. Shiite Muslims believe that the that
Muhammad's family and certain individuals among his descendants should be the
Caliph
64.
Sunni Islam (Sunni Muslim) - Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of
Islam; Sunni Muslims believe that the Caliph should be chosen from the
community.
65.
Muslim - A follower of the Islamic faith.
66.
Muhammad - In the Islamic faith he is considered a prophet (Messenger of
God) and the founder of the faith.
67.
Koran (Qur’an) – The Islamic holy book.
68.
Jihad - Islam’s holy struggle to spread its faith and can be considered a
“Holy War”
69.
Jejira/Gejira - Muhammad’s pilgrimage from Mecca to Medina; 1st year in
Islamic calendar
70.
Five Pillars of Islam (Faith) - Outlines the duties of the Islamic religion.
71.
Alms - Giving charity - one of the 5 Pillars of Islam
72.
Hajj - Name of the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make. One
of the 5 pillars of faith.
73.
Ramadan - 9th month of the Muslim calendar in which Muslims fast from
sunrise to sunset - one of the 5 Pillars of Islam
74.
Caliph – The Religious leader of the Muslim world.
75.
Mosque - Holy place of worship for Muslims
Geography Vocabulary
1. Geography - Study of the Earth and its features (topography, climate and natural
resources)
MAPS
2. Demographic map – A map that shows statistics of an area (population density
age, race, and gender)
3. Political Map – A map that shows man-made borders that divide one area from
another.
4. Physical/Topographical Map - A map that shows the physical features of an
area such as mountains, lakes and rivers as well as elevation
5. Legend/Key - An explanatory caption accompanying a map
LINES OF MEASURMENT
6. Latitude - Imaginary lines that run east to west on the globe but measure areas
north and south of the equator.
7. Longitude – Imaginary lines that run north to south on the globe but measure
areas east and west of the Prime Meridian.
8. Hemisphere – “Half the earth”; the northern and southern halves of the earth
divided by the equator and the eastern and western halves of the earth divided by
the Prime Meridian.
9. Equator - Imaginary line that divides the Earth into the northern and southern
hemispheres.
10. Prime Meridian – Imaginary line that divides the earth into the eastern and
western hemispheres.
REGIONS
11. Region – An area that has common characteristics (ex: gov’t, economies,
language, religion, geographic)
12. Pacific Rim - Nations in the Pacific area with heavy volcanic activity.
13. East Asia – Eastern region of Asia that includes that countries of: China, North
and South Korea, Japan, and Mongolia
14. South Asia – Southern region of Asia that includes the countries of: Bangladesh, ,
the India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
15. Southeast Asia – Southeastern region of Asia that consists of two geographic
regions: the Asian mainland, and islands and archipelagoes to the east and
southeast. The mainland section consists of Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos,
Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. The maritime section consists of Brunei, East
Timor, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
16. Middle East – The southwestern portion of Asia that also includes territories in
North Africa. Middle East nations include: Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel,
Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United
Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
17. Latin America – Areas in the western hemisphere that are south of the United
States that include: Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
18. Topography - The physical features of a place or region. (Ex; mountains, river
valleys, deserts, plains, savannas, plateaus, forests)
19. Plateaus – An elevated, level landform.
20. Plains – Flat treeless land region, that is usually suitable for farming. Generally at
a low elevation
21. Savannas - Flat grassland of tropical or subtropical regions that has two different
seasons, a wet and dry.
22. Steppe – An area that is characterized by grassland plain without trees that may
be semi-desert, and can also be used to describe the climate.
23. Tundra - Treeless region located between the ice cap and the tree line of arctic
regions; Large areas of frozen land (northern regions of Russia)
24. Peninsula – A piece of land surrounded by water on 3 sides (Ex: Korea, Spain,
Italy)
25. River - A moving body of water that usually has its source in an area of high
ground
26. River valley – A valley that is carved out by the river. Often have fertile land, and
are the sites for the earliest civilizations (Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, Yellow)
27. Desert – Areas of land with sparse vegetation, that lacks arable farmland, and a
climate that is usually hot and dry. (Sahara, Gobi)
28. Strait – A narrow channel of water that connects two larger bodies of water
(Gibraltar)
29. Archipelago – A chain of islands (Japan, Philippines)
30. Irregular coastline - A jagged coastline, with natural harbors that are suitable for
trade. Natural harbors (Europe)
31. Regular coastline - A smooth coastline that lacks natural harbors and are not
suitable for trade. (Africa)
32. Mountains – Areas of land with steep sides that rise sharply from surrounding
land (Himalayans)
33. Rainforests – Forests in a tropical or subtropical region that is characterized by
heavy rainfall and a humid climate that produces thick, dense vegetation.
(Amazon)
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORLD
34. Climate - The average weather pattern of a region (Temperature and
Precipitation)
35. Elevation – The distance or height above sea level
36. Natural barriers - Physical features of the earth that create obstacles to
civilizations (mountains, deserts, oceans, dense forests)
37. Natural resources - A limited material that comes from the earth that is used for
manufacturing (Ex: oil, water, lumber, coal, iron, etc.)
38. Arid - Dry (lacking moisture)
39. Drought - Prolonged periods of little or no rainfall.
40. Arable - Land that is suitable for farming
41. Agrarian – Farming or agricultural society.
42. Tsunami - Underwater earthquakes that causes violent waves.
43. Monsoons - Seasonal winds that provide rainfall for South Asia, SE Asia, East
Asia (Japan); May also cause damage (Floods).
GEOGRAPHIC IMPACTS
44. Cultural Diffusion - The exchange of goods, ideas and customs among different
groups of people.
45. Human-environment Interaction – When humans have adapted to and changed
their environment to survive the impact of these changes and adaptations.
(Building of bridges, roads, dams, canals, terrace farming)
46. Geographic Isolation - Areas that are separated from one each other due to
physical/natural barriers such as mountains, deserts, dense forests (example: India
and China are geographically separated from one another due to the Himalayan
Mountain range
47. Terrace farming - Step-like features that are built into the sides of mountain and
hillsides that are sued for farming. (Inca, China, Japan).
48. Interdependence – Mutual assistance or reliance between two or more counties
for goods or services they cannot provide for themselves. (U.S. depends on
Middle Eastern oil, Middle East depends on the U.S. for grains/food)
49. Subsistence farming - Farming just enough food to survive
50. Developing nations - Nations that are working to develop modern industrial
economies. These nations are characterized by traditional societies that lack
modern infrastructure and technology.
51. Developed nations - Nations that have developed modern industrial economies.
These nations maintain and develop new technologies and systems of
infrastructure.
52. Desertification - The process in which land slowly dries out until little or no
vegetation exists becoming a desert.
53. Deforestation - The destruction or clearing of forest land for farming, lumber,
grazing land for animals or areas settlements. (ex: Rain forest “slash and Burn”)
54. Homogeneous – Having a common ethnic and cultural backgrounds; Caused by
geographic Isolation, Natural barriers
55. Heterogeneous – Having a different ethnic and cultural make-up. Caused by
cultural diffusion, trade, war, migration
Economic System Vocabulary
Global 1
Barter System: A system of trade in which goods are exchanged
Natural Resources: The amount of available materials in the area
EX: wood, oil, and water
Capital: Money available to invest in business
Capitalism: Allows for private enterprise less government control over
business
Wants vs. Needs: Wants: Things people want to have but are not
necessary for survival
Needs: Things humans need in order to survive
Opportunity Costs: The most desirable alternatives given up as a result of
a decision
Cash-Crop Economy: Economy where farm products are grown to be sold
or traded not used by the farmer.
Command Economy: Economic and Political system where government
has control of everything
Communism: Marx & Engles, a society without class distinctions or
private property
Socialism: Political theory that society as a whole should control the means
of production such as factories and land
Marxism: Belief that economics was major system of change
Proletariat: Marxism---The working class
Diversification: New or different
Free trade: The elimination of trade barriers between nations
Free Market Economy: Private enterprise—less government control
Gross National Product (GNP): The total market value of all the goods
and services produced by a nation during a specified period.
Monopolies: Complete control of a product or business by one person or
group.
Interdependence: Relying on one another
Laissez-faire: Policy allowing business to operate with little or no
government interference (HANDS OFF)
Mercantilism: Wealth = Power. Economic system of medieval Europe in
1600’s
Per Capita Income: Individuals Income (how much they make)
Prime Interest Rate: The rate a bank charges for a loan
Trade Surplus: The result of a nation exporting more than it import
Scarcity: Not enough of something (Too small of a supply)
Stock: A share in a company
Competition: Struggle of producers for the money of consumers
Prioritization: What is most important
Middle Class: Society class that falls between nobility and peasants
Entrepreneur: Risk taker (starts his/her own business)
Supply and Demand: As demands increases supply decreases as Demand
decreases supply increases.
Profit: Financial gain (Money made in business after expenses)
Inflation: A general increase (rise) in prices
Industrialism: An economic and social system based on the development
of large-scale industries and marked by the production of large quantities of
inexpensive manufactured goods and the concentration of employment in
urban factories.
Adam Smith: Scottish economist Wrote” Wealth of Nations” Wanted
government to stay out of business
Manoralism: Economic system of the middle ages where manor produces
everything used for survival
Self-sufficient: relying on oneself
Hunter-Gatherer: Hunts for food and gathers food for survival
Nomads: Wander from place to place in search of food
Means of Production: How is something being made
Agrarian: Farming Agriculture
Nationalization: Placing a privately owned business under
government ownership.
Commercial Revolution: Occurred during the late middle ages in
Europe, products were sold for a profit, joint stock companies.
Political Systems- Vocab
Justice- Method of judging conduct and interpreting the law-establishment
of courts to set punishments for those who break the laws.
Republic- form of government where people elect their representatives to
make decisions (Ancient Rome)
Centralized- Concentrated in one area. Gov’t controlled by 1 person
Monarchy- Government headed by a king or queen.
Absolutism- Gov’t where king or a queen has total (absolute)control over
the lives of their people.
Suffrage- granting of individuals the right to vote, male and female.
Law- rules for people of a society to follow
Radical- One who works for change politically, quickly.
Liberal- supporter of civil liberties, promoting social progress. (open
minded)
Autocracy- government ruled by one person with unlimited authority.
Divine right- Belief that power came from God. (Western European
Monarchs)
City-state- Small, independent (own gov’t) areas built around an urban
area: Sparta & Athens (Greece), Vatican City, Singapore.
Direct democracy- Citizens have direct say in the making of decisions –
citizens vote directly for their leader.
Sovereignty- Independent decision making power of a group or nation.
Separation of power- No one branch of government has all the power,
power divided equally among branches (US)
Totalitarian- Government exercising total control over all aspects of the
lives of the people.
Codified law- organized and recorded-laws that have been written down.
Veto- The right to override a bill.
Patrician- member of a wealthy aristocratic class of Rome.
Plebian- citizen of Ancient Rome who was not an aristocrat.
Julius Caesar- One of the greatest generals and political leaders of Rome.
(100BCE-44BCE)
Twelve Tables- 1ST WRITTEN LAWS OF ROME guaranteed rights of the
individuals.
Justinian Code- provided order in the Eastern Roman Empire-collection of
written civil laws.
Feudalism- Political and social system, based on land holding and
relationships of the people.
Magna Carta- (1215) guaranteed rights of citizens, signed in 1215 by
English King John = to limit power of the Monarchs.
Parliament- Law making body of England.
Habeas corpus- legal principle that requires authorities to show reasons
why a person should be held in custody and to provide a speedy trial.
Bill of Rights- DOCUMENT that Guaranteed the rights of the individual,
set up to limit the Monarch’s power.
Glorious Revolution- In Britain, nonviolent overthrow of the government
of James II that resulted in the reign of William & Mary (1688)—End of
Catholic Monarchy forever.
Fief- (feudalism) an estate (farmland) with its peasant workers granted to a
noble in exchange for loyalty and military help.
Oliver Cromwell- British military commander (dictator), overthrew King
Charles of England and controlled England, Scotland and Ireland(16251649)
Czar- Title for the rulers (king, queen) of Russia beginning in the late
1400s.
Nationalism- Pride in ones nation.
Marxism- Concept created Karl Marx, workers are at mercy of middle class.
Class struggle between employer and employees.
Lenin- began Communist movement in Russia in 1920s. Created the
Bolshevik party (red).(DICTATOR)
Stalin- Soviet leader after Lenin – 5 year plans (build up of heavy industry)
(DICTATOR)
Bolshevik- Member of 1917 Russian revolutionary group (1st Communists)
Glasnost- Russian term for the policy of “openness” and free expression of
communism……introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev.
Peristroika- Russian term for restructuring of the economic system by
Mikhail Gorbachev.
Anarchy- |Absence of political authority. No laws
Coup- Overthrow of a government or government leaders by a small group.
Gorbachev- Leader of the Soviet Union from 1985-1991…Brought down
communism (Cold war comes to an end)
Yeltsin- 1st elected Russian President (Gorbachev), economics of the nation
declined under his leadership (low GDP and crime increased).
Citizenship- The right of the “people” to vote and partake in their society.
Fascism- political philosophy based on extreme nationalism and an all
powerful state.
Socialism- Political and economic theory that society as a whole should
control the means of production, such as factories and land.
Dictator- A leader with absolute (total) authority. (Citizens have no rights)
Communism- in the theories of Marx & Engels, a society without class
distinction or private property.
Decentralized- Government power is handed down from top (delegated
power)- Feudal society.
Ancient Civilizations Vocabulary
Paleolithic- old Stone Age---Hunting/gathering society
Hominids- Members of the group of the earliest human beings and human like creatures
Cro-Magnon- Earliest homosapiens sapiens (modern humans)
Neanderthals- first homosapiens
“LUCY”- skeleton of a hominid (3.1 million years old), found in 1974
The Leaky family- Archaeologists who made important discoveries about early humans
Hunters and gatherers- Nomadic people from Paleolithic period…followed their food
Neolithic- New Stone Age…Birth of farming
Mesopotamia- area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers fertile land
Nomads- people who “follow the food” move from place to place
Traditional economy- Economic system based on the ways of the past Huntergatherer, farmer
Fertile Crescent- fertile land from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf, in the
Middle East. (Between Tigris and Euphrates)
Ziggurats- Stone temples made out of sun-dried bricks with step like features (place of
worship)
Cuneiform- Sumerian system of writing using wedge shaped markings
Hieroglyphics- Ancient Egyptian writing system using pictures symbols for ideas or
sounds
Hammurabi- King of Babylon who created a harsh code of laws (Hammurabi’s Code)
Confucius- Founder of Confucianism who stressed filial piety and a strong gov’t should
be ruled by the EDUCATED
Dynastic cycle- rulers who belong to the same family, and rule until they lose the
Mandate of Heaven.
Mandate of Heaven- right to rule of Asian emperor comes from God
Alexander the Great- King of Macedonia & Greece who conquered an area from Egypt
to India Created Hellenistic Civilization
Hellenistic civilization- Blending of Middle Eastern & Greek cultures under Alexander
the Great’s Rule.
Socrates- Greek philosopher who used the question and answer method to encourage
young people to come to the absolute truth.
Plato- Greek philosopher who wrote “The Republic” & felt the state was more important
than the individual. Opposes Democracy because that gov’t put Socrates to death.
Aristotle- Plato’s student who wrote about logic and political science, tutor of Alexander
the Great.
Pythagores- Mathematician created the Pythagorean theorem (A2+B2=C2)
Hippocrates- Greek scientist “Father of Medicine” created code of ethical medical
conduct (Hippocratic Oath)
Silk road- Ancient trade route that linked China with lands to the West (Middle East)
Domestication- taming animals or plants to serve human needs
Sedentary agriculture- To farm in one place
Tools- objects made by man for a purpose
Evolution- theory that species of living things change over long periods of time
Sumer civilization- 1st civilization in Mesopotamia, created sailboat, irrigation and had
a centralized gov’t
Middle Kingdom- China considered themselves this--- center of the Earth (ethnocentric
idea
Moveable type- used for reproduction of written work, early Chinese form of print.
Contract- written agreement between 2 parties
Philosophy- Teachers, “seekers of wisdom” important in Greek society
Sculpture- form of Greek art, sculpture reached its height in Athens during the time of
Pericles.
Tragedy- a story or play where there is a struggle against destiny that has an unhappy
ending.
Gravity- Scientific theory, force of attraction between all masses in the universe.
Alchemy- early form of chemistry, turning one metal into another
Arabian Nights- Islamic literature (Aladdin)
Roman numerals: Number system from Ancient Rome (I=1,V=5, x=10)
City-state- Independent state consisting of a city and the surrounding land and villages.
12 Tables- Basis for Roman Law (engraved in 12 bronze tablets)
Pax Romana- ROMAN PEACE period of 200 years beginning with the reign of
Augustus (27 BCE-180-CE)
Compass- Instrument used for determining directions invented in Han China
Eurasia- Europe and Asia as one continent, where the areas meet
Caravan- Group of people traveling together for safety through deserts with goods and
animals.
Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter Vocabulary
Global 1
Hinduism- Religion of the Gupta Empire (Ancient India) Polytheistic, caste
system
**Golden age- Period of prosperity, peace and cultural advancements
Song Dynasty- Established by Zhao Kuangyin- a military dynasty of
Ancient China (907-960 ce)
**Gupta empire- Ruled Northern India experienced a golden age. (310-510
CE)
Tang Dynasty- (618-907CE) In China established by Li Yuan and Li
Shimon (son)
**Dynasty- ruling family
Frankish Empire- Germanic tribe that migrated across Europe—lived in
small communities governed by unwritten law. Took control of Western
Roman Empire (late 400s to late 800s CE)
**Charlemagne- “Charles the Great” Built the Carolingian dynasty. He
was a war chief, and expanded Frankish Empire, made many cultural
contributions to Empire.
Byzantine Empire- Eastern half of the Roman Empire (Greek peninsula and
Turkey) included a majority of the Balkian Peninsula (395-1453 ce),
Constantinople (capital)
**Justinian Code- Collection of books preserving Rome’s legal history
(Codified law of Byzantine Empire, based on Roman law)
Cultural Diffusion- The exchange of good and ideas and customs among
different cultures.
**Patriarch- Head of the Byzantine Church; Male head of household
**Crusades- 200 years of Christian Holy Wars (1096-approx. 1296) to
protect Holy Land of Jerusalem.
Richard the Lion Hearted- Brother of King John (signed the Magna Carta1215) of England, he was a knight who fought in the Crusades and later
becomes King of England
**Anti-Semitism- Prejudice against the Jewish race
Human Rights- Rights granted to citizens (Life, Liberty)
**Major domo- someone who runs the day-to-day affairs for someone else.
(Similar to a butler)
Excommunicated- Thrown out or removed from the Catholic church
**Vikings- Seafaring Scandinavian raiders who looted nations along
Northern European Coast
**Hierarchy-Group of people organized according to levels of rank or
importance.
**Feudalism- loosely organized system of rule in which powerful local
lords divided their large land holdings among lesser lords. (Political System
of Middle Ages)
**Manorialism-System of agricultural production (Economic system of
middle ages-self-sufficent
**Serfs-bound to the land could not leave considered property of the land.
**Vassals-Lesser Lords serviced the greater Lords.
Lords-Ruled over the manor, divided large land holdings with vassals in
exchange for loyalty and service-protected vassals. (Near total authority of
manor)
**Fief-Land that ranged from a few acres to hundreds of square miles,
which included peasants to work the land.(on a manor)
Fallow- Land left unplanted
Self sufficient- To provide for one’s self (make and produce your own food,
clothing, etc.)
Missi Dominich- A royal messenger of Charlemagne’s Empire (like a
mayor)
**Guild- Associations for merchants
Commercial Revolution- transformation (a change) of the medieval
economy (birth of banks and joint stock companies)
Joint Stock Company- When merchants pool their resources together to
sponsor a shipping venture.
**Apprentice- Person who works for a master to learn a trade, art, or
business
Pope Urban II- (Rome) called the Christian Knights to help Byzantine
Emperor fight off the Seljuk Turks (Muslims)- called for 1st Crusade in 1095
**Seljuk Turks- (Muslims) invaded Byzantine empire, leading to 1st
crusade
Jerusalem- Holy land to the Jews, Christians and Muslims
Caravel- Large ships used for trade, improved technology (new sails,
rudders)
Astrolabe- Instrument used by sailors to find their direction at sea based on
location of the stars.
Compass- instrument created by the Chinese to find relative direction.
Global Interactions Vocabulary
TERMS:
Feudalism- medieval political system in which monarchs and nobles
made alliances based on exchanging land for loyalty and protection.
Shamanism- belief that spirits inhabit living and non-living things,
communicating with humans through priests called, shamans. (Japan)
Shogun- in Japanese feudal society, top military commander.
Shogunate- government established by a shogun’s family and followers
in feudal Japan.
Tokugawa Shogunate- political system that combined a central
government with the feudal system. (1600-late 1800’s)
Samurai- member of the warrior class in Japanese feudal society.
Zen Buddhism- Japanese form of Buddhism that stressed peace, nature,
beauty, concetration and simple living.
Bushido- code of conduct for samurai during feudal Japan.
Daimyo- Warrior lords who hold a place below the shogun in feudal
Japan.
Clan- A group based on family ties.
Yurt- large, round, portable tent used by nomads (Mongols) of central
Asia.
Yasa- Mongol law code of Genghis Khan.
Khan- An absolute ruler of the Mongols.
Plague (bubonic)- contagious disease that devastated Europe in the
1300s. Carried by fleas that lived on rats.
Cartographer- mapmaker
Line of Demarcation- imaginary line in the Atlantic Ocean, drawn by
the Pope in 1493 to divide the New Worlds land b/w Spain and Portugal.
Circumnavigation- sailing completely around the world.
Renaissance- “Rebirth”-period of creativity and change in Europe from
the 1300s to 1600s. Reawakening of Greek and Roman Culture.
Humanism- intellectual movement during the Renaissance that focuses
on worldly subjects rather than religious ones. Individuality of the
person (human) is important.
Sonnet- 14 lined poem with a fixed pattern of rhyme and meter.
(Shakespeare)
Doge- elected leader of the republic in the city - states of Venice and
Genoa.
Protestant Reformation- period when Europeans protested and broke
away from the Roman Catholic Church and formed new Christian
Churches. (Martin Luther)
Counter Reformation (Catholic)- movement to strengthen the Catholic
church and keep Catholics from converting to Protestantism. ( In
response to Protestant Reformation)
Justification by Faith- Martin Luther’s concept that faith alone is
enough to bring salvation (save one’s soul).
Indulgences- pardons (certificates) sold by the Catholic Church to
reduce one’s punishment for sins.
Vocation- a calling from God to take up certain work, ie. A priest, nun,
bishop….
Theocracy- government headed by religious leaders or a leader
regarded as god.
Predestination- Doctrine of John Calvin that each person’s fate is
already set by God prior to one’s birth.
Seminary- school for educating priests, as ordered by the council of
Trent.
Baroque- ornate, dramatic artistic style developed in Europe in the
1550s.
Hypothesis- solution proposed to explain a set of facts, which can be
tested. (educated guess)
Ellipses- an oval, not round closed curve.
Scientific Method- method of discovering truth based on
experimentation and observation rather than past authorities.
Calculus- system of mathematics developed by Newton to analyze
changing quantities.
Alchemist- person who practiced an early form of chemistry
emphasizing changes in substances such as lead into gold.
Conquistador- name for Spanish explorers in the New World during
the 1500s & 1600s. (conqueror)
Triangular Trade- trade route b/w Europe, Africa and the Americas in
the 1600s. Goods and slaves were bought and sold.
The Middle Passage- Voyage from West Africa to South and Central
America on slave ships. (middle portion of triangle slave trade)
Yuan Dynasty- Mongol dynasty under Kublai Khan that became the
first to conquer and rule most of China.
Pax Mongolia- period of stability through much of Asia created by
Mongol rule from the late 1200s through the mid 1300s.
Guild- type of trade association of merchants or artisans that was active
in the Middle Ages.
Council of Trent- meeting of bishops to clearly define Catholic doctrine
(1545-1563)
Ninety-five Theses- list of 95 complaints against the Catholic Church,
posted by Martin Luther on the door of a church in Wittenberg,
Germany in 1517.
The Inquisition- a church court based in Spain to identify, try and judge
heretics. (King and Queen Ferdinand and Isabella)
Magna Carta- charter signed by the English king John in 1215 that
placed limits on the king’s power and granted power to the citizens.
Hundred Years War- series of wars b/w England and France from
1337-1453 CE that resulted from feudal disputes. England looses lands
to France.
PEOPLE:
Genghis Khan- Mongols- Mongolian (Central Asia) ruler who united
all clans under one government leading to less of a nomadic life style..
(1206-1227)
Kublai Khan- First Mongol emperor of China who established the Yuan
dynasty. Last of the great Mongolian Leaders. (1260-1294)
Marco Polo- Italian traveler who works in the court of Kublai Khan
and brings Chinese culture back to Europe. (1254-1324)
Ibn Battuta- Arab who travels from the Middle East to China recording
his ventures, inspired by Marco Polo. Traveled thousands of miles over
a 30 year period. (1304-1377) traveled (1325-1354)
Prince Henry the Navigator- brought together mapmakers,
mathematicians and astronomers to study navigation in Portugal.
(1394-1460)
Bartholomeu Dias- (Portuguese) discovered the Cape of Good Hope/
Southern tip of Africa, but turned back (1488). (1450-1500)
Vasco da Gama- (Portuguese) Found a water route to India around the
Cape of Good Hope (1497) . (1460-1524)
Christopher Columbus- (Italian) Sailed for Spanish flag looking for a
faster trade route to India by sailing West, ends up in the Caribbean.
(1451-1506).
Ferdinand Magellan- His crew as the first to complete circumnavigation
of the globe. He was killed in the Phillippines. (1480-1521)
Francisco Pizarro- Spanish conquistador who invaded the Inca Empire
and executed their leader (1524). (1475-1541)
Henry Hudson- English navigator who claimed land for the Dutch in
North America.(1570-1611) Died by Mutiny.
Niccolo Machiavelli-Wrote “The Prince”, in which he analyzed politics.
“Lie, Steal, Cheat and Kill”, in order to keep power. (1469-1527)
Michelangelo- Italian Renaissance sculptor whose works include
“David” and the Sistine Chapel. (1475-1564)
Da Vinci- Italian Renaissance artist whose famous works are the Mona
Lisa and the Last Supper. (1452-1519)
Medici Family (Lorenzo, Cosimo and Catherine)- Italian banking
family who started the Income Tax. (1296-1743)
Martin Luther-German monk who was against the selling of
Indulgences and wrote the 95 Theses. (1483-1546)
J. Gutenberg- (1398-1468) Invented movable type, the first printing
press (1450), Bible (1455).
John Calvin-Follower of Luther who believed in predestination and
Established a reformed group in Geneva, Switzerland. Created the
Calvinist religion. (1509-1564)
Sir Thomas More- English Lawyer and Humanist who wrote “Utopia”
about a perfect society”. (1478-1535) Executed by Henry VIII because
More did not accept him as Head of the English Church.
Ignatius of Loyola- Founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) priest order
in 1540 to spread Catholicism. (1491-1556)
Henry Tudor VIII-(England)- (1491-1547) Most powerful of all Tudor
Monarchs who broke ties with the Catholic Church & declared himself
the Head of the Church of England. King 1502-1547.
Catherine of Aragon- (1485-1536) Henry the VIII’s 1st wife (Spanish
Catholic) who didn’t bare him a son. Mother of Queen Mary.
Queen Mary Tudor- (1516-1558) “Bloody Mary” Henry’s Catholic
daughter tried to restore Catholicism by burning Protestants at the
stake. Queen from 1553-1558
Queen Elizabeth Tudor- (1533-1603) Mary’s Protestant ½ sister who
blended Protestant and Catholic features of the church (Anglican).
Queen 1558-1603.
Anne Boleyn- Henry the VIII’s 2nd wife (protestant) who gave birth to
Elizabeth. (1504-1536)
Joan of Arc- French girl who received messages from God telling her to
help drive the English out of France during the Hundred Years War.
(1412-1431)
Jesuits- Catholic Priest order, The Society of Jesus who swore
obedience to the Pope, lived Simple lives and preached to people.
Pope Paul III- Called together Cardinals & Bishops to prepare a report
on reforms needed in the Catholic Church & how to do it…the Council
of Trent. (1468-1549)
Galileo Galilei- (1564-1642)Italian scientist who said the Earth was not
the center of the Universe. Improved the technology of the telescope and
was tried for treason against the Catholic Church (1633).
J. Kepler- (1571-1630) German astronomer and mathematician proved
that the planets revolve around the sun. Proved planets move in
ellipses.
Francis Bacon- (1561-1626)English Philosopher who helped develop the
Scientific Method. (step by step process to investigate a hypothesis)
Copernicus- (1473-1543) Polish scientist who worked to prove the sun
was the center of the universe. (heliocentric)
Descartes- Philosopher and writer who said truth must be reached
through reason. “I think therefore I am”. Founder of Modern
Philosophy and Math (1596-1650).
Sir Isaac Newton- English Mathematician who used Calculus to prove
the Law of Gravity. (1643-1727)
First Global Age Vocabulary
Latin & South America
Meso America- Middle land area that joins North and South America
Maya- Lived in the Yucatan in Southern Mexico from 1500BC-1548AD
Inca- Empire lasting from 1200 to 1535 AD located in Peru
Aztec- Empire from 1200BC- 1535AD located in present day Mexico and Guatemala
Olmec- earliest Mesoamerican civilization
Chinampas- Artificial islands built by Aztecs for use as gardens (Floating gardens)
Quipu- Knotted and beaded strings used to keep records
Tenochtitlan- Capital of the Aztec Empire
Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty- The dynasty set up by Kublai Khan in China (1200s) that was
a dominant Mongolian force.
** Andes Mountain- Located along the west coast of South America; Where the Inca’s
lived.
** Yucatan Peninsula-Located in Southern Mexico; Where the Maya lived.
West Africa:
Axum- Kingdom located along the Red Sea that was a trading power.
Ghana Empire- One of the richest trading civilizations in Western SubSahara Africa.
Gold and Salt trade- Wealth of the West African Empires was based off of the trade
of salt for gold. As time passed, salt became more valuable than gold, due to its
importance.
Mali Empire- Powerful kingdom that ruled much of West Africa,
expanded upon Ghana’s territory. . Sundiata- Mali’s first great emperor took
control of Ghana and set up Mali. Mansa Musa (Muslim) was the last great
emperor of Mali .
Mansa Musa- King of Mali who made a pilgrimage to Mecca and gave away so much
gold, that the price fell.
Songhai Empire- Kingdom in West Africa, expanded upon Mali’s
territory. Songhai controlled important trade routes. Sunni Ali (late
1400s) and Askia Muhammad (1493-1528) ruled.
Askia Muhammad- Islamic Ruler of Songhai 1493-1528. Golden age while he was
leader. Timbuktu remains cultural center of the Islamic empire under his rule.
Timbuktu- Major center for trade in the kingdom of Mali. Center of
learning and art, thanks to Mansa Musa.
**Sub Sahara- Land that lies below the Sahara Desert (South of the desert)
China:
Ming Dynasty- Founded by HongWu, it brought peace and prosperity. Regained control
from the Mongols.
Zheng He- Chinese explorer who showed off China’s wealth. Sailed to India, Africa and
Southern Asia
Middle Kingdoms- China called this because they thought they were the center of the
universe. ETHNOCENTRIC
Forbidden City- Home of the emperors of China. Used to enforce loyalty and protection.
Mogul- Muslim invaders that controlled Northern India from 1100-1600s
Yangtze River- Major Chinese river- longest river in Asia
Muslims
Suleiman I (Ottoman Empire-1552-1566) Early Ottoman ruler who strengthened the
Muslim forces, “The Lawgiver”.
Millet- Community of non- Muslims within the Ottoman Empire who ran their own
affairs, and consulted with Ottoman rulers
Sultan- Political leader with absolute authority over a Muslim country
Caliph- Supreme religious leader of Islam
Western Europe (Spain & Portugal)
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella- Spanish royalty who combined their countries
and their empires: Sponsored Christopher Columbus’ expedition to the New World, and
set up the Inquisition.
Reconquista- Re-conquest of lands that the Muslims had taken in Spain, and move to
make them Catholic again. (Headed by Isabella & Ferdinand)
Moors- Spanish Muslims who were forced to leave Spain (Granada)
Cartography- Map Making
Line of Demarcation- Imaginary line in the Atlantic Ocean drawn by the Pope in 1493
to divide the New World’s land between Spain and Portugal.
Treaty of Tordesillas- A treaty that moved the Line of Demarcation further West to
allow more territory for Portugal.
Prince Henry the Navigator- brought together mapmakers mathematicians and
astronomers to study navigation.
Magellan- his crew was the 1st to complete the circumnavigation of the world. He died
enroute (Killed in the Philippines)
Circumnavigate- To sail completely around the globe (World)
Expanison- To increase in size the amount of territory a nation has.
Dias- Discovered that sailing around the Cape of Good Hope (Southern tip of Africa) was
a possible trade route to India (does not go to India)
Da Gama- Found a water route to India by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope
Columbus- looking for a faster trade route to India (sails West) and ends up in the
Caribbean (Bahamas). Discovers New World for Spain.
Triangular trade route- 3 directional trade route between Europe, Africa and Americas
in the 1600’s. Europe traded finished products with Africa for Slaves, Slave went to
Americas to work and produce raw material to be traded with Europe.
Middle Passage- Voyage from Africa to the Americas on slave ships…dangerous
voyage for Africans, many died.
Mercantilism- Economic system where Mother Country relies on its colonies as markets
for trade. Wealth = Power
Astrolabe- Device used to determine the position of the stars, the movements of the
planets and the time. (Used by Sailors)
Colonization- Settling of land outside home country.
Encomienda System- Forced labor system set up by the Spanish in the New World, the
natives worked on farms and mines like slaves.
Gutenberg- invented moveable type (printing press)
Small pox- disease that killed many Native Americans brought by the explorers
Conquistadors- Spanish name for explorers in the 1500’s & 1600’s who conquered
overseas land.
Balance of Trade- When a nation exports more than imports
Joint stock companies- When merchants sold shares to divide costs for overseas trading
ventures, in hopes of making a profit.
France
Divine right- When Western European monarch gets their power directly from God.
Versailles- large expensive palace built by Louis XIV; gross display of his wealth
Huguenots- French Protestants, made up the work force.
Edict of Nantes- Issued by Henry XIV in 1598 that allowed protestant worship to
continue in areas where the Protestants were a majority but barred Protestants worship in
Paris and other Catholic strongholds.
**Louis XIV- Most powerful Bourbon monarch who had a very lavish court, after he
died, France went Bankrupt.
India:
Mughal(Mogul) Empire- set-up by Babur it lasted for 3 centuries in India. Indian
Muslim Empire.
Religious toleration- Allowing the practice of a religion.
Akbar the Great- Leader of the Mogul Empire who brought peace and order to Northern
India.
Spain:
Philip II (Spain) Most powerful Spanish monarch who ruled from 1556-1598.
Spanish Armada- Fleet of ships sent by Philip II to invade England and take down
Queen Elizabeth I. England wins…….Spain loses.
Absolutism- Monarch holds supreme unlimited power
Russia:
Peter the Great- Ruler in Russia from 1689-1725 who introduced many reforms that
were incomplete and hasty but brought Russia into the mainstream in Western Europe.
(WESTERNIZED)
Serfs- peasant laborer legally bound to the lands of a noble.
***Catherine the Great- Ruler of Russia from1762-1796 who had a successful foreign
policy and gained possession of the BLACK SEA from the Turks.
England:
Puritan Revolution- People who wanted the Church of England to be rid of remaining
Catholic rituals and symbols and be purely PURITIAN.
English Bill of Rights- put limits on the English monarchy and gave citizens certain
individual rights (1689)
Roundhead- Supporters of Parliament (Protestants) who fought against King Charles I
and his men during the English Civil War. Called this because of their close-cropped
haircut.
Oliver Cromwell- Military commander who took control of England as a dictator after
the English civil war.
Parliament- Governmental body of England (law making body)
Limited monarchy- King or Queen does not have complete power they need to consult
with parliament.
Enlightenment (Philosophers)
Enlightenment- period in the 1700’s in which people rejected traditional ideas and
supported a belief in human reasoning.
Thomas Hobbes- Philosopher who believed absolute monarchy was the best form of
government to keep people under control. Wrote Leviathan.
John Locke- Believed that people are born with natural rights and if the government
doesn’t give them these, they have the right to revolt against the government.
Voltaire- Philosopher and writer, believed in freedom of speech
Rousseau-Philosopher who believed that people are naturally good but are corrupted by
the evils of society.
Montesquieu- Philosopher who believed power should be divided equally among all
branches of government.
Natural Rights- rights people are born with: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Marie Theresa- Empress of Austria who introduced humanitarian reforms, set up
elementary schools and freed all serfs who worked on her land.
***Salon- In France a gathering where Enlightenment intellectuals meet for conversation
and to share ideas.
***Philosopher- A thinker, teacher and lover of wisdom