Download Global Studies Glossary - Harpursville Central School

The following are important vocabulary words used throughout the New York State
Global Studies curriculum. These are the most commonly used words found throughout the
Regents exams of the last few years. Please note that the exam is not limited to these words
as there may be additional words found throughout this review notebook or other variations of
these words that may be used on the Regents exam.
Chapter 1: The Social Sciences
Anthropology: The study of people and their culture.
Archaeology: The study of early people by examining things they leave behind (called artifacts).
artifacts: Things (tools, clothing, art, etc.) people leave behind.
Economics:
The study of what people produce, who gets goods, and who uses the goods and
services.
Geography: The study of the Earth, its people, and its resources.
History: The study of how people lived in the past by looking at written evidence.
primary source: 1st hand written accounts, ex. diary, autobiography.
Shows events, typically puts dates in chronological order (oldest dates to most
timeline: recent).
Chapter 2: The First Civilizations
Ancient Egypt:
(2700-1100 B.C.)d
Ancient civilization that developed in Egypt along the Nile River. Its natural barriers (deserts)
helped protect Egypt from invasion. It was ruled by pharaohs and developed achievements
such as building the pyramids and creating a form of writing called hieroglyphics.
city-state: A city and its surrounding area.
Code of Hammurabi:
Babylonian code of law that was based on “an eye for an eye”.
cuneiform: Sumerian (Mesopotamia) wedged shaped writing.
dynasty: A ruling family. These are found in ancient Egypt and China.
hieroglyphics: Picture writing developed by the ancient Egyptians.
River located in China, also known as the Yellow River, that was very important to
Huang He River the civilizations developing there. Its hard to predict floods have given it the
nickname the “River of Sorrows.”
Indus River: River that the first civilization in India developed along.
Indus Valley Civilization:
(~2500 B.C.)d
Mesopotamia:
(~3000 B.C.)d
Ancient civilization that developed in India along the Indus River. Its people were
heavily influenced by monsoons and were polytheistic.
Ancient civilization also known as the Fertile Crescent that developed along the Tigris and
Euphrates Rivers. It had few natural barriers, which encouraged invasion and made it
hard to unite as one nation. Its achievements include ziggurats and cuneiform.
monsoon: Seasonal winds which bring rain, hope, & suffering to India.
Process used by the Egyptians to preserve the dead (mainly its leaders) for the
mummification: afterlife.
Geographic feature such as mountains, deserts, oceans, etc. that split two areas
natural barriers: apart. Typically they provide protection and isolation for civilizations.
Neolithic Revolution:
(10,000-4000 B.C.)d
Period when humans first began to create settlements, farms, and domesticate
(tame) animals.
Important river located in Egypt. Its annuals floods are important to the people
Nile River: living along it as they help to make the land fertile when it would otherwise be a
desert. Ancient Egypt has been called the “gift of the Nile.”
nomads: A person who travels from place to place.
This is a period in which humans were hunters and gatherers as well as nomadic.
Old Stone Age: Evidence has shown that these first humans began in Africa and used simple stone
(2,500,000-10,000 B.C.)d
tools, as well as developed cave paintings.
pharaoh: This is a leader of Ancient Egypt.
polytheistic (polytheism):
This means to believe in many gods.
prehistory: This is the time period before written records.
pyramids:
Shang Dynasty:
(1600-1100 B.C.)d
Tigris & Euphrates Rivers:
These were giant structures built in Ancient Egypt as a tomb for its pharaohs (leaders).
Ancient civilization that developed in China along the Huang He River. Its many natural
barriers (Himalaya Mts., Gobi Desert, Pacific Ocean, jungles) caused its people to be isolated.
Because of this they believed they were the center of the Earth and thus called themselves the
Middle Kingdom.
Rivers that are very important to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia. Its
annual floods provided fertile land for those living near the rivers.
ziggurats: Step shaped pyramid structures built by the ancient Sumerians (Mesopotamia).
Chapter 3: Ancient Civilizations Golden Ages
Famous leader who united Greece, Egypt, Persia, and parts of India. He ushered in
Alexander the Great: the Hellenistic Age or Hellenism, which blended these cultures.
Civilization that developed on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a peninsula whose
Ancient Greece: mountains and seas led to the creation of separate city-state that each developed
(1750-133 B.C.)d
Ancient Rome:
(509 B.C.-476 A.D.)d
Athens:
unique cultures and governments.
Civilization that developed in Italy. It was centrally located on the Mediterranean Sea, which
helped it flourish in trade. For its 1st 500 years it was a republic ruled by a Senate and the 2nd
500 years it was an empire ruled by one leader. Its achievements included building a huge
system of roads, aqueducts, and the coliseum. It collapsed as a result of high taxes, the rich
becoming lazy, and barbarian invasions.
City-state that developed in Ancient Greece. It stressed education and developed a
direct democracy. Great philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle lived here.
Social class system that developed in India and is a central part of Hinduism.
caste system: Hindus believed people were born into their caste (class) and could move in caste
until they died and were reborn into anther caste.
Method developed under the Han Dynasty in China that gave tests to citizens to
civil service system: guarantee the most qualified received a job.
Philosophy developed in China by Confucius. Its focused on guaranteeing social
Confucianism: order. Ex) Citizens should listen to their ruler, a wife should listen to husband.
direct democracy:
1st used in Athens in ancient Greece. It was a government in which every citizen
voted on every government action. It sometimes encouraged citizens to “go with
the flow” and vote for actions because everyone else was voting for it. It also can
be a very slow process because everyone votes.
This is the rise and fall of ruling families. It can be found in ancient China and
dynasty cycle: ancient Egypt.
filial piety: Under Confucianism this means to respect ones parents.
golden age:
Period of peace, expanding culture/borders, & increased achievements for a civilization.
Gupta Empire: Empire in Ancient India that experienced a golden age. Its achievements include
(320-550 A.D.)d
developing writing numbers, the concept of zero, and the creation of stupas.
Empire in Ancient China that experienced a golden age. Its achievements included
Han Dynasty: building the Great Wall, helping allow the Silk Road to flourish, creating a civil
(270 B.C.-220 A.D.)d
service system, creating paper, and developing silk.
General of the Carthage army that crossed the alps and attacked Rome during the
Hannibal: 2nd Punic War.
This is the blending of Greek, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian culture as a result of
Hellenism: Alexander the Great’s conquests. It is also called the Hellenistic Age.
Emperors in Ancient China would come to power during the dynasty cycle claiming
Mandate of Heaven: they had the right to rule from the gods. This mandate could be taken away if the
ruler lost the popularity of their people.
patricians: These were the upper class citizens of Ancient Rome.
Pax Romana: This is a 200 year period of peace during the Roman Empire.
peninsula: This is a landmass surrounded on 3 sides by water.
plebeians: These were the lower class citizens of Ancient Rome.
Silk Road: Trade route that linked Rome (Europe) and the Han Dynasty (China).
City-state that developed in ancient Greece. It focused on developing a strong
Sparta: military rather than education.
Twelve Tables: These are laws developed during the Roman republic.
Untouchables: This is the lowest caste under the caste system.
Chapter 4: Belief Systems
Animism: Religion where one worships the spirit in nature. Practiced in Africa.
Religion began in India by Siddhartha Gautama. It believes in dharma, karma, and
Buddhism: reincarnation like Hinduism, but rejects the caste system. Its believers wish to
reach Nirvana, which ends the cycle of rebirth.
Religion that began in Palestine by Jesus during Roman times. It stressed that all
Christianity: were equal and was based on a set of rules called the Ten Commandments. It
heavily influenced the people of Europe.
dharma: These are the caste rules under Hinduism/Buddhism.
This is the spreading of the Jewish people throughout Europe and Eastern Asia as a
Diaspora: result of Roman persecution.
Five Pillars of Faith:
Four Noble Truths & Eightfold Path:
These are the rules of Islam including 1) Pray 5 times a day 2) The belief there is there is
only 1 god (Allah) and Mohammad is his prophet 3) Take a hajj (journey) to Mecca once
in ones lifetime 4) Fast during the holy month of Ramada 5)Give to the Poor.
These are the rules of Buddhism. Buddhists believe if one follows these rules one
ends the cycle of rebirth and reach Nirvana.
This is a religion that began in India. It believes in dharma, karma, and
Hinduism: reincarnation, as well as a social class system called the caste system in which a
person is born into their caste (class).
This is a religion began in Saudi Arabia by Muhammad. It stressed that everyone is
Islam: equal and it follows a set of rules called the 5 Pillars of Faith. It has heavily
influenced the Middle East.
This is a religion began in Palestine by Abraham. It follows a set of rules called the
Judaism: Ten Commandments and has been influenced by Diaspora.
karma: This is ones life actions under Hinduism/Buddhism.
monotheistic (monotheism):
This means to believe in one god.
mosque: This is the Muslim place of worship.
Muhammad: He is the founder of Islam.
Nirvana: This is the place all Buddhists strive to reach. It ends the cycle of rebirth.
Quran: This is the Muslim holy book.
This is the belief under Hinduism/Buddhism where one believes a person is reborn
reincarnation: into another body after death.
Siddhartha Gautama: He is the founder of Buddhism.
synagogue: This is the Jewish place of worship.
Taoism: This is a philosophy began in China that stressed that there were spirits in nature.
Ten Commandments: These are the set of rules under Christianity.
Torah: This is the Jewish holy book.
Shinto: This is a religion began in Japan that stressed that there are spirits in nature.
Chapter 5: The Middle Ages
Black Death or bubonic plague
(mid-1300’s A.D.)d
Charlemagne:
chivalry:
Crusades:
(1096-1297 A.D.)d
excommunication:
Disease began somewhere in China that spread throughout Asia and Europe along trade
routes. It was considered an epidemic. Unsanitary conditions ensured the disease spread
rapidly. Trade came to a halt. When sanitation control such as building sewer system
developed the disease eventually disappeared.
Barbarian leader of the Franks who helped to spread Christianity to the Germanic
people of Europe and create a strong government that was used as a model for the
future kings of Europe.
This is the code of conduct for the knights in medieval Europe.
These were holy wars fought over the Holy Land (Jerusalem). Christian crusaders wished
to gain the lands which were controlled by Muslim kingdoms. The Christian crusaders
were not successful, but as a result trade between Europe and the Middle East increased.
This is the ability of the head of the Roman Catholic Church (pope) to refuse a
person from going to church.
Feudalism (feudal system):
This is a system developed in Europe and also Japan where everyone knows their
role. Those in the lower classes work for the higher classes for free and in return
the higher classes offer protection to the lower classes.
guild:
These are trade organizations. They are created to provide skilled workers (ex.
carpenters) more power. They are used to train future workers and set prices/wages.
knight:
lord:
Magna Carta:
This is the warrior class under feudalism in Europe.
This is the rich landowning noble class under feudalism in Europe.
This was a law created in England that forced the king to follow common law.
manor:
This is the lords estate under feudalism. It includes the castle, church, farms, serf’s
houses, and surrounding land.
manorialism:
This is an economic system based on agriculture found in medieval Europe in which
all know their role on the manor. It is self-sufficient (does not need outside help).
monarchy:
Parliament:
pope:
Roman Catholic Church:
serf:
The Middle Ages or “Dark Ages”:
(500-1500A.D.)d
tithe:
This is a government ruled by a king.
This is a legislature that developed in England.
This is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
This is a branch of Christianity that dominated western Europe and was led by a pope.
These are the peasants under feudalism in Europe.
This was a time period began in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Trade/education stopped and war was common. Christianity dominated the kingdoms.
This is a 10% church tax on members of the Roman Catholic Church.
vassal:
This is a lesser lord under feudalism.
Chapter 6: The Middle Ages Around the World
archipelago: A chain of islands.
Aztecs: A civilization that began in Central America. Its capital city was Tenochtitlan and if
(1200-1500 A.D.)d
created floating gardens.
Economic system found in feudal Europe during the Middle Ages because the use of
Barter System: money had disappeared. Items of values were traded for one another.
bushido: This is the warrior code of conduct of the Samurai.
Byzantine Empire:
(500-1453 A.D.)d
Constantinople:
Also called the Eastern Roman Empire, this civilization survived the collapse of the Roman
Empire and lasted for another 1000 years. Its religion was Eastern Orthodoxy. Its
achievements include preserving Greek and Roman knowledge, the Justinian Code, & building
the Hagia Sophia.
Created by the Roman emperor Constantine and made the new capital of the Roman
Empire, it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire when Rome collapsed. Its
strategic location made it an important trading city that linked European and Asia trade.
czar (tsar): A ruler of Russia.
Eastern Orthodox Church
(Eastern Orthodoxy):
This is a branch of Christianity that developed in Eastern Europe. It rejects the
authority of the pope and allows priests to marry.
Genghis Khan: He is a famous leader of the Mongols.
Ibn Battuta: He is a Arab Muslim traveler who wrote about his journeys to East & West Africa.
This is a civilization that developed along the Andes Mountains in South America.
Inca: Its people were polytheistic. Its achievements include creating step terraces and
(1400-1500A.D.)d
creating a large system of roads.
irregular coastline: This is a jagged coastline. Ex) Japan, Greece
Japanese Feudalism:
(600-1800 A.D.)d
This was a system developed in Japan that was based on a strict class system. At the
top was the Emperor followed by the shogun, daimyo, samurai, and then peasants.
Justinian Code: This is the code of laws of the Byzantine Empire.
This is the leader of the Mali Empire who converted to Islam and took a hajj
Mansa Musa: (journey) to Mecca.
Maya: This is a civilization that began in Central America. Its people were polytheistic and
(300-900 A.D.)d
it developed pyramid structures.
They were a nomadic people of central Asia who conquered most of Asia. Their
Mongols: conquests helped to make trade along the Silk Road safe. Its famous leaders
(1200’s A.D.)d
include Genghis Khan and Kubla Khan.
Pax Mongolia: 150 years of peace in the Mongol Empire that made the Silk Road trade safe again.
samurai: This is the warrior class under Japanese feudalism.
These were steps built into mountains that created fertile land in otherwise unfertile
step terraces: conditions. They have been built by the Inca Empire and in Japan.
Trans-Saharan Trade Route:
This was a trade route over the Saharan Desert in Africa that focused on the trade
of gold and salt. It was important to the Mali, Ghana, and Songhai Empires.
Zheng He: A sailor who leads Chinese ships to explore the Indian Oceans for China.
Chapter 7: The Renaissance
List of reforms Martin Luther believed the Roman Catholic Church needed which led
95 Theses: to the Protestant Reformation.
Galileo:
He invented the telescope which proved the Earth was not the center of the universe.
heliocentric model: Model of our solar system in which the sun is at the center.
King of England who created the protestant Anglican Church (Church of England)
Henry VIII: after the pope refused to grant him a divorce.
humanism:
indulgences:
New way of thinking during the Renaissance that stressed the importance of individuals.
A document sold by the Catholic Church that would forgive an individual of their sins.
He developed a workable printing press in Europe. The first book he created was
Johannes Gutenberg: called the Gutenberg Bible.
Artist during the Renaissance that painted the Mona Lisa. He was known as the
Leonardo da Vinci: “Renaissance Man” for his many talents including being an architect & inventor.
A German monk who posted the 95 Theses on a Catholic Church because he disliked
Martin Luther: the corruption of its priests. This event helped lead to the Protestant Reformation.
printing press:
Protestant Reformation:
(1500’s A.D.)d
First invented in China. Johann Gutenberg developed a workable one in Europe and as a
result knowledge was able to spread faster and literacy rose throughout Europe.
Event began after Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on a church in Germany. As a
result the Protestant religion, which is a branch of Christianity, spread to the
countries of northern Europe, including England and Germany.
Renaissance: This is a time period in Europe after the Middle Ages that began in Italy. It saw a
(1300-1500 A.D.)d
rebirth in learning and a renewed focused on the individual.
Scientific Revolution: This is a time period in which individuals began to question science which previously
(1500-1600’s A.D.)d
had been based on the Catholic Church’s beliefs.
Chapter 8: The Age of Exploration
Age of Exploration: Period in which Europe, led by Spain & Portugal, began to explore the ocean in
(late 1400’s-1700’s A.D.)d
search of shorter trade routes to India and China for spices.
Atlantic Slave Trade & Trade route that brought slaves from the west coast of Africa to North and South
The Middle Passage: America. Conditions were very bad for the slaves making the forced journey.
Christopher Columbus:
Sailing for Spain and looking for a ocean route to India/China, he sailed west from
Europe and discovered the Americas.
This is the exchange of goods, ideas, diseases, etc. began when Europeans came in
Columbian Exchange: contact with the people of the Americas.
conquistador: These were Spanish conquers.
Ferdinand Magellan:
Sailor whose crew was the first to circumnavigate the globe proving the earth was round.
Francisco Pizarro: Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire.
Henry the Navigator: Portuguese prince who built schools for sailors beginning the Age of Exploration.
Hernan Cortez: Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire.
Italian explorer who traveled to China by land and wrote about his journeys. This
Marco Polo: sparked interest in China by Europeans.
This was an economic policy used by European kings during the Age of Exploration
mercantilism: that stressed gaining gold/silver and creating colonies for raw materials.
3 pronged trade route. Africa (gives slaves)  Americas (give raw materials like
Triangular Trade: cotton, sugarcane)  Europe (gives manufactured goods like textiles)  Africa…
Chapter 9: The Enlightenment and Absolutism
absolute monarch (absolutism):
Adam Smith & laissez faire:
A king with total power.
Enlightenment philosopher who said the best economic system is one without
government interference in business. (“Hands Off”).
divine right: European kings believed that they had the right to rule because god said so.
Enlightenment: Time period influenced by the Scientific Revolution in which people questioned the
(1600-1700’s A.D.)d
John Locke & natural rights:
way they should be governed.
Enlightenment thinker who stressed all people are entitled to life, liberty, and property.
French absolute monarch who ruled by divine right. He also has been called the Sun
Louis XIV: King and built the Versailles Palace.
Russian absolute monarch who tried to westernize Russia by brining in European
Peter the Great: experts to Russia.
Phillip II:
The Glorious Revolution:
(1688 A.D.)d
Spanish absolute monarch who ruled by divine right. He was Catholic and built the Spanish
Armada in an attempt to defeat the Protestant Queen Elizabeth of England but failed.
Bloodless revolution in England in which William and Mary become king and queen.
They were forced to sign the English Bill of Rights, which guaranteed that the
Parliament had the power over the king.
Versailles Palace: Palace built by Louis XIV in France.
Chapter 10: The French Revolution
Declaration of the Rights of Man:
French Estate System, 1700’s
(1st, 2nd, 3rd):
Document created during the French Revolution that says all French male citizens
were equal & ended noble rights.
Social class system in France. 1st estate: clergy (church), 2nd estate: nobles, 3rd
estate: peasants, middle class. Only the 3rd estate paid taxes.
Revolution that began in France as a result of the poor paying all the taxes and the
French Revolution: rich in France spending money wastefully. During the revolution the king and queen
(1789-1799 A.D.)d
were executed. As a result of the revolution, ideas of nationalism spread around the
world causing additional revolutions.
Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette:
King and queen of France during the French Revolution. The people accused them
of wastefully spending the peoples money. They were executed by the French
people during the revolution.
Napoleon Bonaparte:
General who became emperor of France after the French Revolution & conquered much of
Europe. He developed the Napoleonic Code and helped spread nationalism throughout the
lands he conquered. He was defeated when he tried to invade Russia & was not prepared for
the Russian winter.
Napoleonic Code: Code of laws created by Napoleon in France.
Robespierre & the Reign of Terror:
Became a leader during the French Revolution and ushered in a period of increased
violence during the French Revolution. This period was called the Reign of Terror.
Storming of the Bastille:
Political prison of king Louis XVI that was attacked by the citizens of Paris and
signaling the beginning of the French Revolution.
Event leading up to the French Revolution in which the 3rd estate in France forced
Tennis Court Oath: the king to agree to create a constitution.
Chapter 11: The Industrial Revolution
Workers on factory lines added parts to a product as it moved along a belt.
assembly line: Production was faster & cheaper and as a result prices of goods decreased.
capitalism: An economic system that stresses individuals making decisions & profit.
Charles Darwin & natural selection:
factories:
British scientist who said life evolved over time. He believed since there is a limited
food supply only the strongest species survive and the weaker ones disappear
(“survival of the fittest”).
Places that brought workers & machines together to produce large quantities of goods.
industrialization: The development of industry (factories) in a society.
Industrial Revolution:
(mid-1700’s-1800’s A.D.)d
Period began in Britain because of its supply of iron & coal and large population in which
goods were made in factories. As a result people moved to the cities to find jobs.
interchangeable parts:
James Watt & the steam engine:
Karl Marx & The Communist Manifesto:
Identical pieces that could be used in place of one another. Assembly & repair of
items in factories was made easier.
He improved Thomas Newcomen’s steam engine which was powered by coal to
pump water. It became an important power source during the Industrial Revolution.
German socialist who disliked the inequality caused by industrialization. He said their
would be a revolution between the “haves” (upper/middle class) and the “have-nots”
which would begin in Industrial Europe and create a classless communist society.
labor unions: Workers would joined together for greater strength in the workplace.
An economic system that believed society rather than individuals should own &
socialism: control the means of production (farms, factories, railways).
Large apartment buildings of the 1800’s and early 1900’s that were typically of poor
tenement buildings: quality for those living there.
urbanization: The growth of cities.
suffrage: The right to vote.
Chapter 12: The Age of Nationalism
Prussian leader Otto von Bismarck was able to unite the various German states and
German unification: German people in Austria and Prussia through a policy of expanding the military and
(mid-1800’s A.D.)d
building up industry (“blood & iron”).
Haiti was a French colony. France brought in 500,000 African slaves to work its
Haitian Revolution: plantations there. In 1791 Toussaint L’Ouverture, an ex-slave, led a revolt which
(1791-1804 A.D.)d
Irish Potato Famine (Great Hunger):
(1845 A.D.)d
eventually led to the creation of a Haiti Republic.
After the potato was introduced to Ireland it became a very important part of the
majority of the Irish people’s diet. When a disease destroyed the potato crop 1
million Irish died of starvation and millions of others migrated to the U.S.
After the fall of the Roman empire Italy was ruled by many separate small states.
Italian unification: In the mid-1800’s the actions of Italian nationalist leaders Giuseppe Mazzini, Camillo
(mid-1800’s A.D.)d
Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi were able to unite Italy into one country.
militarism: The policy of building up one’s military.
nationalism: Having pride in ones country.
Ottoman Empire 1800’s:
Empire that stretched from Eastern Europe & the Balkans to North Africa & the Middle
East. During the mid-1800’s nationalist groups within the empire revolted and
threatened the collapse of the empire giving it the nickname: “the sick man of Europe.”
Prussian leader who was able to encourage German nationalism, helping lead to the
Otto von Bismarck: unification of Germany. He also encouraged the building of a strong military and
industry in Germany known as the policy of “blood and iron.”
pogroms: Attacks encouraged by the Russian czar on Jewish citizens.
Attempts by the czars to make its diverse people act Russia by forcing Russian
Russification: customs and the Russian language on these diverse people.
Simon Bolivar:
Toussaint L’Ouverture:
Called “the Liberator” and influenced by the French & American Revolutions, as well as
Enlightenment ideas, he encouraged Latin American nationalism. In 1810 he fought Spanish
rule in South America & won independence for Venezuela, New Granada (Columbia), Ecuador,
Peru, & Bolivia.
Ex-slave who encouraged nationalism and led a revolt in French controlled Haiti.
Although he was jailed, his leadership helped Haiti gain independence.
Chapter 13: The Age of Imperialism
Berlin Conference &
The Partition of Africa:
(1888 A.D.)d
A conference held in Berlin where European countries met in Berlin to discuss the
rules for colonizing Africa. This led the countries of Europe to claim most of Africa
and set up colonies there.
Boxer Rebellion:
(1900)d
Anti-foreigner feelings in China led to a group of Chinese called the Boxers attacking foreign
communities across China. In response European countries & Japan organized a military force
& crushed the Boxers. The rebellion failed, but Chinese nationalism spread.
cash crop economy: Economy based on one crop such as bananas or coffee. (found in Latin America).
One country dominates another country’s political, economic, & cultural life. It has
imperialism: been practiced by Europe in Africa, India, & China and by Japan in China & Korea.
Indian National Congress:
Japanese Imperialism:
(late 1800’s A.D.)d
Political Organization created in 1885 by Indian nationalist leaders to help gain greater
independence from Britain. It was made up of educated middle class Indians.
As a result of the Meiji Restoration Japan built up a large military and had economic
success. However, it lacked raw materials needed for industrial growth, so it
invaded Korea and Manchuria for their resources.
Time period in Japan that resulted after the U.S. navy forced open the Japanese
Meiji Restoration: ports for trade. Japan brought in western experts and quickly built up its industry
(1868-1912 A.D.)d
and military and soon became a world power.
War fought after the Chinese told the British to stop selling the addictive drug opium
Opium Wars: to the Chinese people. The British refused and its advanced military easily defeated
(1839-1842 A.D.)d
the Chinese. As a result the British opened all Chinese ports to trade.
Canal opened in 1914 that linked the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and shortened
Panama Canal: shipping routes between the two bodies of water.
“Scramble for Africa”: Event after the Berlin Conference in which the countries of Europe quickly conquered
(late-1800’s A.D.)d
Sepoy Mutiny:
(1857 A.D.)d
much of Africa to gain its natural resources.
A rebellion in India that began when the British East Indian company forced its Indian troops
(called Sepoys) to bite off the tips of their cartridges that were lined with cow (sacred to
Hindus) and pig (forbidden to Muslims) fat. Indians revolted killing British citizens in India. As
a result, the British government took control of India.
Canal built in 1859 in Egypt that linked the Mediterranean & Red Seas. In 1875,
Suez Canal: Egypt was unable to repay its loans & was forced to sell the canal to the British.
European belief that it was their duty to spread European culture (medicine, law,
White Man’s Burden: and Christianity) to the rest of the world.
Chapter 14: World War I
Archduke Franz Ferdinand:
Heir to the Austria-Hungary thrown who visited Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia in the Balkans, in
1914. While there, a member of a radical Serbian nationalist group the Black Hand, Gavrilo Princip,
assassinated the Archduke & his wife. This event set into motion the events leading to WWI.
Armenian Massacre: Genocide that took place during the 1910’s by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans
targeted its minority Armenian citizens by deporting 600,000 to Syria &
(late 1800s-early 1900’s)d Mesopotamia & killing 1.5 million.
Balkans, early 1900
(“Powder Keg of Europe”):
Area known for its mountainous geography, which led to very diverse cultures developing that
in time led to growing nationalist rivalries. Early 1900’s the Balkan’s saw conflict between tiny
Serbia & the Austria-Hungary Empire which eventually led to WWI.
League of Nations: After WWI, many nations of the world agreed to work out their disagreements
rather than go to war as well as take united action against aggressive nations.
(1919)d However, the League had no way to enforce its policy.
propaganda: Influencing how people think and act.
radicals: People who wanted extreme changes in society.
Payments; after WWI the Treaty of Versailles forced the defeated Germany to pay
reparations: reparations to the victorious France and Britain.
self-determination: The right to rule oneself.
trench warfare (WWI):
Treaty of Versailles:
(1919)d
Triple Alliance, 1882 (The Central Powers):
Warfare used during World War I by the Allied and Central Powers. Both sides dug
trenches to protect their armies from gunfire.
Agreement the Allies forced the new German Republic to sign after WWI. It forced Germany to
take full blame for causing the war. It forced Germany to pay huge reparations (payments) to
the Allies. It limited the size of the German military & returned Alsace & Lorraine to France.
WWI alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, & Ottoman Empire.
Triple Entente, 1883 (Allied Powers):
WWI alliance of France, Britain, & Russia.
World War I causes  MANIA:
Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, Assassination (of the Archduke).
World War I:
(1914-1918)d
Conflict began in the Balkans that was fought in France, Germany, and Russia between the Allied and
Central Powers. It saw the use of trench warfare, which resulted in high battlefield death rates. In
the end the Allies won and forced the Central Powers to accept the Treaty of Versailles.
Chapter 15: World War II
1930’s Italian aggression:
In 1935 Italy invaded Ethiopia in North Africa for its natural resources. The League
voted sanctions (penalties) against Italy.
1930’s German aggression:
Hitler violated the Versailles Treaty by building up the German military. He wanted to unite the
world’s German people and in 1936 sent troops into the Rhineland bordering France. He send
his armies into Austria making himself its leader and then forced Britain and France to give him
the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia.
Adolf Hitler:
Allied Alliance (WWII)
Totalitarian leader and leader of the Nazi party. He stressed extreme nationalism, racism, &
anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews). He said all Germans were part of a master race of Aryans,
wanted all Germans to unite, and blamed the Jews for Germany’s defeat in WWI.
The partnership between Britain, U.S, & the Soviet Union during WWII.
Anti-Semitism: A hatred of Jews.
appeasement: Giving into an aggressors demand Ex) Munich Conference & Hitler.
atomic bomb: Powerful weapon developed by the U.S. and later the Soviet Union.
Axis Alliance (WWII) The partnership between Germany, Italy, & Japan during WWII.
Attack on Pearl Harbor:
(Dec. 7, 1941)d
Surprise attack by the Japanese on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. This led to
the U.S. entry into WWII.
Balfour Declaration: Promise by the British to the Jews to create a homeland for them in Palestine.
(1917)d
Fascist totalitarian leader who came to power in Italy. He believed the needs of the
Benito Mussolini: state were more important than the rights of the individual. He ended freedom of
press, rigged elections, used propaganda, & put his critics in prison.
Lightening war strategy used by Nazi Germany which used tanks & airplanes to
Blitzkrieg: quickly attack an enemy.
Bolsheviks (Communists):
Political party ran by Vladimir Lenin. The overthrew the Russia provisional
government in 1917 & seized Russian cities. They took the name Communists, gave
land to the peasants, and gave workers control of the factories.
Chinese Civil War: Conflict fought between the Nationalists led by Jiang Jieshi and the Communist led
(1927-1950)d
by Mao Zedong in China in which the Communist were victorious.
civil disobedience: Refusing to follow unjust laws.
Large farms found in communist countries in which all people theoretically worked
collectives: the land equally and all benefited equally from.
collectivization (collective farming):
Policy used by the communist Soviet Union in which all peasant’s farm animals &
tools became property of the collective (large farms). The government set all prices
on produce.
command economy Economy where the government made all economic decisions (also called central
(central planning): planning). This typically is found under communist governments.
concentration camps: Prison/labor camps in Nazi Germany.
Event during WWII when the Allies invaded Europe forcing Hitler to fight a 2-front
D-Day: war. 156,000 Allied troops cross the English Channel onto the beaches of France.
(1944)d
The Germans retreated and the Allies were able to free France from Nazi control.
dictator: One ruler with total power. Ex) Hitler, Stalin
Belief system that stressed extreme nationalism. It wanted a strong central
fascism: government, was non-communist, & the government controlled individuals. Its
leaders used violence, stressed loyalty, & encouraged militarism & expansion.
Final Solution: Plan by Adolf Hitler of Germany to eliminate all Jews.
Five Year Plans:
Policy began by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. He tried to rapidly build heavy industries,
improve transportation networks, & increased farm production by setting high production
quotas. Large factories were built, oil/coal/steel production increased, & new railroads were
built.
Gestapo: Hitler’s secret police.
Great Depression:
(1928-1939)d
Japan’s invasion of Manchuria:
(1931)d
During the 1920’s industries in the West were producing too much material, prices
decreased & businesses failed. 1929 in the U.S. the New York Stock Exchange crashed
beginning the Great Depression. Millions became unemployed around the world.
In 1931 the Japanese army wanted to invade Manchuria, which was rich in natural resources.
Without asking the government, the Japanese army attacked the Chinese forces in Manchuria. The
League of Nation condemned the Japanese aggression against China, but took no military action.
Communist totalitarian leader of the Soviet Union. He encouraged collectivization
Joseph Stalin: and Five Year Plans in the Soviet Union. He also heavily used propaganda and the
use of secret police.
kamikazes: Suicide airplane attacks used by the Japanese against the Allies during WWII.
Encouraged Turkish nationalism, defeated the Greeks, & created the Turkey
Kemal Ataturk: Republic. He took the name Atatürk meaning “father of the Turks.” In power he
modernized & westernized Turkey while separating religion (Islam) & government.
Kristallnacht
(“The Night of Broken Glass”):
(1938)d
Nazis attacked Jewish communities all over Germany. Over 30,000 Jews were arrested.
Genocide began by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi’s towards the Jews of Europe. By 1945
Holocaust: the Nazis had killed 6 million Jews.
Strategy used by the U.S. military against the Japanese during WWII. The U.S.
island hopping: attacked strategically important island held by the Japanese and ignored others.
isolationism: A policy of a country to decrease contact with the outside world.
Long March: The event during the Chinese Civil War in which the Chinese Nationalist under Jiang
(1934-1935)d
Jieshi forced the Chinese Communist under Mao Zedong to retreat.
The leader of the Chinese Communists. He wanted to gain the support of the
Mao Zedong: Chinese peasants and promised to redistribute land to the peasants.
Mohandas Gandhi:
He was a middle class Hindu leader in India who in the 1920’s emerged & united Indians of all
classes against British colonial rule. He urged passive (non-violent) resistance like boycotts &
civil disobedience (refusing to follow unjust laws) like the Salt March. He supported equal
rights for all Indians (men & women) and fought to end unfair treatment of the untouchables.
British & French leaders practicing appeasement gave the Sudetenland in
Munich Conference: Czechoslovakia to Hitler & in exchange Hitler said he would not expand anymore,
(1938)d
which he did anyways.
Political party that came to power in Germany that was led by Adolf Hitler. It
Nazism: encouraged extreme German nationalism, increased militarism, and blamed the
Jews for the German defeat in WWI.
Nazi-Soviet Pact: At the beginning of WWII, Hitler & Stalin agreed not to fight each other & secretly
(1939)d
divided up Poland & other Eastern European countries.
Hitler’s policy of brainwashing young Germans with Nazi ideas, guaranteeing they
Nazi Youth: would be loyal to him.
New Economic Policy or NEP:
(1921)d
Policy began by Vladimir Lenin in communist Russia that allowed small amounts of
capitalism. Small businesses were allowed to make private profits. Peasants were
allowed to keep small plots of land & sell their extra crops. Russia’s economy improved.
Nuremberg Laws: Laws passed by Nazi Germany that made it so Jews could not marry non-Jews, go to
(1935)d
German schools, hold government jobs, or be lawyers/doctors.
Trials after WWII that put Nazi leaders on trial for their actions during the Holocaust.
Nuremberg Trials: 200 Nazi’s were found guilty & sentenced to death or put in jail for “crimes against
(1945-1949)d
humanity.
passive resistance: Non-violent resistance.
Russian Revolution:
(1917)d
Its causes include the Russian czar and provisional government’s weaknesses, battlefield
deaths during WWI, and mass starvation caused the Bolshevik (Communist) Party, led by
Vladimir Lenin to overthrow the government by promising the people “peace, land, and
bread” and led to a communist Russia.
The British had a monopoly on salt in India. Gandhi & 1000’s of Indians set out on a
Salt March: 240 mile march to the sea to make salt. The British arrested & jailed Gandhi.
(1939)d
Theodor Herzl & Zionism:
(1896)d
1000’s followed his lead by collecting salt & were arrested.
Jewish journalist whose ideas began Zionism: a movement to create a Jewish
homeland in Palestine.
A government ruled by a dictator who has total control of the economy,
totalitarianism: government, and society. It used heavy propaganda and secret police to enforce
policy as well as encouraged militarism.
Vladimir Lenin
(“peace, land, & bread”):
World War II causes (FAMANIA):
He was influenced by Karl Marx and told Russians that only a revolution could bring about
change in Russia. He overthrew the provisional government, & seized Russian cities, gave
land to the peasants, and gave control of the factories to the workers.
Fascism, Appeasement, Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, Anarchy .
World War II: World struggle fought between the Axis and Allied alliances. Battles were fought all
(1939-1945)d
over the world with the Allies prevailing.
Chapter 16: The Cold War
Stalin attempted to blockade West Berlin to force the West out of the city. As a
Berlin Airlift: result the West led by the U.S. took part in a round the clock delivery of supplies by
(1948)d
Berlin Wall
China’s Communist Revolution:
(1946-1950)d
Cold War:
(1945-1991)d
plane to West Berlin. As a result the Soviet Union ended the blockade.
During the Cold War in Germany, East Berlin supported by the communist Soviet Union, saw
economic decline and its unhappy citizens fleeing to West Berlin. In response in 1961 East
Germany built the Berlin Wall, topped with barbed wire and patrolled by armed guards, to keep
its citizens from leaving. The East German people continued to suffer hard times. When the
wall came down in 1989 it signaled the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Event in China in which the Chinese Communists led by Mao Zedong defeated the
Chinese Nationalists and created a Communist Chinese government. Mao was successful
because he appealed to Chinese nationalism and gained the support of the Chinese
peasants.
A state of conflict between the U.S. & the Soviet Union where neither superpower directly
attacked each other. However, both competed economically & militarily with each other.
An economic system where the government owns all property. The government
communism: decides all economic decisions (what is produced, how much is produced, & at what
price items are sold). Present in the former Soviet Union, Cuba, North Korea.
containment: U.S. policy during the Cold War to limit the spread of communism.
Cuban Missile Crisis:
(1962)d
The Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba. In response the U.S. set up a naval blockade
to prevent further Soviet weapon shipments. U.S. President John F. Kennedy demanded that
the Soviet Union remove its nuclear missiles from Cuba. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev
agreed to remove the Soviet missiles from Cuba when the U.S. agreed not to invade Cuba.
Cultural Revolution:
(1966)d
Event began by Mao Zedong in China in which he attempted to increase the Chinese
people’s loyalty to communism. He attacked his opponents and encouraged students to
form groups called the Red Guards who attacked professors & factory mangers.
After Germany was split following WWII this was the side supported by the
East Germany communist Soviet Union. It developed a communist government and saw economic
hard times.
European Coal & Steal Community:
(1952)d
Fidel Castro:
An organization created by West Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg,
France, & Italy. It set up the free trade of coal & steel among member states by getting
rid of tariffs.
Cuban nationalists & Communist who organized a successful rebellion against the corrupt
dictator who ruled Cuba. Castro took over Cuban businesses & put most land under his
communist government’s control. Castro gained the Cuban people’s support by raising the
standard of living for many Cubans.
Type of government which is elected & ran by the citizens. Freedoms of speech &
democracy: press are common. Ex) U.S., Britain
détente: Decrease in tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union during the Cold War.
glasnost:
Policy meaning “openness” began by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. It encouraged the
Soviet people to discuss the country’s problems openly without fear of punishment.
Program began by Mao Zedong of communist China, which aimed to increase farm &
Great Leap Forward: industrial production. It created communes which combined several villages, 1000’s
(1958-1960)d
of acres, & up to 25,000 people.
Vietnamese nationalist leader influenced by Karl Marx & communism who was the
Ho Chi Mihn: leader of North Vietnam and was able to successfully defeat the U.S. in the Vietnam
War by using guerilla warfare against the U.S. military.
An imaginary line between the democratic Western Europe & the communist Eastern
Iron Curtain: Europe.
Korean War & the 38th Parallel:
(1950-1953)d
market economy (capitalism):
Began when North Korea led by its communist leader Kim Il Sung crossed the 38th parallel that
spilt North and South Korea thus declaring war on South Korea. The UN led by the U.S. helped
the South Koreans and pushed the North Koreans to the Chinese border. The communist
Chinese then aided the North Koreans and pushed the U.S./South Koreans troops back to the
38th parallel. The war ended with North & South Korea separated along the 38th parallel.
Economic system in which businesses & individuals can make their own economic
decisions. Property is privately owned. Prices are based on supply & demand. Ex)
Britain, U.S.
As part of the U.S. policy of containment the U.S. gave food & economic aid to
Marshall Plan: European countries to rebuild after World War II.
Mikhail Gorbachev:
Soviet leader that came to power in 1985 and encouraged reforms. He encouraged
the policy of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring the
government/economy). These policies led to the countries of the Soviet Union to
declare independence and the fall of the Soviet Union.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO):
Military alliance formed in 1949 by the U.S., Canada, & ten countries in western
Europe during the Cold War. Members agreed to help each other if attacked.
Created after WWII, it was supported by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It
North Korea: developed a communist government and in modern times it is feared by the world to
have nuclear weapons.
North Vietnam:
perestroika:
Pol Pot’s & the “Killing Fields”:
(1975)d
Created after WWII it was supported by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Its leader Ho Chi
Minh developed a communist government that was able to defeat the U.S. and South Vietnamese
during the Vietnam War. As a result, Vietnam was united as one communist country.
Policy urged by the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev meaning “restructuring” of the Soviet
government & economy. It allowed limited private enterprise (capitalism) and allowed farmers
to sell produce on the free market. However, factories could not survive without government
aid leading to high unemployment.
Communist dictator and leader of the Khmer Rouge who took over Cambodia. He drove people
from the cities and forced them to work on rural farms. He slaughtered, starved, & worked to
death more than 1 million Cambodians. 200,000 were executed in large mass graves called
“the killing fields,” which was considered a genocide.
Created after WWII it was supported by the West (U.S./Western Europe) during the
South Korea: Cold War. It has developed a democratic government and capitalist economy which
has seen much success.
Created after WWII it was supported by the U.S. during the Cold War. It developed
South Vietnam: a dictatorship and was defeated by North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Countries dependent on the Soviet Union for economic & military aid during the Cold
Soviet satellites: War.
Sputnik I: 1st artificial satellite (object that orbits a larger body) to be sent into space
Superpower: A world power; during the Cold War the U.S. and Soviet Union were labeled this.
War fought between North Vietnam supported by the Soviet Union/China and South
Vietnam War: Vietnam supported by the U.S. North Vietnam’s communist leader Ho Chi Minh was
(1963-1973)d
able to use guerrilla warfare and defeat the U.S. and unite Vietnam.
It was a military alliance made up of the Soviet Union & 7 Eastern European
Warsaw Pact: countries that formed in 1955 during the Cold War. Members agreed to protect
each other if attacked.
After Germany was split following WWII it was the part of Germany supported by
West Germany the West (U.S./Europe). It developed a democracy and saw economic success
during the Cold War.
Chapter 17: Modern Times
2nd Iraq War:
(2003)d
al Qaeda:
In 2003 the U.S. & Britain claimed, Saddam Hussein the leader of Iraq, still had “weapons of mass
destruction” (WMD’s) & encouraged world terrorism. U.S., British, & coalition forces invaded Iraq,
removed Saddam, & occupied Iraq. U.S. led efforts to rebuild Iraq were slowed by guerrilla attacks &
suicide bombings, especially from Sunnis who feared losing power in Iraq.
Meaning the “the Base” in Arabic it was an Islamic fundamentalist group began in 1988 by
Osama bin Laden. Its goals were to destroy Israel & to end U.S. influence in the Middle East. It
attacked U.S. interests in Asia & Africa, including the Sept 11th, 2001 attacks on the World
Trade Centers & Pentagon in the U.S.
Organization formed in 2002 by 53 African countries in the hopes of solving Africa’s
African Union (AU): economic, political, & environmental problems.
Apartheid:
Arab-Israeli conflict:
(1947-present)d
“Asian Tigers”:
Laws passed in 1948 by the South African government that created a system of racial
segregation. It was designed to guarantee white control over South Africa. Black citizens were
forced to get permission to travel, it banned interracial marriages, & it segregated
restaurants/beaches/schools.
Conflict began after the creation of Israel in 1947 by the UN. Israel & the Arab nations
bordering it along with Arab Muslim Palestinians in Israel fought wars in 1948, 1956, 1967, &
1973 in which Israel defeated every Arab attack & took control of Arab territories. In 1979 at
the Camp David Accords, Israel & Egypt made peace. In 1993 Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat &
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin signed the Oslo Accords hoping to create peace, but the
violence has continued.
Nations located in the Pacific Rim including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, & South
Korea. They received their nickname because of their aggressive economic growth.
Cutting of trees without replacing them. Affects areas in Africa, Latin
deforestation: America, & Asia. This is especially true for the Amazon Basin in South
America.
Deng Xiaoping:
Became the new Communist leader of China in 1978. He was a reformer who was interested in
modernizing the Chinese economy & technology by beginning a policy called the Four Modernizations
that allowed for some characteristics of a free market economy (capitalism) in China.
desertification:
Spreading of the desert that has caused farmlands to be overtaken by deserts in Africa &
China. This is especially true to the Sahel region south of the Sahara Desert in Africa.
ethnic cleansing:
The purposeful killing of an ethnic group. Ex) Bosnian Civil War: Serbs killings Muslims
Euro: The European Union’s currency (form of money).
Organization formed from the European Community in 1993 that promoted a free
European Union (EU): flow of capital, labor, & goods among EU members. In the early 2000’s the EU
(1993-present)d
added a dozen countries from the former communist Eastern Europe.
Four Modernizations:
Policy began by Chinese Communist leader Deng Xiaoping that allowed for some characteristics
of a free market economy (capitalism) in China. It ended the communes & gave peasants
land. Chinese were allowed to set up businesses & managers of state-run factories were given
more freedom.
This describes how countries’ economies, politics, & cultures are becoming
globalization: entangled with one another.
Green Revolution:
(1950’s-present)d
A period began during the 1950’s when commercially developed seeds, pesticides, &
equipment (ex. tractors) were introduced to the developing world along with new farming
methods. It increased agricultural production in developing countries like India, Brazil, & China
& decreasing the chance of famine.
immigration: Movement of people from one place to another.
interdependence: Countries rely on each other for goods, resources, knowledge, & labor.
Islamic fundamentalism:
Israel:
(1947-present)d
Jomo Kenyatta:
Kashmir:
Kurds:
Belief that Islam should control society. It heavily influences Iran & Saudi Arabia.
The experiences of Jews during the Holocaust created worldwide support for a Jewish
homeland & in 1947 the UN created a plan to divide Palestine into an Arab Muslim & a Jewish
state. Jews accepted the plan, Arab Muslims rejected it. In 1948 the Jewish nation of Israel
was created.
Leader of the Mau Mau, a radical Kenyan group. He wanted Kenya to gain independence from
Britain by promoting Kenyan nationalism. He turned to guerrilla warfare, burning farms &
attacking white settlers & black Kenyans who worked with the white farmers. He was arrested,
making him a national hero & in 1963 he became Kenya’s 1st president.
A state in the Himalayas Mountains with Muslim & Hindu populations that has been a place of
conflict between India & Pakistan & the two countries have fought many wars over.
Ethnic group living in Iran, Iraq, Syria, & Turkey that are a minority in each country and face
discrimination. In the 1970s Kurdish rebels fought Turkish forces wanting an independent state
of Kurdistan. In the 1980’s in Iraq, Saddam used chemical weapons on Kurdish civilians killing
1000’s.
Latin America: Area that includes Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, & South America.
Middle East:
Area including the countries of Southwest Asia and North Africa, including the countries
extending from Libya on the West to Afghanistan on the East. Most people in the region are
Muslim but there are Christian minorities & the Jewish nation of Israel. It has been called the
“Far East” reflecting a Western bias in written history.
mixed economy An economic system that combines market & command economies.
Nelson Mandela:
He became the leader of the African National Congress (ANC) in the 1950’s & led young South
Africans in peacefully resisting Apartheid laws. Over time he shifted from nonviolent protests to
armed resistance against the white minority government and was arrested and sentenced to life in
prison. He remained popular and became a symbol of the struggle against apartheid in prison and
after being released with the aid of foreign pressure, was elected president of South Africa.
nuclear proliferation: The spread of nuclear weapons.
Organization of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC):
An organization of oil-holding nations that formed in 1960. It Includes nations with
large oil reserves including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, & Venezuela. Since the
1970’s, OPEC has focused on controlling the production & price of oil.
Leader of al Qaeda who in 2000 provided aid, training, & money to terrorist groups
Osama bin Laden: around the world. His goals were to destroy Israel & to end the U.S. influence in the
Middle East.
Muslim country formed after the partition of the Indian subcontinent. It has faced
Pakistan the problem of Islamic fundamentalism.
Persian Gulf War:
(1990-1991)d
Rwanda Civil War, 1990’s
(Hutus vs. Tutsis):
Conflict that began when Iraq invaded Kuwait to gain Kuwait’s oil fields & gain access to the
strategic Persian Gulf (area between Iran & the Arabian Peninsula). The U.S. thought this was
an illegal move that threatened world oil reserves & in 1991 successfully led a UN coalition
(alliance) to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.
Conflict fought in the Central African country of Rwanda between the majority ethnic group,
the Hutus, and the minority ethnic group the Tutsis who dominated Rwanda’s government. In
1994 Hutu officials urged civilians to kill Tutsis & around 500,000 were killed and 3 million
Rwandans lost their homes in what was called a genocide. The international community was
slow to act. After Rwanda, world leaders pledged to stop any future genocide.
In 1979 he became the dictator of Iraq. Those who opposed him were tortured,
Saddam Hussein: imprisoned, or killed. In the 1980’s Saddam used chemical weapons on Kurdish
civilians killing 1000’s & was accused of genocide.
Semi-desert region just south of the Sahara Desert in Africa that was hit hard by
Sahel (Africa): desertification.
Slobodan Milosevic:
Sudan & Darfur conflicts:
(1990’s-present)d
Yugoslavian (Serbian) president in the mid-1990’s. He came in conflict with the Muslim
Albanians and used ethnic cleansing on Albanians in the Serbian province of Kosovo. In 1999
NATO launched air strikes against Serbia forcing Yugoslavia’s troops out of Kosovo.
Milosevic was arrested & put on trail for “crime against humanity.”
After independence Sudan’s Arab Muslim north dominated the non-Muslim, non-Arab south & the
Arab led government passed laws that discriminated against non-Muslims. In 2004, ethnic conflict
spread to Sudan’s western region of Darfur where Arab militias, backed by the government,
terrorized the non-Arab Muslim people of Darfur, burning villages, driving 1000’s of farmers off their
land & into refugee camps, & killing 10,000’s in what was called a genocide.
Islamic fundamentalists who took control of Afghanistan and allowed al Qaida to live
Taliban: there. After the Sept 11th, 2001 attacks by al Qaeda against the U.S. the Taliban
refused to give up al Qaida members and was invaded and defeated by U.S. forces.
terrorism: The use of violence, especially against civilians, to achieve political goals.
theocracy: A government ruled by religious leaders. Ex) Iran
Tiananmen Square Massacre:
United Nations (UN):
(1945)d
Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
(1948)d
weapons of mass destructions (WMD’s):
In 1989, 1000’s of student protesters gathered in Tiananmen Square, a huge public plaza at
the center of China’s capital of Beijing, to call for democracy in China. The Chinese
government sent in troops & tanks & 1000’s of demonstrators were killed or wounded.
Formed in 1945 by 50 nations. It is made up of a General Assembly that gave each member nation a
vote and also a smaller more powerful body called the Security Council which has the power to use
economic sanctions and/or send in a peacekeeping military force to solve disputes.
Document approved by the UN in 1948, which stated that all people are entitled to
basic human rights without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, property, or
status.
Biological, nuclear, & chemical weapons.