Important vocabulary/concepts Flashcards
(15 cards)
Oligarchy
A type of government where a small group of people, often wealthy or powerful, have all the control.
Polytheism
The belief in many gods. Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia practiced polytheism.
BC/BCE vs. AD/CE
BC (Before Christ) = BCE (Before Common Era)
AD (Anno Domini) = CE (Common Era)
Both mean the same things; BCE/CE are non-religious versions.
Before his birth vs. after his birth
Monarchy
A government ruled by a king or queen. Power is usually passed down through family.
Theocracy
A government where religious leaders rule, and laws are based on religion. Example: Ancient Egypt.
Monotheism
The belief in one god. Examples: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Representative Democracy
A government where people vote for leaders to make decisions for them. Example: The United States.
Five Themes of Geography (Include an example)
Location – Where something is (Ex: Paris is at 48°N, 2°E).
Place – What it’s like there (Ex: Egypt has deserts and the Nile River).
Human-Environment Interaction – How people change or adapt to the environment (Ex: Building dams or wearing coats in cold weather).
Movement – How people, goods, and ideas move (Ex: Shipping products or using the internet).
Region – Areas with common features (Ex: The Middle East shares a hot climate and mostly Islamic culture).
Primary Source Documents vs. Secondary Sources
Primary Source – Original document or object from the time (e.g., diary, speech).
Secondary Source – Written later by someone who didn’t experience it (e.g., textbook).
How did geography/environment impact the settlement of new civilizations?
Civilizations developed near rivers (like the Nile or Tigris-Euphrates) for water, farming, and transportation. Mountains and deserts could protect or isolate people.
Compare and contrast the cultures of the ancient civilizations.
Similarities: All had farming, religion, governments, and social classes.
Differences:
Egypt: Pharaohs, pyramids, polytheism
Mesopotamia: City-states, cuneiform
India: Caste system, Hinduism & Buddhism
China: Dynasties, oracle bones
Each culture had unique traditions, governments, and beliefs.
Feudalism
A political and social system in medieval Europe where kings gave land to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service. Peasants worked the land for the nobles and received protection in return. It was based on land, loyalty, and duty.
Reasons for European Exploration
European countries explored the world in the 1400s–1600s to find new trade routes (Gold), spread Christianity (God), and gain power and fame (Glory). They wanted spices, wealth, land, and to beat other nations in exploration.
(Tip to remember: the 3 G’s – Gold, God, and Glory)
What were the causes of the American Revolution?
Taxes without Representation – Colonists were angry about British taxes like the Stamp Act and Tea Act without having a voice in Parliament.
British Control – Colonists wanted more freedom to govern themselves.
The Enlightenment – New ideas about liberty and natural rights inspired colonists to question British rule.
Boston Massacre & Boston Tea Party – These events increased tension between the colonists and Britain.
King George III’s Actions – His refusal to compromise made colonists feel they had no choice but to rebel.
What were the causes of the French Revolution?
Social inequality – The Third Estate (common people) had to pay most of the taxes, while the rich paid little or none.
Economic problems – France was in debt, food prices were high, and people were starving.
Absolute monarchy – The king had too much power and didn’t listen to the people.
Enlightenment ideas – People started to believe in equality, freedom, and democracy.
Inspiration from other revolutions – The American Revolution showed that people could fight for their rights.
