AP Modern World History Unit 1 Latest Update Complete
Pastoralists
semi-nomadic herders of domesticated animals
Patriarchy
a system of society in which men hold the power
Social Stratifcation
a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy
Metallurgy
the science of working with metals
Monotheism
belief in one god
Polytheism
belief in more than one god
Shamanism
The practice of identifying special individuals (shamans) who will interact with spirits for the
benefit of the community.
Animism
The belief that bodies of water, animals, trees, and other natural objects have souls
Judaism
A religion with a belief in one god. It originated with Abraham and the Hebrew people.
Developed written scriptures and an ethical code (Torah, 10 Commandments) over time.
Vedas
Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.
Hinduism
A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation
and a supreme being who takes many forms
Monasticism
A way of life in which men and women withdraw from the rest of the world in order to devote
themselves to their faith (as monks and nuns)
commodity
valuable product
Legitimacy
the popular acceptance of an authority, like a King or ruler
Caste System
a set of rigid social categories that determined not only a person's occupation, but also his or her
position in society
Mandate of Heaven
an ancient Chinese belief and philosophical idea that tiān (heaven) granted emperors the right to
rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly.
Reincarnation
the rebirth of a soul in a new body.
Eightfold Path
In Buddhism, the path to nirvana. Comprises eight aspects in which an aspirant must become
practiced: right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and
concentration.
, Confucianism
A philosophy that adheres to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It shows the
way to ensure a stable government and an orderly society and stresses a moral code of conduct.
Buddhism
the teaching of Buddha that emphasizes that life is filled with suffering caused by desire and that
suffering ceases when desire ceases. Through right conduct, wisdom and meditation one can end
the cycle of rebirth and reach Enlightenment.
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of
Jesus as embodied in the New Testament, emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior.
State
a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.
Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)
Means "Enlightened One." He is said to have renounced his worldly possessions and taught of a
way to overcome suffering.
filial piety
In Confucian thought, one of the virtues to be cultivated, a love and respect for one's parents and
ancestors.
ancestor veneration
Veneration of the dead or ancestors is based on the beliefs that the dead have a continued
existence, and may possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living
syncretic religion
Combines two religious traditions into something distinctly new, while containing traits of both
Silk Roads
trade routes stretching from China to the Mediterranean, which allowed for the exchange of
goods and ideas from China to the Roman Empire
Mediterranean Sea Lanes
Trade routes that connected the Mediterranean civilizations together. The need for a sea rout for
trade in the region. Trade increased and diffusion of cultures occurred
tribute system
payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission, notably used by
Chinese dynasties
Bureaucracy
A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials
commercial exchange
the buying and selling of goods
epidemic
A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease.
monsoon winds
These seasonal winds carried ships on the Indian Ocean between India and Africa
Missionaries
people who work to spread their religious beliefs
Silk Roads (600-1450)
flourished under the unity of the Mongols, only to lose favor again when the Mongols fell.
Black Death
Pastoralists
semi-nomadic herders of domesticated animals
Patriarchy
a system of society in which men hold the power
Social Stratifcation
a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy
Metallurgy
the science of working with metals
Monotheism
belief in one god
Polytheism
belief in more than one god
Shamanism
The practice of identifying special individuals (shamans) who will interact with spirits for the
benefit of the community.
Animism
The belief that bodies of water, animals, trees, and other natural objects have souls
Judaism
A religion with a belief in one god. It originated with Abraham and the Hebrew people.
Developed written scriptures and an ethical code (Torah, 10 Commandments) over time.
Vedas
Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.
Hinduism
A religion and philosophy developed in ancient India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation
and a supreme being who takes many forms
Monasticism
A way of life in which men and women withdraw from the rest of the world in order to devote
themselves to their faith (as monks and nuns)
commodity
valuable product
Legitimacy
the popular acceptance of an authority, like a King or ruler
Caste System
a set of rigid social categories that determined not only a person's occupation, but also his or her
position in society
Mandate of Heaven
an ancient Chinese belief and philosophical idea that tiān (heaven) granted emperors the right to
rule based on their ability to govern well and fairly.
Reincarnation
the rebirth of a soul in a new body.
Eightfold Path
In Buddhism, the path to nirvana. Comprises eight aspects in which an aspirant must become
practiced: right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and
concentration.
, Confucianism
A philosophy that adheres to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It shows the
way to ensure a stable government and an orderly society and stresses a moral code of conduct.
Buddhism
the teaching of Buddha that emphasizes that life is filled with suffering caused by desire and that
suffering ceases when desire ceases. Through right conduct, wisdom and meditation one can end
the cycle of rebirth and reach Enlightenment.
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of
Jesus as embodied in the New Testament, emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior.
State
a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government.
Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)
Means "Enlightened One." He is said to have renounced his worldly possessions and taught of a
way to overcome suffering.
filial piety
In Confucian thought, one of the virtues to be cultivated, a love and respect for one's parents and
ancestors.
ancestor veneration
Veneration of the dead or ancestors is based on the beliefs that the dead have a continued
existence, and may possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living
syncretic religion
Combines two religious traditions into something distinctly new, while containing traits of both
Silk Roads
trade routes stretching from China to the Mediterranean, which allowed for the exchange of
goods and ideas from China to the Roman Empire
Mediterranean Sea Lanes
Trade routes that connected the Mediterranean civilizations together. The need for a sea rout for
trade in the region. Trade increased and diffusion of cultures occurred
tribute system
payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission, notably used by
Chinese dynasties
Bureaucracy
A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials
commercial exchange
the buying and selling of goods
epidemic
A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease.
monsoon winds
These seasonal winds carried ships on the Indian Ocean between India and Africa
Missionaries
people who work to spread their religious beliefs
Silk Roads (600-1450)
flourished under the unity of the Mongols, only to lose favor again when the Mongols fell.
Black Death
