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AP World History Midyear Flashcards

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5807940269The Paleolithic timesencompasses 95% of time humans have existed on the earth. The only way historians have gotten evidence of what this era was from rock art and other cave paintings.0
5807940270Civilization (elements or parts of a civilization)meant a group of people were settled, had a communication system, elaborate government, military, tax system, distinct social structure, religion, and education system. Civilization allows people to live in organized ways and allows for the development of culture and science. Civilization provides order for humanity.1
5807940271Chieftainswere chiefs that ruled/governed social groups, this chief relies on generosity, ritual status, or charisma, to win respect from the people. These chieftains were significant because the societies with chieftains wanted to live differently than the stateless societies, they believed in ranks and authority. For example, in Mesopotamia or present-day Iraq and in the Pacific Islands chiefdoms emerged early on and were lead by important figures .2
5807940272Stateless Societieswere agricultural village societies organized by kinship groups that operated without a strict government. These societies provided more evidence of an egalitarian way of life and the idea of living without strict single authority. For example, the Çatalhüyük society, and the Tiv society of Nigeria showed a more equal way of living.3
5807940273Pastoral Societieswere human societies that emerged in Central Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Sahara, and parts of eastern and southern Africa; these societies relied on animals as their main food source. Also, pastoralists, or nomads, moved with their animals by season rather than settling. These societies were examples of "making do", if you didn't live in an area fit for agriculture. Also, these societies showed unpleasant social interaction between pastoral societies and agrarian societies. The nomadic people were attracted to the wealthy societies because they hoped in getting richer crops offered by the farming peoples. Examples of these pastoral societies were the huns and mongols.4
5807940274Patriarchyis the institutions and and values of male dominance. The reason for male dominance was that men were better able to perform certain farming practices, and when politics and economics became more important men were more available for positions because women were very important in the house. This is a big change from the old egalitarian way of life; also, today there is still a little bit of male dominance which shows what an effect patriarchy had on the future. An example of male dominance was women under the law had to be married or "under the protection of men," and divorce was easier for men.5
5807940275River Valley Civilizationswere vast, efficient societies located on the river. River Valley Civilizations were capable of producing necessities fast using natural resources.These civilizations showed that being located near the water was conducive to an advanced, established community. For example, the Indus Valley civilization.6
5807940276Monarchyis a type of government that is under the rule of monarchs, for example kings and queens. Monarchs were considered royal, luxurious, and superior to commoners below them. This practice still thrives today which shows the effectiveness and success of this type of governing. An example of monarchy would be ancient Egypt and the pharaohs.7
5807940277Monotheismthe belief in one god. This changed the way people thought about higher beings, and was the first break from polytheism. When monotheism came about is created a change in society, it advanced learning and thinking. Also, because polytheism encompassed so many faiths, monotheism created a minority.8
5807940278Polytheismthe belief in multiple gods. Polytheism is a huge religion spread all over the world. Polytheism included so many religions in ancient times that it was the majority.9
5807940279Animismis the belief of supernatural powers that can create and control the material universe. Animism acknowledges that all living creatures have soul, plants and trees; even inanimate objects, such as, carpets and pillows, have souls. This is a new way of looking at the world and humans.10
5807940280Confucianism (created by Confucius)is a philosophy based on the power of virtue. Confucius believed in the importance of respect towards ancestors and parents, education, and social harmony. Confucianism is about moral acts and the good examples set by the superiors for the inferiors to follow and respond to with obedience. In other words, this belief system nurtures humane virtues and emphasizes these virtues as the key to restoring order in China.11
5807940281Daoism (created by Laozi)is another Chinese philosophy that was created at 100 B.C.E. based on the values of transformation and nature. It was about simple living, self improvement, and aligning yourself with nature. Daoists felt no need for education or politics, everything was centered around unifying yourself with nature and it's roots. Doaism was believed to be the end of striving, you were to connect yourself to nature and simple living, and withdraw from the world. Also, Doaism was one of the three long-lasting and successful philosophies of China.12
5807940282Yin/Yangwas an idea created by Doaists to create the unity of opposites. It helped people see that differences can be brought together to make something beautiful. All of the messages communicated through the yin/yang show an important Doaist ideal.13
5807940283Legalism (created by Han Fei Zi)was one philosophy in China at around 200 or 300 B.C.E. Legalism was based on control; a system of rewards and harsh punishment. Legalism promoted social classes who performed essential tasks like farmers and soldiers. Legalism was a long-lasting and important philosophy in China. It was also very effective; for example, if you knew that you would be rewarded for something the king's asks of you, and if you didn't follow through with the orders you were put to death, clearly, then you would follow the king's orders.14
5807940284Hinduismwas created by European outsiders to consolidate the traditions of India's polytheistic faiths. There was a Brahman and the goal was to become one with the Brahman (moksha). You were reincarnated many times before you achieved moksha.15
5807940285Buddhismis a faith (created by Gautama) based on the journey, guided by the buddha, to reach enlightenment through modest living, and the end of desire. Meditation is practiced to help achieve nirvana. Buddhism has evolved into different sections such as, Mahayana and Theravada. By looking at visual sources it can be seen that the Buddha has evolved from something a simple as a wheel, to described how life is a circle and never ends, to something of a godly figure who can be of protection.16
5807940286Jainism (Mahavira)is the religion in which all creatures have souls. Also, Jainism is centered around the idea of nonviolence and no caste. This religion originated in India, and shows how different religions can be centered on similar ideas but structured differently.17
5807940287Four noble truthswere part of the Buddhist faith, they were: sorrow and suffering are a part of life, people suffer because they want what they cant have, to escape suffering is to overcome desire, and to reach this state of "not wanting" is reaching nirvana. This helped people to reach a better version of themselves.18
5807940288Eightfold pathwas also part of the Buddhist faith. The eight steps of the path were: right effort, right speech, right livelihood, right action, right understanding, right intention, right concentration, and right mindfulness. These steps helped for self improvement and peace within groups of people.19
5807940289Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)was the founder of buddhism in India. He believed in the practice of meditation. He also believed that life was suffering and to get rid of suffering and sorrow you have to get rid of desires for what you can't have and live a modest life. Siddhartha Gautama established this religion that is still relevant in the present. He was also the first one to reach nirvana or enlightenment.20
5807940290Greek Rationalismwas civilized explanation of nature and human lifestyle based off persistent questioning. Greek rationalism interesting because it was a way of thinking by asking questions. Also, it shows how different greek city-states, thought alike.21
5807940291Zoroastrianwas a 7th century B.C.E. philosophy created by Zoroaster, in Persia (present day Iran). Zoroastrianism was one of the few monotheistic faiths. Zoroastrianists believed in a Single High God, and the cosmic conflict between good and evil. Ahura Mazda was the divine god, he was believed to be the source of truth, light, and goodness, and control the world. Zoroastrianism is significant because it was one of the few monotheistic faiths of this time and it was similar to confucianism where those who did not believe in what was told were punished. For example, if someone was to side with evil and "Lie" they were deemed everlasting punishment.22
5807940292Judaism (started by Abraham)is a philosophy that originated at 9-6 centuries B.C.E. in Palestine/ Israel by the Hebrews. It was built in the beliefs of a Transcendent High God, social justice, and a covenant with chosen people. Traditions were written in the Old Testament. Because of its small size, Israel was conquered many times. Judaism is like Zoroastrianism as it is a monotheistic faith. The jewish god was separate from nature but still was the controller of everything.23
5807940293Christianitywas established by Jesus of Nazareth in early 1st century c.e. He had strong beliefs on the supreme importance of love, and creating an intimate relationship with god. Saint Paul was, in addition to Jesus, a huge influence on Christianity in the first century c.e. He saw christianity as a religion for all, and salvation through faith in jesus christ. Jesus created an entire religion that still lasts today. Saint Paul opened the Christian religion to all people and influenced how christianity is today.24
5807940294Islamwas another religion that emerged from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Civilizations. A huge leader in Islamic faith was Muhammad Ibn Abdullah. This religion was spread and adapted fast after it was introduced. Muhammad had an enormous impact on Islam created large revelations that became the sacred scripts of Islamic faith. This faith created a newer and bigger society, and eventually state that was separated from Judaism25
5807940295Athenian—Direct Democracywas different from all others, it was based on the belief of "citizenship", meaning, free people should run the affairs of the state. After a civil war was close to breaking out, Solon pushed for a democracy. He created extreme laws that allowed for complete freedom. Examples of Solon's laws were, debt slavery was abolished, all citizens were allowed to participate in assembly, and public officers were paid and chosen by lot (this allowed access to public office for more people). However, women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from all forms of government. The democracy gave all citizens equality before the law. All men, as a whole got to vote, which was not allowed in any other empire. Also, the change in laws made the Assembly the center of political life. In addition, the Athenian democracy was the first and closest example and of a democracy today.26
5807940296Roman—Block Votingwas the way that ancient Romans voted for who was in the assemblies. The Roman assemblies were essentially the Roman government that controlled most affairs in Rome.27
5807940297Social Warstook place in 91 B.C.E. These were wars for roman provinces to gain full citizenship. The republic won but ended up giving citizenship. This caused complete disrespect for the republic. People didn't understand why they would kill so many people and then give in and grant them what they wanted. The social wars were a waste of money, resources, death, and created a bad reputation for the now "less powerful" republic.28
5807940298Absolutismis similar to totalitarianism because the ruler or people of higher authority have complete control of every aspect of life. This is important because still today in North Korea, dictators can obtain a threatening excess of power.29
5807940299Republicas in, Roman Republic, was the way the government worked. The power of the state relies on the citizens, these citizens can vote for representatives. In a republic the leader of the government is not a monarch and doesn't have complete power.30
5807940300Ethnocentrismis idea that your ethnicity is the norm. This idea still creates problems with racism today.31
5807940301Hubrisis like nationalism on steroids. Hubris is when you believe your nation is better than any other nation. Hubris can lead to conflict and war. Hubris can be considered arrogance and is still relevant in conflicts between nations today.32
5807940302Hegemonyis to dominate. It can be extreme hubris. This extreme pride in Greeks lead to the Peloponnesian Wars between Athens and Sparta. As seen in Soviet Russia they dominated other eastern European communists nations.33
5807940303Hieroglyphicswere less formal; they were used for business and administration purposes, and later, religious inscriptions, stories, poetry, and math.Hieroglyphics was one of the first types of writing developed in Egypt.34
5807940304Cuneiformwas the first type of writing in Mesopotamia, specifically Sumer. It was used for economic transaction, such as, temple payments and taxes. Cuneiform is so significant because it lead to more advanced languages today, and it left records that historians could use to figure out the past.35
5807940305The Rosetta Stonewas discovered by Napoleon in Egypt. It was same text in three different scripts. This allowed historians to translate hieroglyphics. So many records in Egypt were scripted in hieroglyphics so it was important that historians were able to translate them.36
5807940306Zigguratwas a temple in Mesopotamia, located on top of a pyramid. This shows how different from Egypt, pyramids and holy places in Mesopotamia were open to the public.37
5807940307Hammurabi's codewas laws that consisted of punishments based on social status. This is important because it shows how laws weren't fair and there was distinct social ranks. One example of a punishment was if you were to strike a person of equal rank to you, you were charged a small fine; however, if you were to strike a superior person, you were whipped in public.38
5807940308Draco's codewere written law codes created by Draco in 7th century B.C.E. These code's opposed the Athenian aristocrats.39
5807940309Varna or Caste System in Indiaconsisted of these hierarchical groups: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (herders, farmers, artisans, merchants), Shudras (farm workers, servants), Pariahs (untouchables, outcastes). This distinctly separated the people of India and created order yet discomfort.40
5807940310Jatiwas the way the social system ran in India. The Jati were made up of many little groups within each section of the caste. Jati distinctly separated everyone because marriage and eating together was only allowed within the jati. A single person could not change their social ranking, however, people with the jati could increase their power status.41
5807940311Chandragupta Mauryawas the grandfather of great Mauryan Empire leader Ashoka. Chandragupta was significant because he created the Mauryan Empire.42
5807940312Asokawas an important Mauryan Empire leader who recorded his thoughts, and left records of his kingdom. Asoka was also important because he ruled differently than most rulers, and governed using his religious values and morals.43
5807940313Mandate of Heavenwas created in the Zhou dynasty, in China. It was made so war could be justified by god, and rulers could be chosen. That god was T'ien Ming.44
5807940314Middle Kingdomwas the second Egyptian kingdom. During this time there was power shift, notables rose to power, and people started to question pharaoh. Also, at this time there was the Hyksos occupation over Egypt.45
5807940315Qin Shi Huangdiwas China's first emperor who did the impossible and reunified China. He was significant because Qin united the competing city-states. Also, he believed that he created the Chinese Empire, which is why he named himself Emperor.46
5807940316Wudiwas the 5th emperor of the Han Dynasty. He was a smart and expansive leader. Wudi used the teachings of all philosophies to centralize Chinese government; he used organization and standardization from Legalism, education from Confucius, and spiritualization from Daoism. Wudi made significant improvements to border protection to control barbarians. He also took control over household items to make them cheaper for the poor.47
5807940317Han Synthesisis the combination of Confucianism, Legalism, and Doaism. Many rulers, such as Wudi used Han synthesis to take the great parts of each philosophy to govern.48
5807940318Yellow Turban Revolttook place in 2nd century China. This was a revolution held by the peasants because they felt they were treated poorly. It became a huge rebellion that encompassed great leaders and organization. The hope was that the rebellion would create peace through all classes in China.49
5807940319Filial pietyrespect to one's elders/superiors. Filial piety was popular in Confucianism. This was centered around the idea that if you obey your ancestors they will treat you with respect back. These ideals are still valued in China in the present.50
5807940320Philip of Macedonwas the father of Alexander the Great. Philip was able to unite Greece. This allowed for his son Alexander to liberate Greece from Persia.51
5807940321Alexander the Greatwas a famous Greek leader. He was the son of Philip II, the notorious leader who united Greece. Alexander was a tolerant ruler who patronized temples to local gods, he allowed anyone to gain Greek citizenship, and he paid taxes to maintain the cities. Alexander the Great is significant because he was considered to be the liberator from Persia domination. Also, he conquered large chunks of land, and he was anointed pharaoh. An example of how beloved Alexander was is that he was declared "the son of the gods."52
5807940322Confederationswere alliances between different states. These confederations, such as the Delian and Peloponnesian Leagues, allowed for groups to come together in peace.53
5807940323Delian Leaguewas the confederation of greek poleis under the leadership of Athens. Originally formed to protect greece from persia. The members had to pay a tribute to Athens.54
5807940324Peloponnesian Leaguewas formed by Sparta to gain control over the constitutions of member states. Sparta's goal was to prevent democracies and social turmoil.55
5807940325Punic Warswere a result of hubris. Rome defeats and burns carthage, sold its survivors to slavery, and poisoned the ground. This made Rome highly aggressive.56
5807940326Gracchi Brotherswere Roman leaders. They were assassinated by patricians. This was a sign of change in Roman republic because it showed support for a patrician run government. Also, this makes lower class poorer than before, and shows how patricians did anything to keep things how they wanted.57
5807940327Julius Caesarwas dictator and tyrant of Rome. He better organized provinces, granted citizenship, and helped the poor.58
5807940328Augustus (a.k.a. Caesar Augustus)was Rome's first emperor, and an important Roman military leader. Caesar Augustus was important because he brought a civil war to Rome and also made it an Empire.59
5807940329Spartacuswas a Greek gladiator. He fought in the third civil war against the Roman Republic. Also, he lead the revolt by slaves against their owners. He showed how bad slave conditions were and helped try to break down this huge power struggle.60
5807940330Pax Romanawas the era of imperial Rome's greatest extent and authority. This era was significant because it provided security, dignity, and well-being for the Mediterranean world. It was a time of prosperity, expansion, and innovation that changed the way Rome was forever.61
5807940331Diocletianwas a Roman emperor. He was born to low class and rose to power through gaining authority in the military. He punished Christians because he believed they were atheist. This made it hard for Christianity to flourish in Rome.62
5807940332Constantinewas a Roman emperor. He moved the Roman capital so it could be in a more advanced, accessible place. Also, he converted to Christianity and made it the official religion of Rome. This opposed Diocletian's original views.63
5807940333First Wave3,500 B.C.E. - 500 B.C.E.64
5807940334Second Wave500 B.C.E.-500 C.E.65
5807940335Third Wave500 C.E. - 1,500 B.C.E.66

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