6+ AP World: Industrial Revolution Definition & Key Facts

industrial revolution ap world history definition

6+ AP World: Industrial Revolution Definition & Key Facts

The term refers to a period of significant technological advancement, particularly in Great Britain from the late 1700s, that dramatically altered production methods and societal structures. It involved the mechanization of labor, the introduction of new energy sources like coal and steam, and the rise of factory systems. An example is the shift from hand-woven textiles produced in homes to machine-made textiles manufactured in large factories.

This transformative era is a crucial element in the AP World History curriculum due to its profound impact on global economies, social hierarchies, and political landscapes. Its effects included increased urbanization, the development of new social classes (e.g., the industrial working class), intensified global trade networks, and altered relationships between nations. Understanding this period is essential for comprehending subsequent historical developments like imperialism, globalization, and modern political ideologies.

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AP World: Indian Ocean Slave Trade Definition +

indian ocean slave trade ap world history definition

AP World: Indian Ocean Slave Trade Definition +

The coerced movement of individuals across the Indian Ocean, spanning from pre-Islamic times to the 20th century, constitutes a significant chapter in global history. This system involved the capture, sale, and exploitation of people originating from East Africa, India, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia, among other regions. Unlike the transatlantic system, this trade was characterized by diverse patterns of ownership and varied forms of servitude, including domestic work, agricultural labor, and military service. The destinations included the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and various Indian Ocean islands.

Its historical significance lies in its contribution to shaping the demographics, cultures, and economies of numerous societies bordering the Indian Ocean. It impacted social structures, influencing legal systems and creating lasting ethnic and cultural mixes. The trade’s economic benefits accrued primarily to merchants, ship owners, and landowners who profited from the labor and sale of enslaved individuals. The system’s enduring legacy is apparent in the continued presence of diaspora communities and the historical narratives of exploitation and resistance that resonate throughout the region.

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7+ AP World: Imperial Bureaucracy Definition & Impact

imperial bureaucracy ap world history definition

7+ AP World: Imperial Bureaucracy Definition & Impact

A complex, organized system of officials and administrators employed by an empire to manage its vast territories, resources, and populations is a hallmark of many successful historical polities. This system typically involves a hierarchy of positions, standardized procedures, and written records, allowing the central government to exert control and implement policies across a wide geographical area. A notable example is the civil service system of the Han dynasty in China, which utilized examinations to select qualified individuals for government positions, promoting meritocracy and stability.

The implementation of such a system provides numerous advantages, including increased efficiency in governance, standardized laws and regulations, and improved collection of taxes and resources. It allows for greater consistency in the application of imperial policies, fostering unity and reducing regional disparities. Historically, these systems played a crucial role in consolidating power, maintaining order, and facilitating economic growth within large empires. Moreover, the existence of a structured administrative apparatus often enabled empires to endure through periods of political instability and dynastic change.

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AP World: Hernan Cortes Definition + Impact

hernan cortes definition ap world history

AP World: Hernan Cortes Definition + Impact

The Spanish conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire is a key figure in the study of world history. He landed on the coast of Mexico in 1519 with a relatively small force of soldiers, horses, and weaponry. Through a combination of strategic alliances with indigenous groups resentful of Aztec rule, superior military technology, and the devastating impact of European diseases, he was able to defeat the powerful Aztec Empire and claim Mexico for Spain.

His actions had profound and far-reaching consequences. The conquest initiated the Spanish colonization of the Americas, leading to the exploitation of resources, the introduction of new social structures, and the widespread conversion of indigenous populations to Christianity. The flow of wealth from the Americas to Spain fueled the growth of the Spanish Empire and significantly impacted global trade patterns. The Columbian Exchange, the transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Old World and the New World, was also dramatically accelerated due to the Spanish conquest.

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9+ What Was the Headright System? US History Defined

headright system definition us history

9+ What Was the Headright System? US History Defined

A land grant program designed to attract settlers to the British colonies, primarily Virginia and Maryland, offered tracts of land, typically 50 acres, to each person who paid for their own passage or for the passage of another individual to the New World. For example, if someone paid for the transportation of five indentured servants, they would be granted 250 acres of land.

This initiative proved instrumental in addressing the labor shortage prevalent in the colonies, fostering economic development by incentivizing immigration and land cultivation. Consequently, it fueled the expansion of agriculture, particularly tobacco farming, and contributed to the establishment of a social hierarchy based on land ownership, where individuals who could afford to import laborers accrued significant wealth and power. Its historical context is rooted in the need for labor and capital investment to make the colonies profitable.

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AP World: Hangul Definition & Impact (Quick Guide)

hangul definition ap world history

AP World: Hangul Definition & Impact (Quick Guide)

The Korean alphabet, created in the 15th century, represents a significant development in the history of writing systems. It’s a featural alphabet, meaning that the shapes of the consonants reflect the articulatory features used to pronounce them. This contrasts with alphabets like the Roman alphabet, where letter shapes are largely arbitrary. The creation of this writing system aimed to increase literacy and make written communication more accessible to the common people. Prior to its development, Koreans primarily used Classical Chinese, which posed a considerable barrier to literacy due to its complexity and association with the elite.

The establishment of a distinct and relatively simple writing system was crucial for asserting cultural independence and strengthening national identity. Its ease of learning facilitated the spread of information and contributed to a more informed populace. Its impact can be viewed within the broader context of state-building and cultural innovation, analogous to other periods of deliberate cultural construction designed to unify populations and enhance state power. The deliberate design and official promotion are notable examples of the intersection of culture and governance.

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AP World: Guomindang Definition + Impact

guomindang definition ap world history

AP World: Guomindang Definition + Impact

The Kuomintang (KMT), also known as the Chinese Nationalist Party, represents a pivotal political entity in 20th-century Chinese history. It was founded by Sun Yat-sen and advocated for national independence, democracy, and the improvement of the people’s livelihood in China. The partys ideology, often summarized as the Three Principles of the People (nationalism, democracy, and livelihood), aimed to unify and modernize China following the collapse of the Qing dynasty. An example of the KMT’s early influence includes its leading role in the Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty and established the Republic of China.

This political organization’s importance stems from its prolonged involvement in shaping China’s political landscape. It governed mainland China from the late 1920s until 1949, during which time it implemented reforms, fought against warlords, and led the resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II. However, internal weaknesses, corruption, and the growing strength of the Communist Party ultimately led to its defeat in the Chinese Civil War. Despite this defeat, the party retreated to Taiwan, where it established a government and continued to play a significant role in Taiwans political and economic development.

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AP World: Gobi Desert Definition + Key Facts

gobi desert definition ap world history

AP World: Gobi Desert Definition + Key Facts

A significant arid region in Asia, this expansive area stretches across parts of northern China and southern Mongolia. Characterized by extreme temperature variations, sparse vegetation, and vast stretches of sand and rock, it presented a formidable geographical barrier throughout history. Its location influenced trade routes and the interactions between nomadic and sedentary societies.

Its importance lies in its role as a historical crossroads. It influenced the movement of peoples and goods along the Silk Road, impacting cultural exchange and commercial activities between East and West. Furthermore, it served as a natural boundary influencing the development and interactions of empires, limiting expansion and shaping military strategies in the region. Understanding its geographical characteristics is crucial for comprehending the historical dynamics of Central Asia.

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AP World: Globalization Definition + Examples

globalization ap world history definition

AP World: Globalization Definition + Examples

The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of societies across the globe, encompassing economic, political, cultural, and technological exchanges, is a pivotal concept in understanding world history. A key example is the spread of Columbian Exchange after 1492, illustrating the transfer of crops, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds, fundamentally altering diets, economies, and demographics on both sides of the Atlantic.

Comprehending this phenomenon is vital for analyzing historical trends like the rise of global trade networks, the spread of ideologies, and the impact of technological advancements on various civilizations. Analyzing its benefits reveals increased access to goods and services, the potential for economic growth in developing nations, and the diffusion of knowledge and innovation. Its historical context demonstrates how interactions across geographical boundaries have shaped civilizations and continue to influence international relations.

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7+ Ghost Dance AP World History: Definition & Significance

ghost dance ap world history definition

7+ Ghost Dance AP World History: Definition & Significance

The Ghost Dance was a religious movement that arose among Native American tribes in the late 19th century, primarily in the Western United States. It centered on a ritual dance believed to bring about the restoration of traditional lands and ways of life, the return of the deceased, and the expulsion of white settlers. It represented a synthesis of Native American beliefs and some Christian elements.

The movement’s significance lies in its reflection of Native American resistance to U.S. expansion and policies of assimilation. It offered hope and spiritual empowerment during a period of immense hardship and cultural disruption caused by forced relocation, the destruction of traditional economies (like the buffalo hunt), and government-imposed restrictions on religious practices. Its spread demonstrated the interconnectedness of indigenous communities and their shared desire for self-determination and cultural survival. The tragic events at Wounded Knee Creek in 1890, where the U.S. Army massacred Lakota Sioux practitioners, marked a brutal end to the widespread practice of the ritual.

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