Unit 3 of AP World History covers a pivotal period, broadly encompassing the years 1450-1750. This era witnessed significant global transformations, marked by the rise of new empires, the expansion of trade networks, and the beginnings of a truly interconnected world. Mastering the vocabulary of this period is crucial for success on the AP exam. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of key terms, categorized for easier understanding.
Key Terms Related to Global Trade & Exchange:
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Columbian Exchange: This refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries. Understanding its impact on demographics, agriculture, and disease is crucial. The devastating effects of diseases like smallpox on indigenous populations are a key element.
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Mercantilism: This economic theory emphasized maximizing exports and minimizing imports to accumulate wealth, often through the establishment of colonies. Understanding how this system fueled European expansion and impacted colonial economies is essential.
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Joint-Stock Companies: These were early multinational corporations that pooled resources from investors to fund trade ventures, significantly reducing risk and fostering larger-scale operations. Examples like the British East India Company illustrate their importance in global trade.
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Triangular Trade: This complex network of trade routes connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It involved the exchange of manufactured goods, enslaved Africans, and raw materials, highlighting the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade.
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Middle Passage: This harrowing leg of the triangular trade involved the forced transportation of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean. Understanding its horrific conditions and lasting impacts is crucial.
Key Terms Related to Empires and Political Structures:
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Gunpowder Empires: The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires, known for their military use of gunpowder technology, expanded significantly during this period. Understanding their administrative structures, religious policies, and cultural achievements is important.
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Absolutism: This political system concentrated power in the hands of a single monarch, often claiming divine right to rule. Examples like Louis XIV of France exemplify the characteristics of absolutist rule.
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Divine Right of Kings: This belief that a monarch's authority derives directly from God is central to understanding the legitimacy of absolutist rulers and their resistance to limitations on their power.
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Manorialism: While its influence waned during this period, understanding the remnants of manorial systems and their transition is crucial for contextualizing societal structures, especially in Europe.
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Encomienda System: This exploitative labor system in the Spanish colonies granted conquistadors control over indigenous populations, forcing them into labor. Understanding its impact on the indigenous population and the development of colonial society is vital.
Key Terms Related to Social and Cultural Transformations:
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Syncretism: The blending of different cultures or belief systems, often seen in religious practices in colonial societies. Examples include the fusion of indigenous and Christian beliefs in Latin America.
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Reformation: This religious movement, starting with Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses, challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the emergence of Protestantism. Understanding its impact on European politics and society is crucial.
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Counter-Reformation: The Catholic Church's response to the Reformation, aimed at reforming internal practices and combating the spread of Protestantism. The Council of Trent is a key component of this period.
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Scientific Revolution: This period of intellectual and scientific advancements challenged traditional beliefs about the universe and laid the foundation for modern science. Key figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton are central to this concept.
Utilizing this Vocabulary for Success:
This vocabulary list provides a strong foundation. Remember to actively engage with these terms by:
- Defining each term thoroughly: Go beyond simple definitions; understand their historical context and significance.
- Using the terms in context: Practice applying them to specific historical events and developments.
- Connecting terms: Understand how these terms relate to each other and contribute to broader historical trends.
By mastering this vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to analyze primary and secondary sources, understand the complexities of this pivotal era, and excel on the AP World History exam. Remember to consult your textbook and other reliable resources for a more comprehensive understanding.
