Glossary
American Revolution
A political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America rejected the British monarchy and aristocracy, forming the United States of America.
Example:
The colonists' cry of 'No taxation without representation' was a key catalyst for the American Revolution, sparking their fight for independence.
Audience (HIPP)
In historical analysis (part of HIPP), the intended recipient or group for whom a historical document was created.
Example:
A speech given by a revolutionary leader would likely have the common people as its primary audience, aiming to rally support.
Boxer Rebellion
An anti-foreign, anti-colonial, and anti-Christian uprising in China between 1899 and 1901, led by the 'Righteous and Harmonious Fists' (Boxers).
Example:
The Boxer Rebellion targeted foreign missionaries and diplomats, reflecting Chinese resentment against increasing Western influence and territorial concessions.
British Raj
The period of direct British rule over the Indian subcontinent from 1858 to 1947, following the dissolution of the East India Company after the Sepoy Rebellion.
Example:
Under the British Raj, India was directly governed by the British Crown, leading to significant infrastructure development but also severe economic exploitation.
Causation
A historical thinking skill that involves identifying and analyzing the causes and effects of historical events, developments, or processes.
Example:
When studying the French Revolution, analyzing the economic hardship and social inequality as its roots demonstrates an understanding of causation.
Comparison
A historical thinking skill that involves identifying and analyzing similarities and differences between historical events, developments, or processes.
Example:
A student might use comparison to highlight the similarities between the American and French Revolutions, such as their shared inspiration from Enlightenment ideals.
Continuity and Change
A historical thinking skill that involves analyzing what aspects of a society or historical period remained the same (continuity) and what transformed (change) over time.
Example:
Examining how traditional gender roles persisted (continuity) even as women gained new opportunities in factories (change) during the Industrial Revolution illustrates continuity and change.
Discrimination
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
Example:
Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century often faced severe discrimination in the United States, including exclusionary laws and violence.
Document-Based Questions (DBQs)
An essay question type on the AP History exams that requires students to analyze a set of provided historical documents and use them, along with outside knowledge, to construct an argument.
Example:
To ace a DBQ, you must not only understand the documents but also explain their historical context and point of view.
East India Company
A powerful British trading company that effectively ruled large parts of India from the 17th century until 1858, exercising military and administrative control.
Example:
The East India Company initially focused on trade but gradually amassed immense political and military power, becoming the de facto ruler of much of India.
Enlightenment Ideals
Philosophical principles from the 18th-century Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, individual liberty, natural rights (life, liberty, property), and popular sovereignty.
Example:
Thinkers like John Locke heavily influenced the Enlightenment Ideals that inspired revolutionary movements across the Atlantic world.
Ethnic Enclaves
Geographic areas with high ethnic concentration, characteristic cultural identity, and economic activity, often formed by immigrant communities.
Example:
Chinatowns and Little Italys are classic examples of ethnic enclaves where immigrants could maintain their cultural traditions and support networks.
French Revolution
A period of far-reaching social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the rise of republicanism.
Example:
The storming of the Bastille symbolized the beginning of the French Revolution, a violent struggle against aristocratic privilege and royal absolutism.
Gold, Glory, and God
A mnemonic representing the primary motivations for European exploration and imperialism: economic wealth (Gold), national prestige and power (Glory), and the spread of Christianity (God).
Example:
The Spanish conquistadors were famously driven by Gold, Glory, and God as they ventured into the Americas, seeking riches, fame, and converts.
Historical Context (HIPP)
In historical analysis (part of HIPP), the specific circumstances, events, and developments that surrounded and influenced the creation of a historical document.
Example:
Knowing the historical context of the Enlightenment helps explain why revolutionary leaders emphasized concepts like liberty and natural rights in their writings.
Imperialism
A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means, often driven by economic, political, and social factors.
Example:
During the 19th century, European powers engaged in intense imperialism in Africa, carving up the continent into colonies to exploit its vast resources.
Industrial Revolution
A period of major industrialization and innovation that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century, transforming economies from agrarian and handicraft-based to industrial and machine-based.
Example:
The invention of the steam engine was a pivotal moment in the Industrial Revolution, revolutionizing transportation and factory production.
Long Essay Questions (LEQs)
An essay question type on the AP History exams that requires students to develop and support a historical argument using their own knowledge, without provided documents.
Example:
For an LEQ, a strong thesis statement and well-chosen historical evidence are crucial for a high score.
Migration
The movement of people from one place to another with the intention of settling, often driven by economic opportunities, political instability, or persecution.
Example:
The Irish Potato Famine caused a massive wave of migration to the United States, as people sought to escape starvation and poverty.
Nationalism
A strong identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.
Example:
The spread of nationalism after the French Revolution led to the unification of Germany and Italy, as people sought to align with shared cultural and linguistic identities.
POV (Point of View)
In historical analysis, the perspective or attitude of the author of a historical document, influenced by their background, beliefs, and experiences.
Example:
Understanding the POV of a British colonial official writing about the Sepoy Rebellion helps reveal potential biases in their account.
Pedro I
The first Emperor of Brazil, who declared Brazil's independence from Portugal in 1822 and reigned until 1831.
Example:
Unlike other South American nations that fought bloody wars, Brazil achieved independence relatively peacefully when Pedro I declared its separation from Portugal.
Purpose (HIPP)
In historical analysis (part of HIPP), the reason a historical document was created, such as to inform, persuade, justify, or entertain.
Example:
The purpose of a propaganda poster from World War I might be to encourage enlistment or demonize the enemy.
Qing Dynasty
The last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912, which faced significant internal rebellions and increasing foreign encroachment in its later years.
Example:
The Qing Dynasty struggled to modernize and resist Western powers, ultimately collapsing after centuries of imperial rule.
Sepoy Rebellion
A major but unsuccessful uprising in India in 1857-1858 against the rule of the British East India Company, sparked by religious and cultural grievances.
Example:
The controversial greased rifle cartridges, rumored to be coated with animal fat, were a direct cause of the Sepoy Rebellion, igniting widespread discontent among Indian soldiers.
Simon Bolivar
A Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in the establishment of Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama as sovereign states, independent of Spanish rule.
Example:
Simon Bolivar is often called 'El Libertador' for his crucial role in leading independence movements across South America.
Social Darwinism
A pseudoscientific theory applying 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, used to justify imperialism, racism, and social inequality by claiming European dominance was natural and superior.
Example:
Many imperialists used Social Darwinism to rationalize their conquest of other nations, arguing that 'weaker' societies were destined to be dominated by 'stronger' ones.
Standard of Living
The level of wealth, comfort, material goods, and necessities available to a certain socioeconomic class or geographic area.
Example:
The Industrial Revolution significantly raised the standard of living for some in industrialized nations, but often at the cost of declining conditions for the urban working class.