ISMS Flashcards
Absolutism
Form of government where the monarch has total control. ex. Peter the Great in Russia or Louis XIV in France.
–Kings had all of the POWER
Anarchism
A political theory favoring the abolition of governments
Anti-semitism
violent resentment and anger toward Jews, included resentment for Jewish achievements and financial control, created modern political parties to attack and degrade Jews, most oppressive in eastern Europe, violent pogroms in Russia 1881-1882, peasants looted and destroyed Jewish property
Capitalism
economic system based on free market, open competition, profit motive and private ownership of the means of production. encourages private investment and businesses. It is the development of Adam Smith’s laissez-faire ideas outlined in his definition of capitalism, ‘An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations’.
Colonialism
Closely related to imperialism. the idea that countries should settle their own people (establish colonies) in lands they conquer to manage the economic exploitation of the area and to govern it.
Communism
Economic system that puts ALL power in the hands of the government so they can manage it “for the good of the people”. It originates from Marx’s ideas, but it was changed by Russia, with Lenin and his successors who made “communism” that was very similar to Marxism.
Conservatism
The idea that all change is BAD, and it should be slowed or fought so it doesn’t happen.
-liked the old ways with KINGS RULING
Cubism
Early 20th century art movement, practiced by Picasso and others.
Deism
The belief that God exists and created the world but thereafter assumed no control over it or over the lives of people; God is a “watch maker.”
Fascism
aka nationalism on steroids
A nationalist system where the state and big business partners eliminate worker rights and any resistance to governmental or corporate power. . Ex: Mussolini in Italy.
Feudalism
A hierarchical system of government and agriculture based on private contract. Land, worked by serfs attached to it, was held by vassals in exchange for military service and other duties to lords.
Humanism
The intellectual and culture movement that grew out of the study of Greek and Roman literature at the end of the Middle Ages. It was an important factor in the rise of the Renaissance. Characterized by an emphasis on human interests and characteristics rather than the natural world or religion.
Imperialism
The desire of a country to take over and exploit foreign lands, usually inhabited by people of different ethnicity or religion. Economic motive is to acquire raw materials.
- Powerful Country controls a weaker one
- -ex: England controls India
- ——Belgium controls Congo
Impressionism
French art movement started around 1871 with Monet’s “Impression of the Sunrise” at Salon des Refuses in Paris.
Individualism
(Renaissance), stressed personality, uniqueness, genius, and full development of one’s talents and capabilities, quest for glory
Liberalism
principal ideas liberty and equality, demanded representative government, equality before the law, freedom of press, speech, assembly, from arbitrary arrest, called for unrestricted private enterprise, no government interference in the economy (laissez-faire)
Materialism
The idea that only what is tangible is real. “Everything mental, spiritual or ideal is an outgrowth of physical or physiological forces.” Karl Marx and Thomas Hobbes believed in this.
Mercantilism
An economic policy under which nations sought to increase their wealth and power by obtaining large amounts of gold and silver and by favoring exporting rather than importing.
Nationalism
The idea that people of the same language, religion, ethnicity, or heritage should have their own government on their own land.
Naturalism
Literary movement following realism in literature. Demonstrates the determination of human character by the natural and social environment.
Pan-Slavism
The idea that Slavic peoples should identify with each other and have their own nation. Heavily promoted by Russia at the end of the 19th century as a way to promote her own imperialistic aspirations in the Balkans.
Positivism
Philosophy identified with French philosopher Auguste Comte. Insists on verifiable facts, avoidance of wishful thinking, questioning of all assumptions, dislike of improbable generalizations.
Realism
Art and literature movement that followed Romanticism. Closely allied with realpolitik in government. as a philosophy it is a “kind of unrealistic faith in the constructive value struggle and a tough-minded rejection of ideas and ideals.”
Republicanism
French idea that a republican form of government is best. Opposed to the monarchists who were scared of the excesses of the Jacobins and their ancestors. Unlike liberals they favor universal suffrage. They are opposed to monarchy of any variety and they are opposed to the catholic church since they think it is the enemy of reason and liberty.
Romanticism
Movement in art, music and literature that was a reaction against the classical period. Themes included emotion, supernatural, nationalism, historical themes, nature, true love (often unrequited) and death.
Scholasticism
The system of logic, philosophy and theology of medieval university scholars includes the idea of reason and faith can be reconciled. the most famous practicitioner is St. Thomas Aquinas. It is based on the writings of Aristotle and the early Christian fathers.
Social Darwinism
The idea that life is a struggle and only the fittest groups of people can survive.
Socialism
Idea that the government should manage the economy, or aspects of the economy for the good of the people. These people in the 19th century agreed that workers were unfairly treated, opposed competition as a principle of economic behaviors, rejected laissez-faire, and questioned the validity of the concept of private property.
Totalitarianism
The organization of a state that has complete control over every aspect of the individual’s life and in which the goal of the individual is to serve the state.
laissez faire
idea that government should play as small a role as possible in economic affairs
–Adam Smith
Realpolitik
The idea that, in politics, whatever it takes is justified when it comes to government action. Napoleon III did many things that exemplified realpolitik. So did Bismark, like starting a meaningless war.
