Key Terms: Toward the Modern World, 1850-1914

Question 1

Second Industrial Revolution

Answer 1

Wave of late 19th century industrialization characterized by increased use of steel, chemical processes, electric power, and railroads. Also witnessed spread from Britain to western Europe and US. Both US and Germany soon rivaled Britain.

Question 2

Social Darwinism

Answer 2

Belief there is a natural evolutionary process by which the fittest will survive. Used by wealthy business and industrial leaders to justify success.

Question 3

Realpolitik

Answer 3

“Politics of reality.” Used to describe tough, practical politics where idealism and romanticism play no part. Practiced by Otto von Bismarck and Camillo Benso di Cavour.

Question 4

Syndicalism

Answer 4

Radical political movement advocated bringing industry and government under control of federations of labor unions. Endorsed direct actions like strikes and sabotage.

Question 5

Autocracy

Answer 5

Government where ruler has unlimited power and uses it in an arbitrary manner.

Question 6

Duma

Answer 6

Russian parliament created after the revolution of 1905.

Question 7

Imperialism

Answer 7

Policy of extending one country’s rule over other lands by conquest of economic domination.

Question 8

Sphere of Influence

Answer 8

Region dominated by, but not directly ruled by, a foreign nation.