World History Semester Test Flashcards
Bolsheviks
Faction led by Lenin advocating for socialist revolution
Mensheviks
Faction advocating for moderate approach to socialism
Soviet
Council representing workers, soldiers, and peasants during Russian Revolution
Vladimir Lenin
Leader of Bolshevik Party and first head of Soviet state
Russo-Japanese War
Conflict between Russia and Japan resulting in Russia’s defeat
Red Army
Military force established by Bolsheviks during Russian Civil War
White Army
Collective term for anti-Bolshevik forces during Russian Civil War
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Treaty between Bolshevik Russia and Central Powers, resulting in Russia’s withdrawal from WWI
Collectivization
Stalin’s policy of consolidating individual farms into collective farms
New Economic Policy (NEP)
Lenin’s economic policy allowing limited private enterprise
Imperialism
Policy of extending a nation’s power through diplomacy or force
Colonialism
Establishment and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another
Sphere of Influence
Area where a foreign country has significant economic and political control
Annexation
Formal incorporation of a territory into another
Protectorate
State or territory protected and partially controlled by a more powerful nation
Nationalism
Strong sense of pride and devotion to one’s nation or state
Mercantilism
Economic policy aiming to maximize a nation’s wealth and power
Cultural Assimilation
Process by which a minority group adopts the customs and culture of the dominant culture
Opium Wars
Conflicts between China and Britain over the opium trade
Berlin Conference
Meeting where European powers partitioned Africa
White Man’s Burden
Belief in duty of Westerners to civilize non-Western societies
Sepoy Mutiny
Rebellion in India against British East India Company’s rule
Boer War
Conflict in South Africa between British forces and Boer settlers
Gunboat Diplomacy
Use of military force to influence other nations’ policies
Decolonization
Process of former colonies gaining independence from imperial powers
What are the three main motivations behind Imperialism?
Economic Gain, Political power and prestige, culture and ideological factors.
Types of Imperialism: Sphere of Influence
A sphere of influence is an area where a foreign country has significant economic and political control without formal annexation.
Types of Imperialism: Colonialism
Colonialism is the establishment, maintenance, acquisition, and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another.
Types of Imperialism: Protectorate
A protectorate is a state or territory that is protected and partially controlled by a more powerful nation
Describe Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries:
Russia was a vast empire ruled by an autocratic monarchy (The Romanov dynasty) with a predominatley agrarian economy alongside a growing industrial sector.
Social Structure and Discontent in Russia
The social structure included an oppressed peasantry, an emerging working class facing poor conditions, and discontent among various social groups due to inequality and autocratic rule.
Events leading to Russian Revolution: Russo-Japanese War
Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War led to internal unrest, economic strain, and a loss of confidence in the government
Events leading to the Russian Revolution: Bloody Sunday (1905)
Bloody Sunday refers to a peaceful protest that turned violent when Imperial Guards fired on demonstrators, sparking widespread strikes and uprisings across Russia.
Bolsheviks vs Mensheviks:
Bolsheviks advocated for a more radical approach to revolution, favoring a small, disciplined party, while Mensheviks were more moderate, supporting broader coalition and gradual change.
Aftermath and Impact: Civil War
The Russian Civil War (1917-1922) between the Bolshevik “Reds” and their opponents, the “Whites” resulted in the Bolsheviks’ victory and the establishment of the Soviet Union.
Aftermath and Impact: Formation of the Soviet Union
The Bolsheviks’ victory led to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the implementation of socialist policies.
