Empires in 1750
Which empire was centered in modern-day Turkey, expanded through warfare, practiced Islam, and enforced Sharia law?
The Ottoman Empire.
Which movement encouraged use of reason to question government and natural laws, influencing later revolutions?
The Age of Enlightenment.
What term describes the major change in work and production during the 18th–19th centuries characterized by mechanization and factories?
The Industrial Revolution.
What is the term for domination by one country over the political, economic, and cultural life of another (often creating colonies)?
Imperialism (colonialism).
What 19th‑century competition among European powers for African territory dramatically increased European control of the continent?
The Scramble for Africa.
Which empire in India was founded by Muslims of Turkic‑Mongol origin, included both Islam and Hinduism, and declined due to revolts and European involvement?
The Mughal Empire.
Which philosopher argued that people are naturally cruel, greedy, and selfish, thus needing government authority to protect them?
Thomas Hobbes.
Which agricultural innovation planted seeds more efficiently and helped increase crop yields?
Jethro Tull’s seed drill.
Which British company first established control and trading rights in India, eventually governing large parts of the subcontinent?
The British East India Company.
Which 1884–1885 meeting regulated European colonization of Africa and mapped territorial control?
The Berlin Conference.
Which ruling family in France practiced absolute monarchy, claimed divine right, and included King Louis XIV who built the Palace of Versailles?
The Bourbon Dynasty.
Which philosopher argued that every person has rights to life, liberty, and property (remember the "L")?
John Locke.
Which enclosure policy converted common land into privately owned, fenced land and helped drive urbanization?
The Enclosure Acts (enclosure movement).
What 1850s–1849 Irish disaster was caused by potato blight, compounded by British policies, and led to mass starvation and emigration?
The Irish Potato Famine.
What discoveries in southern Africa in the late 19th century intensified European interest and conflict over the region?
Diamonds (1867) and gold (1886).
Which Japanese military rulers held real power under a powerless emperor and implemented feudal, isolationist policies before the Meiji Restoration?
The Tokugawa Shogunate.
Which thinker advocated separation of powers into three branches of government?
Montesquieu.
Name two early textile/production inventions that sped up fabric making and spinning.
The Spinning Jenny and the Flying Shuttle (and the Water Frame).
What addictive drug and trade caused major conflicts between Britain and China and forced unequal treaties on China?
Opium (the Opium trade/Wars).
What wars between Boers and the British (1880s–1902) resulted in British victory and control of former Boer lands?
The Boer Wars.
What legal/religious system did the Ottoman Empire enforce even for non‑Muslims within its territory?
Sharia law.
Which Enlightenment writer called for women's education so they could participate equally in public life?
Mary Wollstonecraft.
Which negative urban effects resulted from rapid industrialization (e.g., housing, health, labor)?
Overcrowding, tenement homes, pollution (water and air), disease like cholera, child labor, long hours, and pay inequity.
What 1900 uprising in China targeted foreigners and led multiple countries to intervene to suppress it?
The Boxer Rebellion.
What 1913 law in South Africa legally enforced segregation and limited land ownership by Black South Africans?
The Natives' Land Act of 1913 (precursor to apartheid policies).