World History Honors Study Guide

An agreement among free individuals to create a government that reflects the people's will, emphasizing consent of the governed.

The division of governmental authority into three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, designed to prevent tyranny.

Principles like natural rights, freedom of speech, and separation of powers influenced the formation of the U.S. Constitution and its representative government.

The American Revolution aimed for independence from British rule, while the French Revolution sought to overthrow a monarchy and address social inequality.

A system that divides powers between national and state governments, creating a balance between centralized authority and local governance.

The five fundamental acts of worship in Islam: faith, prayer, alms, fasting, and pilgrimage.

The declaration of belief in one God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad.

A pilgrimage to Mecca that every physically and financially able Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime.

Significant holy lands in Islam include Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.

A month of fasting and prayer in Islam, followed by Eid al-Fitr.

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of Allah revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.

A sacred shrine in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Muslims face it during prayers.

Disagreements over Muhammad's successor led to the split. Sunnis accept elected caliphs, Shiites believe in descendants of Muhammad.

An Islamic state led by a caliph, considered Muhammad's successor. Early caliphates were crucial to Islam's expansion.

Jews and Christians, recognized as followers of earlier revelations from God in Islam.

The Islamic legal system based on the Quran and Sunna (Muhammad's practices), covering all aspects of a Muslim's life.

The Maya built cities like Tikal and Copán with monumental architecture, showcasing their cultural achievements and advanced planning.

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlán, was strategically located on an island in Lake Texcoco and featured impressive structures and intricate urban planning.

The Inca mastered living in the Andes' challenging terrain by developing advanced farming techniques like terrace farming, successfully adapting to mountainous environments.

The Maya made significant contributions to the world, developing a complex calendar system, advancing mathematics, and leaving behind artistic masterpieces in pottery and architecture.

The Line of Demarcation, drawn by Pope Alexander VI, divided newly discovered lands between Spain and Portugal, creating a geographical boundary.

He was the Mayor of the Palace of the Frankish kingdom, known for defeating Muslim invaders at the Battle of Tours in 732. His victory safeguarded Christianity in Europe, establishing him as a military hero.

Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, greatly expanded the Frankish empire between 768 and 814. He unified much of Western Europe, promoted education, and established a strong administrative system. He was crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III in 800, signifying the alliance between the Frankish state and the Church.

This treaty, signed in 843, divided Charlemagne's empire among his three grandsons: Lothair, Charles the Bald, and Louis the German. This division ultimately weakened the central authority of the Carolingian kings and led to the fragmentation of the empire into distinct territories.

This battle took place in 732 and saw Frankish forces led by Charles Martel defeating the Muslim army. It's considered pivotal in stopping the Muslim advance into Western Europe and solidified Martel's status as a champion of Christendom.

This institution was dominant in the medieval period and wielded significant power over both spiritual and temporal matters. It provided stability and unity in a fragmented Europe, influencing daily lives and the political landscape through its teachings and authority.

This doctrine claims the Pope has absolute, universal control over the whole Church. This power extended to political leaders, with popes influencing kings and emperors, often through excommunication or interdict.

Established in 962 by Otto I, who was crowned emperor by the Pope, this empire aimed to revive the legacy of the Roman Empire in Western Europe. It was characterized by a complex structure of semi-autonomous regions and a constant power struggle between the emperor and the papacy.

He established the Holy Roman Empire in 962, aiming to revive the legacy of the Roman Empire in Western Europe. He was crowned emperor by the Pope.

This was a powerful tool used by the medieval Church to punish individuals or groups. It involved being officially excluded from the Church and denied the sacraments.

This was a means of punishment used by the Church. It involved forbidding religious services and sacraments in a particular area or kingdom, used to pressure rulers to comply with the will of the Church.

Henry II, King of England, strengthened the monarchy by introducing legal reforms like juries and common law. However, his conflict with Thomas Becket over Church authority resulted in Becket's murder, sparking backlash against Henry.

Scholasticism, a medieval philosophical movement, aimed to reconcile faith (religion) and reason (logic). Thomas Aquinas, a key figure, argued that both were essential for understanding truth.

The Black Death, or bubonic plague, spread through fleas and rats, devastating Europe. It resulted in a massive population decline, economic upheaval, social unrest, and weakened the Church's authority.

Lay Investiture was the practice of secular leaders appointing church officials. This caused conflict, notably between popes and kings, as it challenged the Church's power.

The Concordat of Worms, reached in 1122, resolved the conflict over Lay Investiture. It allowed the Church to appoint bishops, but the emperor could veto the appointment, balancing power between Church and state.

The Renaissance, spanning from 1300 to 1600, was a period of revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman art and learning, emphasizing human potential and achievement. It marked a shift away from medieval ideals.

The Reformation, a 16th-century religious movement, led to the rise of Protestant churches. Figures like Martin Luther challenged Catholic practices, leading to significant changes within the Catholic Church.

Martin Luther was a German monk who challenged Catholic doctrine and practices, leading to the Protestant Reformation. He emphasized salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the sole authority.

A central doctrine of the Reformation, “salvation by faith alone” meant that individuals could be saved from sin through faith in Jesus Christ, not by good works or the authority of the Church.

The Reformation principle of “Sola Scriptura” asserted the Bible as the only source of religious authority, rejecting the Church's traditional interpretations and teachings.