Vocabulary List Unit 6: Social & Cultural Growth and Conflict

What is Feudalism?

• Japan’s earliest religion, based on respect for nature and worship of ancestors

• A decentralized political system in Japan where land was controlled by powerful families and protected by samurai warriors.

• The ruling military government of Japan (1603–1868) that centralized power and isolated Japan from foreign influence.

• Elite soldiers in the Ottoman army, originally enslaved Christian boys trained as loyal warriors.

Who is a Caliph?

• A system where surrounding states paid tribute to China in exchange for trade and protection.

• Highest political and religious leader in a Muslim government

• Nomadic warriors from Central Asia who created the largest land empire in history under Genghis Khan.

• Branch of Islam whose members believe Ali and his descendants are the rightful successors of Muhammad

What is the Umayyads?

• A dynasty that ruled the Muslim Empire from A.D. 661 to 750

• A Chinese dynasty (960–1279) known for economic prosperity, technological advancements, and urbanization.

• A system where Christian boys were taken by the Ottomans to be converted to Islam and serve in the government or military.

• A Chinese explorer who led large naval expeditions to expand trade and display China’s power.

What is Shi'a?

• A branch of Islam whose members believe the first four caliphs are the rightful successors of Muhammad

• Founder of the Mongol Empire, known for uniting the Mongol tribes and leading brutal military campaigns.

• Elite soldiers in the Ottoman army, originally enslaved Christian boys trained as loyal warriors.

• A system where surrounding states paid tribute to China in exchange for trade and protection.

What is Sunni?

• A branch of Islam whose members believe Ali and his descendants are the rightful successors of Muhammad

• Dynasty that ruled the Muslim Empire from A.D. 661 to 750

• Nomadic warriors from Central Asia who created the largest land empire in history under Genghis Khan.

• Grandson of Genghis Khan and ruler of the Yuan Dynasty, who expanded Mongol rule in China and welcomed foreign travelers like Marco Polo.

Who is a Sufi?

• A Muslim who tries to achieve direct contact with God

• Branch of Islam whose members believe Ali and his

  descendants are the rightful successors of Muhammad

• Highest military commander in feudal Japan, ruling in the name of the emperor

• Founder of the Mongol Empire, known for uniting the Mongol tribes and leading brutal military campaigns.

What is the Abbasids?

• A dynasty that ruled much of the Muslim Empire from A.D. 750 to 1258

• Nomadic warriors from Central Asia who created the largest land empire in history under Genghis Khan.

• Powerful upper class

• A Chinese dynasty (960–1279) known for economic prosperity, technological advancements, and urbanization.

What is Gentry?

• Powerful upper class

• Code that samurai lived by—”the way of the warrior”

• Dynasty that ruled the Muslim Empire from A.D. 661 to 750

• Highest political and religious leader in a Muslim government

What is Shinto?

• Japan’s earliest religion, based on respect for nature and worship of ancestors

• Highest military commander in feudal Japan, ruling in the name of the emperor

• The ruling military government of Japan (1603–1868) that centralized power and isolated Japan from foreign influence.

• Dynasty that ruled much of the Muslim Empire from A.D. 750 to 1258

Who are Samurai?

• The warrior class in feudal Japan, known for their loyalty and adherence to the Bushido code

• Branch of Islam whose members believe the first four caliphs are the rightful successors of Muhammad

• A powerful Muslim empire that controlled much of Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa from the 14th to early 20th centuries.

• The ruling military government of Japan (1603–1868) that centralized power and isolated Japan from foreign influence.