Modern History Glossary

A political system in which a single monarch holds supreme, unchecked authority over the state, as exemplified by Louis XIV of France and his famous declaration, 'L'etat, c'est moi' (I am the state).

A diplomatic policy of making concessions to an aggressive power to avoid conflict, most notably associated with Britain's accommodation of Nazi Germany's territorial demands before World War II.

A formal agreement to cease hostilities, as in the Armistice of November 11, 1918, which ended fighting on the Western Front in World War I.

A principle in international relations where nations seek to prevent any single state from becoming dominant, often through alliances and shifting coalitions.

The revolutionary socialist ideology and movement led by Vladimir Lenin, advocating the overthrow of capitalism through a disciplined vanguard party and the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat.

An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production, free markets, and the pursuit of profit, which became the dominant global economic model following the Industrial Revolution.

A political and economic ideology advocating for collective ownership of the means of production and the abolition of private property, as theorized by Karl Marx and implemented in various forms by the Soviet Union, China, and others.

The U.S. Cold War strategy aimed at preventing the spread of communism beyond its existing borders, articulated by diplomat George Kennan and implemented through the Truman Doctrine and related policies.

A period of eased tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union during the 1970s, marked by arms control agreements (SALT treaties) and increased diplomatic engagement.

An authoritarian, ultra-nationalist political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and rigid regimentation of society and the economy, as practiced by Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany.

The deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, religious, or national group, as defined by the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The dominance of one state or social group over others, particularly in international relations, where a hegemon exercises disproportionate influence over global politics and economics.

The policy and practice of extending a nation's power through colonization, military force, or economic domination over other territories and peoples.

A system established by the League of Nations after World War I whereby territories of defeated powers were administered by victorious nations under international supervision, notably in the Middle East and Africa.

An economic theory dominant in early modern Europe holding that national wealth is measured by accumulated precious metals, promoting export surpluses, tariffs, and colonial exploitation.

A Cold War doctrine in which the U.S. and Soviet Union each maintained sufficient nuclear arsenals to destroy the other in a retaliatory strike, theoretically deterring either side from launching a first strike.

A foreign policy position adopted by many newly independent nations during the Cold War, refusing to formally align with either the U.S. or Soviet bloc, as organized through the Non-Aligned Movement.

A movement advocating solidarity among people of African descent worldwide and the political unification or cooperation of African nations, influential in anti-colonial struggles and post-independence politics.

In Marxist theory, the working class who sell their labor to the bourgeoisie (capitalist class). Marx predicted the proletariat would eventually overthrow capitalism and establish a classless society.

Compensation imposed on a defeated nation for damages caused during a war, most notably the financial penalties placed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I.

The principle that nations or peoples have the right to determine their own form of government and political status, championed by Woodrow Wilson after World War I and central to decolonization movements.

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference, a foundational principle of the modern international system established by the Treaty of Westphalia (1648).

The right to vote in political elections. The expansion of suffrage to include women, racial minorities, and other previously excluded groups was a defining struggle of modern history.

A system of government in which the state exercises absolute control over all aspects of public and private life, as seen in Stalinist Russia, Nazi Germany, and Maoist China.

A nationalist movement advocating the establishment and support of a Jewish homeland in the historic Land of Israel, culminating in the creation of the State of Israel in 1948.