AP World History Chapter 17: What's the Significance?

Progressives, 762

These were people who were a part of an American political movement that advocated for reforms for better working conditions. They are significant because it was one of the successful American political movement that challenged the abuses of capitalist industrialization.

Caudillos, 767

They were military strongmen who seized control of a government in nineteenth-century Latin America. They are significant because they achieved power as defenders of order and property.

Luddites, 758-59

They were skilled artisans who banded together between 1811 and 1813 to protest against the machines that threatened the jobs of workers in the wool and cotton industry. They were significant because they serve as a cautionary reminder that what is hailed as progress claims victims as well as beneficiaries.

Labour Party, 754-55

This was a British working-class political party established in the 1890s and dedicated to reforms and a peaceful transition to socialism. It is significant because it provided an alternative to Marxism.

Latin American Export Boom, 768

This was a large-scale increase in Latin American exports to industrializing countries in the second half of the nineteenth century. It is significant because the boom mostly benefited the upper and middle classes and was possible because of major improvements in shipping.

Mexican Revolution, 771-72

This was a long and bloody war (1911-1920) in which Mexican reformers from the middle class joined with workers and peasants to overthrow the dictator Porfirio Díaz. It is significant because it created a new, much more democratic political order and transformed the country.

Socialism in the United States, 762

This was a minor political movement in the United States. It is significant because it was a minor political movement, gained 6% votes in the election, and supported the democratic transition.

Russian Revolution of 1905, 764-65

This was a spontaneous rebellion that erupted in Russia after the country's defeat at the hands of Japan in 1905. It is significant because the revolution was suppressed, but it forced the government to make substantial reforms.

Indian Cotton Textiles, 743-44

For much of the eighteenth century, well-made and inexpensive cotton textiles from India flooded western markets. It is significant because it was a catalyst for British textile Industry to industrialize.

Karl Marx, 751-53

He was the most influential advocate of socialism. Marx (1818-1883) was a German in England who claimed the working-class revolution was the key to creating an ideal communist future. He is significant because he came up with the conclusion of capitalism as unstable and doomed, thus creating socialist and communist views. He believed it would end the conflict between rich and poor.

Dependent Development, 772

It was a theory that poor countries can still develop economically, but only in ways shaped by reliance on wealthier countries. It is significant because it is a term used to describe Latin America's economic growth in the nineteenth century, which was largely financed by foreign capital and dependent on European and North American prosperity and decisions.

Steam Engine, 740

Mechanical device in which the steam from heated water builds up pressure to drive a piston, rather than relying on human or animal muscle power. This is significant because it allowed increased productivity and made the Industrial Revolution possible (limitless source of power).

Middle-Class Values, 747-49

Belief system typical of the middle class that developed in Britain in the nineteenth century. This is significant because it characterized the middle-class culture (thrift, hard work, rigid moral behavior) and "respectability".

Ellen Johnston, 752-53

She was a Scottish textile worker and single mother (1835-1875) who became a published poet with a modest local reputation. She is significant because she is an insight into women's lives in the 1800s for the middle class.

Lower Middle Class, 749

Social stratum that developed in Britain in the nineteenth century. This is significant because it consisted of people employed with service jobs (clerks, salespeople, secretaries, police officers) that were more than 20% of Britain's population and gave women the opportunity to work.