The 18th and 19th Centuries

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Agrarian Revolution

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A significant transformation in farming in Europe from the 18th century onward and paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.

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Alternate Attendance Policy (Sankin-kōtai)

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A policy of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan that required daimyo (feudal lords) to reside in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) for a period of time every other year, leaving their families in Edo even when they returned to their domains.

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Balance of Power

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A political theory that aims to prevent any one state or bloc of states from becoming so powerful that it can dominate others. It often involves alliances and counter-alliances to deter aggression.

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Berlin Conference (1884-1885)

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A meeting of European powers in Berlin, Germany, that regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period.

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Boer War (1899-1902)

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Two wars fought between the British Empire and the two independent Boer (Dutch-descended) republics over control of valuable diamond and gold resources.

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Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)

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An anti-foreign, anti-colonial, and anti-Christian uprising in China by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists.

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Congress of Vienna (1814-1815)

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A series of meetings held in Vienna, Austria, after the defeat of Napoleon to establish a new balance of power, redraw the map of Europe, and restore monarchical rule.

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Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789)

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A foundational document of the French Revolution, proclaiming that all men are born free and equal in rights.

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Divine Right

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A political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy to rule directly from God, rather than from the consent of the governed or any earthly authority.

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Enlightened Despot

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An absolute monarch who adopted reforms such as religious toleration, freedom of speech, and administrative improvements but without relinquishing their absolute power.