Laissez-faire
Economic principle that government should not regulate businesses.
Socialism / Socialist
Political theory that society as a whole should control the means of production, such as factories and land.
Proletariat / Proletarian
In Marxist theory, the working class.
Bourgeoisie / Bourgeois
The middle class, between aristocrats and workers.
Exploit / Exploited
To use selfishly for one's own ends; to take advantage of.
Communism / Communist
In the theories of Marx and Engels, a society without class distinctions or private property.
Mercantile System / Mercantilist
A system of political and economic policy, seeking economic supremacy over rival states; money is a store of wealth, so export much and import little to get a favorable balance of trade; goal was accumulation of precious metals.
Cell Theory
Scientific theory that small units called cells make up all living things.
Evolution
Theory that species of living things change over long periods of time.
Genetics
The study of biological heredity.
Atomic Theory
Scientific idea that all matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms.
Sociology / Sociologist
Study of human group behavior.
Psychology / Psychologist
Study of behavior and its causes.
Psychoanalysis
A technical procedure for investigating unconscious mental processes and for treating psychoneuroses.
Urbanization
The spread of cities and city living.
Romanticism / Romantic
Artistic movement emphasizing individuality and emotion.
Mariner / Maritime
A person who directs or assists in the navigation of a ship; sailor.
Realism / Realist
Artistic and literary style of the mid-1800's that pictured the realities of everyday life.
Impressionism / Impressionist
Artistic style of the late 1800's in which painters tried to capture quick impressions and the effects of light.