“World System” (1st, 2nd, 3rd World)
Labels once used during the Cold War to describe countries based on politics and economy:
- 1st World: Rich, democratic, capitalist countries (like the U.S.)
- 2nd World: Communist countries (like the Soviet Union)
- 3rd World: Poorer, developing countries (mostly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America)
Developing Nation
A country that is working to improve its economy, education, health care, and infrastructure.
Terrorism
The use of violence or threats to scare people, usually for political or religious reasons.
Che Guevara
A revolutionary from Argentina who helped Cuba become communist. He is a symbol of rebellion but also seen as controversial for using violence.
Military Coup
When the army suddenly takes control of the government, usually by force.
Embargo
A government order to stop trade with another country to punish or pressure them.
Ghana’s “Positive Action” Campaign
Peaceful protests like strikes and boycotts to push the British to give Ghana independence.
Mau Mau Rebellion
A violent uprising by Kenyan fighters against British rule in the 1950s.
Kwame Nkrumah
<ul> <li data-start="233" data-end="338">Who: First leader of independent Ghana and one of the most famous African independence leaders.</li> <li data-start="339" data-end="444">What he did: Led peaceful protests (called the Positive Action Campaign) against British rule.</li> <li data-start="445" data-end="592">Why important: Ghana was the first African colony to gain independence in 1957, inspiring other African nations to fight for freedom too.</li> <li data-start="593" data-end="734">Later: Became Ghana’s first Prime Minister and President. He wanted to unite all of Africa but was later overthrown in a military coup.</li> </ul> <br>
Jomo Kenyatta
<ul> <li data-start="771" data-end="857">Who: Leader of the Kenyan independence movement and Kenya’s first President.</li> <li data-start="858" data-end="988">What he did: Was jailed by the British during the Mau Mau Rebellion, but later became the symbol of freedom for Kenyans.</li> <li data-start="989" data-end="1121">Why important: Helped Kenya gain independence in 1963. As president, he focused on building the country’s economy and schools.</li> <li data-start="1122" data-end="1263">Later: Ruled Kenya until his death in 1978. Some people liked his leadership, while others criticized him for becoming too controlling.</li> </ul> <br>
Apartheid
A system of legal racism in South Africa where white people had more rights and nonwhite people were segregated and treated unfairly.
Natives Land Act
A 1913 law that gave most of the land to white South Africans and forced Black people to live on small, poor lands.
Defiance Campaign
A peaceful protest in the 1950s where Black South Africans purposely broke unfair laws to show they needed to change.
Sharpeville Massacre
In 1960, police shot and killed peaceful protesters fighting against unfair pass laws.
ANC (African National Congress)
A political group that fought against apartheid, mostly with peaceful protests.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (South Africa)
A group that helped the country heal after apartheid by letting people confess crimes and learn the truth about what happened.
Nelson Mandela
<ul> <li data-start="1345" data-end="1432">Who: South African freedom fighter and the first Black president of South Africa.</li> <li data-start="1433" data-end="1550">What he did: Leader of the ANC (African National Congress) and a key figure in the fight against apartheid.</li> <li data-start="1551" data-end="1702">Why important: Spent 27 years in prison for speaking out against apartheid. When released, he worked for peace and unity rather than revenge.</li> <li data-start="1703" data-end="1864">Later: Became president in 1994 during the country’s first democratic elections. Won the Nobel Peace Prize for helping to end apartheid peacefully.</li> </ul> <br>
Bishop Desmond Tutu
- Who: A South African Anglican bishop and powerful voice against apartheid.
- What he did: Spoke out as a religious and moral leader during apartheid, promoting nonviolence and human rights.
- Why important: After apartheid ended, he led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to help South Africans confess, forgive, and heal.
- Later: Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Continued to speak up for justice, peace, and equality around the world.
FW De Klerk
- Who: The last white president of South Africa before the end of apartheid.
- What he did: Released Nelson Mandela from prison and worked with him to end apartheid laws.
- Why important: Took a big political risk by helping to peacefully dismantle apartheid and supported democratic elections.
- Later: Shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela in 1993 for helping bring democracy to South Africa.