Target Vocabulary List

This list defines the key terms you’ll encounter and practice in our History Word Power session. Refer back to these definitions as you work through examples, worksheets, and discussions.

1. Empire (noun)

• Definition: A large group of states or territories ruled by a single sovereign authority or government.
• Word Parts: em- (in) + -pere (to command/control)
• Historical Context: Empires often grew through conquest and consolidation of power (e.g., the Roman Empire).
• Example Sentence: The Han Empire extended its influence across East Asia by building roads and securing trade routes.

2. Civilization (noun)

• Definition: A complex society characterized by cities, organized government, social classes, and cultural achievements such as writing and art.
• Word Parts: civil- (citizen) + -ization (process of)
• Historical Context: Ancient Egyptian civilization is known for pyramids, hieroglyphs, and centralized rule.
• Example Sentence: The Indus Valley civilization developed advanced urban planning and drainage systems.

3. Dynasty (noun)

• Definition: A sequence of rulers from the same family or lineage.
• Word Parts: from Greek dynasteia (power, rule)
• Historical Context: The Ming dynasty oversaw a flourishing of arts and naval expeditions.
• Example Sentence: The Qing dynasty was the last imperial dynasty to rule China.

4. Trade Route (noun)

• Definition: A network of paths or waterways used by merchants to exchange goods, ideas, and culture.
• Word Parts: “trade” (to exchange goods) + “route” (way, path)
• Historical Context: The Silk Road connected China with the Mediterranean world for over a thousand years.
• Example Sentence: Caravans traveling the Trans-Saharan trade routes carried gold, salt, and textiles.

5. Revolution (noun)

• Definition: A fundamental and often rapid change in political power or organizational structures, usually involving conflict.
• Word Parts: from Latin revolutio (a turn around)
• Historical Context: The French Revolution overthrew the monarchy and reshaped French society in 1789.
• Example Sentence: The Industrial Revolution transformed economies from agrarian to industrial.

6. Ideology (noun)

• Definition: A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
• Word Parts: ideo- (idea) + -logy (study of)
• Historical Context: Enlightenment ideology championed reason, individual rights, and separation of powers.
• Example Sentence: Nationalist ideologies inspired movements for self-determination in the 19th and 20th centuries.

7. Sovereignty (noun)

• Definition: Supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
• Word Parts: from Latin super- (above) + -regnum (rule)
• Historical Context: After World War II, newly independent nations asserted their sovereignty on the global stage.
• Example Sentence: The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as the birth of modern state sovereignty.

8. Colonization (noun)

• Definition: The act of establishing control over a foreign territory and its people, often by settling the territory and exploiting resources.
• Word Parts: colon- (settler) + -ization (process of)
• Historical Context: European colonization of the Americas dramatically altered indigenous societies and ecosystems.
• Example Sentence: British colonization in India lasted nearly two centuries and left a lasting cultural impact.

Vocabulary Practice Worksheet

Use the following terms from the Target Vocabulary List to complete each section.

I. Matching

Write the number of the definition that best matches each term.

A. Empire ___________



B. Civilization ___________



C. Dynasty ___________



D. Trade Route ___________



E. Revolution ___________



F. Ideology ___________



G. Sovereignty ___________



H. Colonization ___________

Definitions:

1. A system of ideas that shapes economic or political behavior
2. Supreme power of a state to govern itself
3. A group of states or territories ruled by one authority
4. Fundamental change in political power or structures
5. Complex society with cities, government, and culture
6. Network of paths or waterways for exchanging goods and ideas
7. Establishing control over a foreign territory and its people
8. Succession of rulers from the same family

II. Fill in the Blanks

Use the word bank below to complete each sentence correctly.

Word Bank: Empire, Civilization, Dynasty, Trade Route, Revolution, Ideology, Sovereignty, Colonization

1. The ______ of the Ottoman Empire stretched across three continents at its height.
   ______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. The Industrial ______ changed manufacturing and labor practices in the 18th century.
   ______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. The Silk Road was a famous ______ that connected China to the Mediterranean.
   ______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Enlightenment ______ promoted individual rights and the separation of powers.
   ______________
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. After gaining independence, the new nation asserted its ______ on the world stage.
   ______________
   
   
   
   
   
   

III. Word Parts Analysis

Choose three terms from the list and break each into its prefix, root, and suffix. Then explain the meaning of each part.

1. Term: ____________________
   Prefix: ________________
   Root: _________________
   Suffix: ________________
   Meaning of each part: __________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Term: ____________________
   Prefix: ________________
   Root: _________________
   Suffix: ________________
   Meaning of each part: __________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Term: ____________________
   Prefix: ________________
   Root: _________________
   Suffix: ________________
   Meaning of each part: __________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

IV. Use in Context

Write an original sentence for three different terms from the list.

2. ________________________________________________












3. ________________________________________________