Glossary

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P

Pacific Rim

The countries that border the Pacific Ocean, specifically, the countries of East Asia, considered as an economic unit.

pagoda

A multistoried building with the corners of the roof curved up that were used as a temple.

Pahlavi, Muhammad Reza

(1919-1980), Dictator ruler of Iran from 1941 to 1979. He was supported by the United States throughout most of the Cold War due to his anti communist stance. Overthrown during the Iranian Revolution in 1979.

Paleolithic Age

(750,000 BCE - 10,000 B.C.E.) Old Stone Age. A period of time in human history characterized by the use of stone tools and the use of hunting and gathering as a food source.

Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)

One time terrorist organization, now considered to be a legitimate political body whose goals have been to create a nation-state for the displaced Palestinians. The PLO is lead by Yasir Arafat.

Pan Africanism

Nationalistic movement which emphasized the unity of all Africans, and sought to end foreign control.

Pan Slavism

Nationalistic movement which emphasized the unity of all Slavic peoples, and sought to end foreign control of various Slavic nations.

Panama Canal

A canal that crosses the isthmus of Panama connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Built by the United States between 1904 and 1914.

Pantheon

A domed temple in Rome that was completed in 27 BCE, and still stands today.

papyrus scrolls

Paper like material made from the reeds of the papyrus plant. It was used by the Egyptians for the writing and storing of documents.

parliament

A government's legislative body.

parliamentary democracy

A form of government where the citizens elect members to represent them in a parliament, or legislative assembly.

Parthenon

A large temple dedicated to the goddess Athena on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was built in the 5th century BCE, during the Athenian golden age.

partnership

The cooperative relationship between two or more people who are involved in the same activity.

Pasteur, Louis

(1822-1895) French scientist who discovered the link between germs and disease. He also showed that killing germs, often prevented the spread of certain diseases.

patrician

A member of the upper class of ancient Roman society.

patrilineal

Relating to, based on, or tracing ancestral descent through the paternal line.

Keyword(s):

patron

Someone who provides support to a specific cause and/or person/people.

Pax Mongolia

Also known as the Mongol Peace. A time when global trade expanded due to the political stability provided by Mongol rulers.

Pax Romana

A 200 hundred year period of relative peace throughout the Roman Empire. Occurs during the first two centuries C.E..

peasantry

Members of the lowest class in some social class systems.

peninsula

An area of land surrounded on three sides by water. Italy, Greece, and the southern part of India are all peninsulas.

Peninsulares

In colonial Latin America, Spanish official sent to govern Latin American colonies. They controlled government completely.

perambulate

1. To walk about; to roam; to stroll

2. To travel over for the purpose of surveying or inspecting.

Perambulate comes from Latin per-, "through" + ambulare, "to walk." The noun form is perambulation.

Keyword(s):

Perestroika

A policy of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to revitalize the Soviet economy by opening it up to more free enterprise.

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