Glossary
Browse the glossary using this index
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Taiping Rebellion(1850-1864) A revolt by the people of China against the ruling Manchu Dynasty because of their failure to deal effectively with the opium problem and the interference of foreigners. |
TalmudThe collection of Jewish writings that is the basis of Jewish religious law. |
Tao-te-ChingCollected teachings of Chinese philosopher Lao Tze, the founder of Taoism/Daoism. |
Taoism / DaoismThe Chinese philosophy of Taoism (or Daoism) developed in the latter part of the Chou Dynasty, during a period of turmoil in which it was not clear that Chinese civilization would survive. It represents a naturalistic ideal of how one should live their life. The Chinese term Tao can be translated into English, meaning "the way." It is a philosophy which teaches that nature has a "way" in which it moves, and that people should passively accept the "way" of nature, rather than resist it. One concept related to this is that of wu-wei, which means "not doing." This means that people should not act unnaturally by doing things, but rather should openly accept the natural way. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link lessened the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world. |
tariffA tax on imports. |
tea ceremonyA Japanese ritual in which tea is prepared, served, and drunk in a certain way. |
technologytools and skills people use (i.e. computers and machines assist in research and production) |
telescopeA device used to see distant objects, such as those in space. |
Ten CommandmentsThe ten laws given to Moses by God, according to the Bible. |
terrace farmingThe cutting out of flat areas (terraces) into near vertical slopes to allow farming. Terrace farms appears as steps cut into a mountainside. This adaptation allowed both the early Chinese, and the Inca of Mesoamerica to grow enough food for their large populations. |
terrorismThe use of violence for political purpose. |
The BibleThe sacred book of Christianity, a collection of ancient writings including the books of both the Old Testament and the New Testament. |
Theodosius(346? CE – 395 CE) Emperor of the Roman Empire who is responsible for making the Christian religion the official religion of the empire. |
Theory of RelativityTheory of motion and energy developed by Albert Einstein in the 20th century. |
Three Gorges DamA dam across the Yangtze River in China scheduled to be completed in 2009. |
Tiananmen Square MassacreA political and social protest by university students in Beijing, China in 1989. The protest called for political and social reforms and resulted in the government using the military to end it, which caused hundreds of deaths, thousands of injured, and many more imprisoned. |
Tokugawa Shogunate(1603-1867) Feudal Warlord rulers of Japan. Responisble for closing Japan off from the rest of the world. Overthrown during the Meiji Restoration. |
TorahThe holy book of Judaism. It describes the creation of the world, the history of ancient Israel, the Ten Commandments, and contains the Psalms and the prophetic books. |
TorriThe red gateway entrance to a Shinto shrine. |
totalitarian stateA state or country completely controlled by a single power, such as a monarch or dictator. |
totalitarianismTotalitarianism- Of or relating to the government haveing total controll of of ones life |
tradeThe exchange of goods or service between people. |
trade fairA gathering of merchants, craftsmen, and artisans to buy and sell goods and service during late Middle Ages. |
traditionA long-established custom or belief. |
traditional economyEconomic system in which decisions are made on the basis of customs, beliefs, habits, and religion. |