The Thing About the Isms

These are some of the important "isms" that students studying European history should be familiar with, as they have played significant roles in shaping the political, economic, and social landscapes of Europe and the world.

1. Feudalism: A medieval social, economic, and political system in which land was owned by lords who granted it to vassals in exchange for loyalty and services.

2. Absolutism: A form of government in which a monarch holds supreme power and authority, often justified by the divine right of kings.

3. Renaissance Humanism: An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that focused on the study of human potential and achievements, emphasizing reason, individualism, and human dignity.

4. Protestantism: A Christian movement that originated in the 16th century as a response to the perceived corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, led by figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, which emphasized the authority of the Bible and the priesthood of all believers.

5. Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, free market competition, and profit-seeking, often associated with the growth of trade and commerce during the Industrial Revolution.

6. Nationalism: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, and identity of a particular nation or group of people, often leading to the formation of nation-states and the pursuit of self-determination.

7. Liberalism: A political and economic ideology that advocates for individual freedoms, limited government intervention in the economy, and protection of civil rights and liberties.

8. Socialism: A political and economic ideology that advocates for the collective ownership and control of the means of production, with the aim of achieving social equality and economic justice.

9. Imperialism: The policy of extending a nation's influence and control over other territories, often through colonization or economic domination, which was prominent during the Age of Exploration and the Scramble for Africa in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

10. Feminism: A social and political movement advocating for the rights and equality of women, addressing issues such as gender discrimination, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence.

11. Fascism: A far-right political ideology that emphasizes authoritarianism, nationalism, and a belief in the supremacy of the state and the leader, often associated with totalitarian regimes such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy in the 20th century.

12. Communism: A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the community, often associated with the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

13. Nazism: A specific form of fascism that emerged in Germany during the 20th century under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, anti-Semitism, and totalitarianism, which resulted in the genocide of six million Jews during the Holocaust.