a competitive economic system in which products and production means are owned by individuals or private groups

Marx argued that capitalism was the key feature of the modern world, but created such profound inequality that it would eventually have to be abolished in a future socialist society.

the practice of a foreign government exercising political or economic control of another community

Colonialism imposed European control over most of Africa in the nineteenth century.

the introduction of industry into a region or country

Industrialization improved the country's economy.

relating to democratic forms of government rather than monarchies or aristocracies; (in a political context) relating to or denoting a political and social philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise

The new leader wished to establish a liberal form of government in a country that had never known political freedom.

the improvement of wrong or bad conditions

People with a wide variety of occupations demanded labor reforms.

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

The achievements of the scientific revolution and the technological advances that preceded it were very important.

the power of self-government, with independence from outside control; autonomy

The nation's military fought valiantly to maintain their country's sovereignty, but ultimately they were no match for their rivals to the north.