| A | B |
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| scholar | A person who posesses a great deal of knowledge, usually an academic who specializes in a particular subject area. |
| Scientific Method | Uses observation and experimentation to explain theories on the workings of the universe. |
| Scientific Revolution | An offshoot of the Renaissance in which scientists questioned traditional beliefs about the workings of the universe. One of the main ideas to come out of the Scientific Revolution was the use of the Scientific Method. The Scientific Method uses observation and experimentation to explain theories on how the universe works. |
| seed drill | Machine designed by Jethro Tull which mechanically planted seeds. |
| self-determination | Refers to a number of distinct human rights. These include the right to equality under the law, the right to a nationality, the right to freely leave and return to a person's country of origin, the right to freedom from persecution because of race, religion, or gender, and a host of others. |
| slavery | A system of forced labor. |
| Slavic | Ethnic group of indo-European descent which includes Russians, Bulgarians, and Poles. |
| smallpox | A highly contagious disease. Symptoms include high fever and scar-producing blisters. It can be fatal |
| Smith, Adam | (1723-1790) British philosopher, writer, and economist. His book, The Wealth of Nations, describes his theory on free trade, otherwise known as laissez-faire economics. |
| social class | A group of people within a society who share the same social, political, and economic status. |
| social contract | Theory of Thomas Hobbes that states the people form a social contract with government where they give up all rights for protection from other citizens. |
| Society of Jesus | Roman Catholic religious order founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1540 to setup schools and serve as missionaries, spreading church teachings. |
| Soviet Union (U.S.S.R.) | Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) Formed in 1922 from most of the former Russian Empire. The Soviet Union was controlled by the Communist Party headquarter in Moscow, Russia. The Soviet Union was a world superpower along with the United States, and was one of the two major antagonist during the Cold War. |
| Spirit of the Laws, The | A book written by Baron de Montesquieu describing his theories on government. He states that government should divide itself according to its powers, creating a Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branch. Montesquieu explained that under this system each branch would Check and Balance the others, which would help protect the people's liberty |
| superpowers | Term given to the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. |
| tariff | A tax on imports. |
| technology | A society's practical knowledge, especially with reference to its material culture and modes of production. |
| terrorism | The use of violence for political purpose. |
| 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. |
| trade | The exchange of goods or service between people. |
