Glossary of Terms

ulama   Orthodox religious scholars within Islam; pressed for a more conservative and restrictive theology; increasingly opposed to non-Islamic ideas and scientific thinking. (p. 315)

Ulyanov, Vladimir Ilyich   [Ul yä nuhf] Better known as Lenin; most active Russian Marxist leader; insisted on importance of disciplined revolutionary cells; leader of Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. (p. 816)

Umayyad   [U mI yad] Clan of Quraysh that dominated politics and commercial economy of Mecca; clan later able to establish dynasty as rulers of Islam. (p. 281)

umma   Community of the faithful within Islam; transcended old tribal boundaries to create degree of political unity. (p. 286)

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics   Federal system of socialist republics established in 1923 in various ethnic regions of Russia; firmly controlled by Communist party; diminished nationalities protest under Bolsheviks; dissolved 1991. (p. 892)

United Fruit Company   Most important foreign economic concern in Guatemala during the 20th century; attempted land reform aimed at United Fruit caused U.S. intervention in Guatemalan politics leading to ouster of reform government in 1954. (p. 944)

United Nations   International organization formed in the aftermath of World War II; included all of the victorious Allies; its primary mission was to provide a forum for negotiating disputes. (p. 857)

untouchables   Lowest caste in Indian society; performed tasks that were considered polluting–street sweeping, removal of human waste, and tanning. (p. 176)

Upanishads   [U pan i shad, U pä ni shäd] Later books of the Vedas; contained sophisticated and sublime philosophical ideas; utilized by Brahmans to restore religious authority. (p. 188)

Urban II   Called First Crusade in 1095; appealed to Christians to mount military assault to free the Holy Land from the Muslims. (p. 382)

Uthman   Third caliph and member of Umayyad clan; murdered by mutinous warriors returning from Egypt; death set off civil war in Islam between followers of Ali and the Umayyad clan. (p. 290)

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