era – n. a period of time associated with a person or event

crucial – adj. extremely important

accelerate – v. to move fast, pick up speed

turmoil – n. a state of confusion or disorder

authoritarian – adj. enforcing strict policies by an authority, especially a government or leader

martyr – n. a person killed because of their religious or other beliefs

oust – v. to remove or cause someone to leave a position of power

autocratic – adj. relating to a ruler who has absolute power