AQA GCSE History key terms

An official commission authorising a privateer to attack specified enemy targets; it was not unrestricted permission to raid.

A radical movement during the Civil War era that demanded wider male voting rights, religious freedom and equality before the law.

Laws passed by the Liberal government between 1906 and 1914 to improve health and welfare, including school meals, pensions and National Insurance.

A privilege, such as the right to hold a court, which allowed its holder to exercise authority normally belonging to the king.

A thread tied around a blood vessel to stop bleeding.

Keeping a conflict restricted in its aims, geographical extent or weapons, rather than pursuing victory by every available means.

A naval formation in which warships sail one behind another, allowing them to fire their side-mounted guns towards the enemy while maintaining an ordered formation.

The prayers and rituals regularly performed by a religious community.

The conditions in which people live, including their housing, material comforts and ability to afford necessities.

The 1925 agreements through which Germany accepted its western borders and participating countries sought to improve European security and peaceful relations.

The title taken by Oliver Cromwell in 1653 as head of state in place of a king.

A traditional Afghan grand assembly brought together to make important national political decisions.

An American colonist who supported remaining within the British Empire during the War of Independence.

Killing by a mob without a lawful trial, used to terrorise African Americans.

A treatment intended to attack the microorganism causing a disease without harming the rest of the patient’s body.

A charter first issued in 1215 that placed limits on royal power and protected specified rights. Edward I reconfirmed it during the political crisis of 1297.

A Shia militia associated with Muqtada al-Sadr that opposed the US presence in Iraq.

Armour made from linked metal rings, also called chainmail.

A territory administered by another country on behalf of the League of Nations; Germany’s former colonies became mandates.

A nineteenth-century belief that the United States was destined, often understood as divinely intended, to expand across North America.

An estate controlled by a lord, including farmland and usually a village. Its peasants paid rents or provided services to the lord.

The Anglo-Norman lords who controlled territories along the Welsh border and within Wales, owing allegiance to the English Crown but exercising extensive powers in their own lordships.

Decorative work made by fitting pieces of different woods or other materials into a surface to create a pattern or picture.

An American programme of economic assistance to European countries after the Second World War, intended to support recovery and reduce the appeal of communism.

Shia communities living in the marshlands of southern Iraq, whose settlements and livelihoods were attacked by Saddam’s regime.

Military control of an area in place of ordinary civilian government, often restricting civilian rights.

A person whose death for their beliefs is regarded by supporters as a sacrifice worthy of honour.