AQA GCSE History key terms

Giving positions or advantages to relatives because of family connections rather than suitability.

A country’s position of not taking part in a war. Neutral territory should not be used by belligerent states to conduct military operations.

The programmes and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to tackle the Great Depression.

Lenin's economic policy introduced in 1921, allowing private farming, trade and small businesses while retaining state control of major economic sectors.

President John F. Kennedy's programme to improve American society through economic growth, greater opportunity and reforms addressing problems including poverty, education and health.

The centralised Parliamentarian army formed in 1645, led by Thomas Fairfax, which became both an effective fighting force and a powerful political force.

A mid-nineteenth-century union of skilled workers whose subscriptions funded support for members facing sickness, injury or unemployment.

The late-nineteenth-century growth of trade unions among low-paid and unskilled workers, using collective organisation and strikes to improve conditions.

The Soviet secret police organisation that enforced state control and repression during Stalin’s rule.

The hereditary elite of major landowners, including earls and barons, whose wealth, local influence and military resources gave them political power.

A way of life involving movement from place to place rather than permanent settlement; many Plains bands moved seasonally to follow buffalo herds.

The exposed ground between opposing armies’ front-line trenches.

An agreement in which countries promise not to attack one another.

A Protestant who did not conform to the worship or organisation of the established Church of England.

Refusal to follow expected behaviour or cultural standards; under Nazism, this did not necessarily involve an organised attempt to overthrow the regime.

Peaceful action that directly challenges injustice, such as sit-ins, marches and boycotts.

Opposition to government or colonial rule through peaceful action rather than armed attacks.

An alliance of Afghan groups opposed to the Taliban which provided ground forces during the 2001 campaign.

The kingdoms of England, Denmark and Norway brought under Cnut’s rule in the early eleventh century.

The argument that a government should not impose taxes on people who have no elected representatives in the body making those decisions.

A hostile label used for German politicians associated with accepting the November 1918 armistice and the subsequent peace settlement.

Latin for ‘final words’; in this succession dispute, a king’s deathbed declaration naming his successor.

The National Organisation for Women, founded in 1966 to campaign for women's equality through changes in laws and institutions.

Broadly comparable nuclear strength between rival powers; it does not require identical numbers of weapons.

The 1935 laws that deprived Jews of citizenship rights and prohibited marriage or sexual relations between Jews and people classified as German or related blood.

A sworn promise of loyalty to a ruler or lord.

The control of a country or territory by foreign armed forces.