AQA GCSE History key terms

Cutting small pieces of precious metal from the edges of coins, reducing the metal remaining in them.

The political and ideological conflict between the Soviet Union and its allies and Western powers after the Second World War, which divided Europe and restricted movement between east and west.

Negotiation between employers and workers’ representatives, usually trade unions, over pay and working conditions.

An arrangement in which countries agree that an attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all, and that they will assist its defence.

The principle that countries should act together against an aggressor to protect the peace and security of all members.

The organisation of individual farms into larger units under collective or state control.

Control of a territory and its people by a foreign power.

The establishment of settlers and institutions from a conquering power in conquered territory. In Edward I’s Wales, this included English settlement, new towns and royal administration.

A territory controlled by an outside power, often used for settlement, trade or military purposes.

A policy or practice excluding people from employment or services because of their colour or racial background.

The coordinated use of different military forces and weapons, such as infantry, artillery, tanks and aircraft.

The coordinated use of different types of troops, such as archers, infantry and cavalry, so that their strengths support one another.

An organisation established in January 1949 to coordinate economic cooperation among communist countries and provide an alternative to Marshall Aid.

An organisation established in September 1947 through which Stalin coordinated communist parties and strengthened Soviet political control.

An economy in which the state directs production, resources and labour rather than leaving these mainly to private businesses.

A product bought and sold in trade, such as tobacco.

An arrangement through which member countries reduce barriers to trade and enable closer economic cooperation.

The republican government established after Charles I’s execution; the term also helps describe the period of government without a monarch before the Restoration.

An ideology aiming for a classless society and common ownership of production. The Soviet and North Korean communist systems operated through state ownership and one-party rule.

A broken bone associated with an open wound, allowing germs to enter and increasing the danger of infection.

Required by law rather than left entirely to individual choice.

A US government policy of allocating particular territories to Plains tribes, aiming to separate them from settlers and reduce conflict between tribes.

A camp in which people were imprisoned, often without trial, under brutal conditions. The Nazis used these camps to terrorise opponents and persecute targeted groups.

A castle arrangement with an inner defensive wall surrounded by an outer defensive wall, creating successive barriers against attackers.

An agreement between the Vatican and a government. The 1933 agreement with Nazi Germany promised protection for Catholic religious affairs in return for the Church staying out of politics.

The Confederate States of America, formed by seceding southern states in February 1861 and led by Jefferson Davis.

Taking control of a territory or people by military force.