AQA GCSE History key terms

An elected assembly intended to decide Russia's future constitution and system of government.

A set of fundamental rules defining how a country is governed and how political power is organised.

A formal change to the United States Constitution, the country's fundamental framework of government and law.

A monarchy in which the ruler’s powers are limited by constitutional rules and representative institutions.

Products intended for everyday personal use, such as clothes, shoes and household items.

A culture in which buying goods and services is encouraged and possessions are associated with happiness, status and success.

A society in which buying goods plays an important part in daily life, lifestyles and aspirations.

The policy of preventing communism from spreading into additional countries.

Something that remains broadly similar over time, despite other changes.

An international agreement through which participating governments accept obligations concerning a particular issue.

A group of merchant ships travelling together under the protection of warships.

British laws restricting imports of grain to protect domestic producers and maintain grain prices. ‘Corn’ meant grain, including wheat.

A governing body responsible for northern England, reorganised after the Pilgrimage of Grace to strengthen royal control.

Measures used to defeat an armed rebellion, including military action and efforts to reduce the rebels’ support among civilians.

A siege engine in which a falling counterweight rotates a throwing arm and launches a projectile from a sling.

A demonstration of bravery in warfare, such as approaching and touching a living enemy rather than killing him.

The royal household and the people gathered around the monarch, including advisers, nobles, servants and royal companions; also the setting in which they met.

A person attached to a royal court, whose position could provide access to the monarch, influence and rewards.

The written agreement setting out the League of Nations’ aims, organisation and members’ obligations; it formed part of the 1919 peace settlement.

A disease associated with cows that could infect humans, usually causing a much milder illness than smallpox. Jenner used it to provide protection against smallpox.

The difference between government accounts of the Vietnam War and the events reported by journalists, which weakened public trust in official statements.

A moving curtain of artillery fire intended to protect infantry advancing close behind it.

A small rented agricultural holding in Scotland.

Government exercised directly under the authority of the British monarch and government, rather than through the East India Company.

The deliberate promotion of a leader as exceptionally wise, heroic and indispensable, encouraging personal loyalty to that leader.

The expression of a society’s beliefs, experiences and customs through activities such as art, literature, music and entertainment.

The Norman royal council, whose leading nobles and churchmen advised the king; its name means ‘king’s court’.