Edexcel GCSE History key terms

Demonstrating bravery by approaching and touching a living enemy, for example with a special stick, rather than necessarily killing him.

An attempt by a small group to seize control of a government outside the normal legal process.

A group at court united by shared interests and seeking influence over the monarch.

A person who attended the monarch’s court and could seek favour or influence through access to the ruler.

Noble men and women who attended the monarch’s court, providing company, entertainment and advice.

The government institution established under Cromwell to administer property and income acquired from dissolved religious houses.

Competition among people close to the monarch for royal favour, influence and positions of power.

A disease of cattle that could infect people handling cows, usually causing a mild illness. Infection could protect a person against smallpox.

A settlement where cattle were gathered and sold before being transported by rail.

A skilled worker who makes goods, such as wooden cups, metal tools or leather shoes.

The gap between official government claims and what the public believed was happening, which weakened trust in those governing the country.

A moving curtain of artillery fire intended to protect advancing infantry by keeping enemy defenders under cover.

An arrangement of ships in a curved line, with stronger ships protecting more vulnerable vessels within the fleet.

An offence that challenges the state or public order, such as treason or rioting.

An offence involving someone’s possessions or assets, such as theft, fraud or criminal damage.

An offence that harms or threatens an individual, such as murder or assault.

Changing the crops grown in a field over successive years. In the three-field system, crops and a fallow year rotated between the fields.

A cross bearing a representation of Jesus Christ.

A religious military expedition authorised by the pope; the Third Crusade aimed to recover Jerusalem for Christian rule.

Territories established and ruled by Christian lords after conquest during the crusades.

A commitment to defending and extending Christianity, which could motivate warfare and expansion.

A computed tomography scan: a technology that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

The promotion of a leader as an exceptional, almost infallible figure deserving personal devotion.

Defiance expressed through activities such as music, dancing or lifestyle rather than an organised attempt to overthrow a government.

The political campaign launched by Mao in 1966 to attack alleged opponents and reshape Chinese society around revolutionary communist ideas.

A method of growing microorganisms under controlled conditions so that they can be studied.

An order requiring people to remain indoors during specified hours, restricting movement and public gatherings.

The subjects taught in schools and the content pupils are expected to study.