Edexcel GCSE History key terms

The criticism and rejection of aspects of Stalin’s rule, particularly his use of terror, associated with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev after Stalin’s death.

An easing of tension between rival powers, particularly the USA and USSR during the Cold War.

Discouraging an opponent from attacking by making the likely consequences of an attack unacceptable.

A measure intended to discourage an action by making its possible consequences frightening or costly.

Identifying a disease using a patient’s symptoms, examinations and tests.

Treatment that removes waste from the blood when the kidneys cannot do so adequately.

A system of government in which a ruler or ruling group holds power without effective democratic checks or meaningful political opposition.

A wartime campaign encouraging people to grow food in gardens, allotments and public spaces to supplement supplies.

A settlement imposed on a country rather than freely negotiated by it; many Germans described the Treaty of Versailles this way.

A Church district overseen by a bishop.

Managing relations between countries through negotiation, agreements and meetings rather than fighting.

Action that directly challenges an injustice, such as occupying a segregated facility, rather than relying only on petitions or court cases.

The use of a country’s own armed forces in another country’s conflict. In 1585, Elizabeth sent English troops to support the Dutch rebels against Spain.

Treating people unfairly because of characteristics such as their race, for example refusing them housing or service in a shop.

An agreement separating opposing military forces to reduce the risk of renewed fighting. It is not necessarily a final peace treaty.

Cutting open a body to examine its internal structures.

Opposition to the policies or authority of a government.

A person who challenges or criticises the government, particularly in a state where political opposition is restricted.

The closure of monasteries and other religious houses by Henry VIII’s government and the transfer of their property to the Crown.

The belief that a monarch’s authority comes from God, rather than from the monarch’s subjects.

The ending of a legally valid marriage.

Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights reforms and defended racial segregation.

The molecule that carries genetic information. Its structure is a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder.

A pattern produced by analysing selected parts of a person's DNA, which can be compared with DNA recovered from a crime scene.

The written record compiled in 1086 from the Domesday survey, recording landholders, resources and land values.

The investigation of landholding and resources ordered by William I at Christmas 1085 and carried out in 1086.

The belief that if one country became communist, neighbouring countries would also fall to communism, like a line of falling dominoes.