Edexcel GCSE History key terms

A system in which landlords own land that peasants farm, benefiting from the peasants’ labour through payments such as rent.

Taking land from its existing owners and allocating it to others; in early Communist China, land was taken from landlords and given to peasants.

Changes to the ownership or distribution of agricultural land. Communist promises and redistribution of land to peasants helped win rural support during the Civil War.

Buying land in the expectation of selling it later at a profit.

The Chinese system of ‘Reform Through Labour’, which used imprisonment and compulsory work to punish prisoners and attempt to change their thinking.

A term used for sailors from South Asia employed on European ships.

Position north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees.

The work of preventing crime, investigating offences and taking action against suspected offenders.

An Israeli law passed on 5 July 1950 giving every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel, with entitlement to citizenship provided through subsequent nationality legislation.

The Nazi organisation for girls aged 14–18, also known as the BDM. It promoted Nazi beliefs, physical fitness and preparation for motherhood and domestic responsibilities.

An international organisation established after the First World War to encourage cooperation and settle disputes peacefully.

A programme established by Heinrich Himmler in 1935 to support births and mothers who met Nazi racial criteria, including unmarried mothers.

‘Living space’: the Nazi aim of acquiring territory in Eastern Europe for German expansion.

A court decision that provides a basis for deciding later legal cases.

The recognised right to hold a position. In a royal succession, legitimacy could depend on lawful birth and descent from previous monarchs.

A person legally recognised as entitled to inherit. For Henry VIII, a legitimate child was one born within a marriage recognised as valid.

Lenin’s assessment of potential successors, which criticised several leading Communists and recommended Stalin’s removal as General Secretary.

An organised effort to encourage changes in everyday behaviour that reduce the risk of illness.

A habit, behaviour or aspect of daily life that affects health, such as smoking, diet or alcohol consumption.

Industries producing consumer goods, such as clothing, rather than heavy industrial products such as steel.

An agreed boundary separating areas claimed by different powers.

The routes connecting an army with its supplies, reinforcements and bases.

The ability to read and write.

A reading or writing test used as a condition for voter registration. Southern officials used these tests unfairly to exclude Black voters.

A collection of quotations from Mao Zedong’s speeches and writings, used to spread his ideas and encourage loyalty to him.

Historical evidence concerning a particular place or community, such as a borough council’s records or a resident’s diary.

The 1925 agreements through which Germany accepted its western borders and improved relations with its European neighbours.