Edexcel GCSE History key terms

Gorbachev’s policy of restructuring the Soviet economy to improve its performance.

A boundary established in 1834 to separate white settlement from Indigenous territory, which the US government intended to protect from white settlement.

Trotsky’s view that revolution needed to spread internationally rather than remain confined to the USSR.

The lasting settlement of major disputed questions, including borders, refugees and Jerusalem, rather than temporary arrangements for self-government.

Hostile or oppressive treatment of people because of characteristics or beliefs, such as their religion.

An individual’s description of their own experiences, recorded in forms such as a diary, letter, interview or memoir.

A system in which one leader dominates government and suppresses effective opposition.

A separate institution for people suffering from infectious diseases, such as plague or pox.

A formal request presented to a ruler or government, often setting out grievances and asking for changes.

A council representing workers and soldiers in Russia’s capital, which exercised influence alongside the Provisional Government in 1917.

An elementary school teaching young children basic reading, arithmetic and religious knowledge.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine: a radical Palestinian organisation led by George Habash which used attacks including aircraft hijackings.

Someone who contributes money, effort or resources to projects intended to improve other people’s lives.

The period from September 1939 to May 1940 when Britain was at war with Germany but the expected major bombing attacks on British cities had not yet begun.

A university-trained medical practitioner who diagnosed illness and recommended treatment.

A system of payment in which workers earn according to how much they produce.

Religious devotion, expressed through beliefs and actions such as prayer and support for the Church.

An infantry soldier armed with a long spear called a pike, used against enemy infantry and to protect troops from cavalry.

A journey to a place regarded as holy, made for religious reasons.

A series of northern English uprisings in 1536 against Henry VIII’s religious changes and other government policies, with the main Yorkshire rebellion led by Robert Aske.

A system that uses Latin letters to represent the sounds of Mandarin Chinese, helping learners pronounce words and characters.

Deeply religious and devoted to the duties of one’s faith.

Robbery at sea, including attacks on ships to seize their cargo.

The People’s Liberation Army: China’s armed forces, which Mao used to suppress the Red Guards and restore order.

An economy in which the state directs production and investment rather than leaving these decisions mainly to markets.

A large agricultural estate producing crops for sale using a substantial workforce; in colonial America, many relied on enslaved labour.

The Palestine Liberation Organization: an organisation representing Palestinian national aspirations, led during this period by Yasser Arafat.