Edexcel GCSE History key terms

Illegally hunting or taking animals on land where someone else holds the hunting rights.

A violent attack by a crowd against a particular community, especially a Jewish community, involving actions such as looting, arson and murder.

Repeated actions by police that intimidate or unfairly target individuals or a community.

A state in which the government uses police powers, surveillance and repression to control people and suppress opposition, without effective legal protection against these actions.

The senior leadership body of the Chinese Communist Party.

A Bolshevik representative attached to military units to supervise political loyalty.

Competition between states for power, influence and security.

A tax that had to be paid before voting, creating a barrier for people who could not afford it.

A container holding sweet-smelling substances, carried to protect against supposed disease-causing bad air.

A broad alliance of Indigenous peoples’ resistance to British forts, policies and colonial expansion, with its main phase in 1763–64.

A local tax collected to fund assistance for the poor.

Money, goods or other assistance provided to people in poverty.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, whose authority Henry challenged to secure his annulment.

A group assembled by a law-enforcement officer to help pursue suspects or enforce the law.

Lacking the resources needed to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter.

An approach focused on practical ways of achieving an aim.

Alexander Dubček’s programme of reforms in Czechoslovakia in spring 1968, intended to increase freedom while retaining socialism.

An earlier action or decision that can be used to justify similar actions in future.

A weapon whose course can be guided towards a selected target, for example using laser guidance or satellite navigation.

An attack launched first to prevent an anticipated enemy attack.

A prejudgement about people based on the group they belong to rather than their individual qualities.

Germany’s head of state, who appointed the Chancellor. During this period, the President was Paul von Hindenburg.

A government without a parliamentary majority that depended primarily on the President’s support.

Respect and admiration associated with power, wealth or achievement.

Action taken to stop illness developing, rather than treating someone after they become ill.

Evidence produced during the period being studied, such as a contemporary photograph, census return or police report.

The custom that the eldest son inherits his father’s property or titles. Robert used this principle to support his claim to both England and Normandy.