Eduqas GCSE History key terms

An attempt by a small group to seize control of a government, usually through force or other unconstitutional means.

The belief that God created life; the fundamentalist creationists discussed here defended a literal interpretation of the biblical creation story.

Borrowed money, or an arrangement to obtain something now and pay for it later.

Artillery fire whose target moves forwards in stages, with infantry advancing behind it towards enemy positions.

A defensive arrangement of ships in a curved shape, used by the Armada to protect its vulnerable supply ships.

An action or omission that breaks the law and can be punished by the state.

A weapon with a bow mounted across a stock, which shoots a bolt rather than a conventional arrow.

One of the medieval military campaigns promoted by the papacy to bring the Holy Land under Christian control.

One of the territories established by Latin Christian rulers in the eastern Mediterranean following the First Crusade: Edessa, Antioch, Tripoli or Jerusalem.

The organised glorification of a leader through propaganda, presenting that person as exceptionally wise and essential to the country.

The German Labour Front: the Nazi-controlled organisation that replaced independent trade unions and controlled workers' pay and working hours.

A card used at a formal ball to list dances and record the partners arranged for them.

An endurance contest in which participants danced or walked to music for an extended period.

‘Dance of Death’ imagery in art and literature, reflecting concern with death and human mortality.

The 1924 agreement that lowered Germany’s initial annual reparations payments, provided foreign lending and arranged withdrawal from the Ruhr, helping economic recovery.

A leisure visit that involves travelling away from home and returning on the same day, without an overnight stay.

The process through which colonies became independent of the countries that ruled them.

Removing criminal penalties from an activity, sometimes only under specified conditions.

Respect for, and willingness to accept the judgement of, people regarded as socially superior or authoritative.

A chemical used to remove leaves from plants, making concealed routes and bases more visible.

A label used by the Nazis to condemn art, music and literature that they considered unacceptable or contrary to Nazi values.

The reduction or dismantling of a country's industrial capacity.

The decline of manufacturing and other traditional industries within an economy.

Stalin’s campaign to eliminate kulaks as a class through confiscation, removal and repression.

The removal or prohibition of military forces in an area.

The release of members of the armed forces from military service, allowing them to return to civilian life.

The introduction of greater public participation and electoral choice into government. Gorbachev initially intended competition between candidates within the existing Communist system, not full multiparty democracy.