OCR GCSE History A key terms

Contrary to the United States Constitution, which sets out the powers and limits of government.

Political activity conducted secretly because open organisation is prohibited or dangerous.

The Universal Negro Improvement Association, led by Marcus Garvey, which promoted Black pride, independence and a ‘Back to Africa’ movement.

The removal of a country’s own nuclear weapons without making this conditional on other countries doing the same.

People who want Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom.

An umbrella movement launched in 1983 that brought together hundreds of organisations opposing apartheid.

The right of all adult citizens to vote, regardless of race or sex.

The buildings, streets, public spaces and other physical features of a town or city.

Lending money at interest; medieval Church teaching prohibited Christians from this practice.

How well a source helps answer a particular historical question, considering both the evidence it provides and its limitations.

The 1535 survey of Church wealth and income organised under Thomas Cromwell. Its Latin name means ‘Value of the Church’.

The power to block a decision. Each permanent member of the United Nations Security Council received this power.

The communist-led guerrilla fighters operating in South Vietnam against its government, US forces and their allies.

The Vietnamese nationalist movement led by Ho Chi Minh that fought French colonial rule and had strong communist connections.

Nixon’s policy of strengthening South Vietnam’s armed forces so that they could take over the fighting as US troops withdrew.

An official inspection used to check religious practice and enforce Church policy.

Education that develops the knowledge and practical skills needed for particular occupations.

The Nazi ideal of a ‘people’s community’, which promised unity while excluding people the regime labelled racial or social outsiders.

A Nazi militia formed in 1944 which conscripted males aged 16–60 who were not already serving in the armed forces to defend Germany.

The US law passed in October 1919 that defined the alcoholic drinks covered by prohibition and provided the mechanism for enforcing the Eighteenth Amendment.

The collapse of share prices on the New York stock market in October 1929, which helped trigger a worldwide economic depression.

Money lent to the government by members of the public to help finance a war, with repayment promised later.

A journalist who reports on a war from the area where it is being fought.

Johnson’s campaign to reduce poverty through measures such as job training, education, housing assistance and community programmes.

A campaign by governments to combat terrorism through measures including military action, intelligence work and policing.

A Soviet-led military alliance established in 1955 between the USSR and communist states in Eastern Europe.

Intermittent conflicts over possession of the English crown in the later fifteenth century, associated with the rival houses of Lancaster and York.