OCR GCSE History B key terms

A political union formed in 1428 between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan, which expanded through conquest and shared tribute from defeated states.

A variety of wheat introduced to the Plains in 1873 that grew well in the region’s conditions.

An event or development that marks a significant change in the direction of a site's history.

The extent to which a historical site shares the characteristic features of other comparable sites.

Muslim religious scholars who interpret religious teachings and Islamic law.

Ireland's northern province, where Protestant Unionism was particularly strong, although its population was not uniformly Protestant or Unionist.

Digging beneath a defensive wall or tower to weaken its foundations and cause it to collapse.

A person who held land from a tenant-in-chief rather than directly from the king; knights were important under-tenants.

The United States government and the states that remained loyal to it during the American Civil War.

A person who supported keeping Ireland united with Great Britain and opposed Irish Home Rule.

Attitudes and actions of people outside government, including neighbours, workers, traders and crowds, towards migrants.

A strike begun without the formal authorisation of the workers’ trade union leadership.

The wealthiest and highest-status section of society, including aristocratic landowners and some wealthy industrialists.

An attempt to resist or overthrow an established ruler or government, often using force.

The development of towns, including their buildings, commerce and organisation.

The growth of towns and cities, including an increase in the number of people living in them.

An area governed by the United States that had not yet been admitted as a state.

A term used by medieval church authorities to condemn lending money at interest.

A Voluntary Aid Detachment: a unit of volunteers trained and organised by the Red Cross and St John Ambulance to support medical services. During the First World War, women volunteers undertook nursing support and other hospital duties.

A historical label for moving from place to place without settled employment or a permanent home. Tudor authorities often associated it with disorder.

A person without a settled home who moved from place to place, often seeking work or begging; also called a vagabond.

In Norse belief, Odin’s ‘hall of the slain’, associated with warriors who died in battle.

Beliefs about what is important or desirable, such as religious devotion, social status, loyalty or preserving historic buildings.

An elite Byzantine military force established around 988, including Scandinavian warriors, which served as the emperor’s personal bodyguard as well as fighting in campaigns.

A name used for Scandinavian traders and warriors active in eastern Europe, and later for warriors serving eastern rulers.

A person who owed loyalty and service to a lord, usually in return for holding land.

The power to prevent a proposed law from being passed.