OCR GCSE History B key terms

The geographical pattern of where something is located, including concentrations and gaps.

A lack of agreement or cooperation within a group, such as rivalry between commanders over control of captured towns.

The range of different people, groups and activities connected with a historical site.

A survey ordered by William the Conqueror and compiled in 1086, recording landholdings and resources across much of England and parts of Wales.

Paid employment in another person’s household, carrying out tasks such as cooking, cleaning and laundry.

The Defence of the Realm Act, passed on 8 August 1914, which gave the British government emergency powers to support the war effort.

A spy who appears to serve one side while secretly working for its opponent.

The depth of a ship below the waterline. A shallow draught allows a ship to travel through relatively shallow water.

A powerful new type of battleship named after HMS Dreadnought, launched by Britain in 1906.

A territory ruled by a duke, a high-ranking noble.

A ceremonial gathering used to display royal authority in India.

People from Holland and neighbouring Dutch-speaking areas of the Low Countries; medieval territories did not have the same boundaries as the modern Netherlands.

A family whose members rule in succession.

An important noble who governed a region on behalf of the king and could organise forces for its defence.

The period from approximately 1500 to 1750, between the medieval period and the later industrial age.

The English trading company chartered by Elizabeth I in 1600 to organise trade with the East.

Severe damage to an environment, including its vegetation, soil and water systems.

A person who moves from one country to another mainly to improve their economic circumstances, such as by finding work or earning higher wages.

The production, exchange and consumption of goods and services, including how wealth and government revenue are generated.

The early twentieth-century period associated with the reign of Edward VII, who ruled Britain from 1901 to 1910.

The European Economic Community: an organisation promoting economic cooperation between European countries, which Britain joined in 1973.

Mobile units of the German Security Police and Security Service that carried out mass killings, especially in the occupied Soviet Union.

An agreement between parties about which candidates will stand, intended to avoid dividing their supporters' votes.

The people who are entitled to vote in an election.

The small, powerful group at the top of society, distinguished by wealth, authority and high status.

Release from slavery. Emancipation ended a person's status as enslaved but did not itself guarantee economic independence or equal treatment.

Lincoln’s declaration, effective from 1 January 1863, that enslaved people in designated areas in rebellion against the United States were free. It did not abolish slavery throughout the country.