History key terms

Removing blood from a patient, historically used to restore the supposed balance of the humours.

The false accusation that Jewish people murdered Christian children for religious purposes.

The transfer of blood from a donor into a patient's bloodstream to replace blood that has been lost.

The collection of laws that made a large number of offences punishable by death, including relatively minor crimes.

The violent confrontation in Trafalgar Square in 1887 when police, supported by soldiers, dispersed demonstrators, damaging trust in the police among their critics.

A Viking religious sacrifice or celebration intended to gain the gods’ goodwill in return for offerings.

A school where pupils live as well as study. Schools used in assimilation policies separated Native American children from their families and discouraged their languages and traditions.

A local body organised to respond to threats to health, including monitoring outbreaks and distributing advice.

A bridge supported by floating boats, allowing people, animals and equipment to cross water.

Southern African settlers of mainly Dutch ancestry, also including people of German and French descent. The Boer republics fought to preserve their independence from Britain.

Members of the revolutionary socialist party led by Lenin, which sought to overthrow the Provisional Government and establish a government based on soviet power.

Heavy, sustained firing by artillery against an area or enemy position.

An agreement reached in December 2001 establishing arrangements for an interim Afghan government and a transition towards a constitution and elections.

A group of First World War veterans who marched to Washington in 1932 to demand early payment of a promised military service bonus.

A concealed device designed to injure or kill someone who triggers it.

The official book of services and prayers introduced in English under Edward VI in 1549, composed mainly by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer.

Charles Booth’s investigation of London’s poverty, employment and social conditions, recorded in notebooks, published volumes and poverty maps.

The illegal production, transport or sale of alcohol.

Goods or wealth seized in war, which could be distributed or sold to raise funds.

A lower-status peasant with a small holding who owed services to the lord.

A raider from the English–Scottish borderlands who stole livestock and goods, often as part of a powerful family group.

Warfare connected with control of frontier regions or neighbouring territories.

An institution for young offenders which combined strict discipline with education, training and physical activity.

The Athenian council of 500 citizens, selected annually by lot, which prepared the assembly’s agenda and supervised administration.

An organised group established by Henry Fielding in London in 1749 to pursue criminals, recover stolen property and gather evidence, later developed by John Fielding.

An organised refusal to buy goods or use services as a form of protest.

A route to the Montana goldfields through the Powder River Country, an important Lakota hunting area.

The movement of skilled and educated workers out of a country, reducing its supply of expertise and labour.

An opening made in a defensive wall through which attackers can enter.

An attempt by a surrounded or trapped force to force its way out to a safer position.