History key terms

A large company legally organised as a single business, which may own or control many factories and other operations.

A Latin expression meaning a separate entity. The UN partition plan proposed this status for Jerusalem and its surrounding religiously significant area.

Checking evidence against other sources to identify agreement, differences or missing information.

The misuse of a position of power for personal benefit, such as officials stealing public money or officers taking supplies intended for soldiers.

Two monarchs sharing a throne. Cleopatra initially ruled jointly with her brother Ptolemy XIII, although they struggled against each other for control.

A monarch who formally shares rule with another monarch, although their actual political power may be unequal.

A machine that separates cotton fibres from their seeds. Eli Whitney invented a version suited to short-staple cotton in 1793.

The cotton-growing region of the southern United States, which expanded westwards and depended heavily on enslaved labour.

Homes owned by a local council and rented to residents.

The governing council established in Spain in 1524 to oversee American affairs and advise the monarch.

A governing body responsible for northern England, reorganised after the Pilgrimage of Grace to strengthen royal control.

Measures intended to defeat an armed rebellion, including military action and attempts to reduce popular support for the rebels.

Measures used to defeat an armed rebellion, including military action and efforts to reduce the rebels’ support among civilians.

A planned offensive undertaken in response to an enemy’s attacks, intended to regain the initiative.

The Catholic movement to strengthen the Church, reform abuses and resist the spread of Protestantism.

An interpretation which challenges revisionist defences of appeasement, especially by arguing that Chamberlain had alternatives despite the difficulties he faced.

Someone accused of opposing or trying to reverse a revolution. In Mao’s China, the CCP used this label against people it regarded as threats to communist rule.

Measures intended to prevent terrorist attacks, identify those planning them and respond to threats.

A siege engine in which a falling counterweight rotates a throwing arm and launches a projectile from a sling.

A demonstration of bravery in warfare, such as approaching and touching a living enemy rather than killing him.

An attempt by a small group to seize control of a government outside the normal legal process.

The royal household and the people gathered around the monarch, including advisers, nobles, servants and royal companions; also the setting in which they met.

A group at court united by shared interests and seeking influence over the monarch.

A person who attended the royal court, often seeking the monarch’s favour, influence or rewards.

Noble men and women who attended the monarch’s court, providing company, entertainment and advice.

The financial court established in 1536 to administer property and income acquired by the Crown from dissolved monasteries.

The critical nickname for Roosevelt’s 1937 proposal to expand the Supreme Court, which opponents believed would let him appoint judges sympathetic to the New Deal.

Competition among people close to the monarch for royal favour, influence and positions of power.

A written record of a court’s business, traditionally kept on a roll of parchment.

The written agreement setting out the League of Nations’ aims, organisation and members’ obligations; it formed part of the 1919 peace settlement.