History key terms

An identity combining English and Norman customs and language, which developed after the Norman Conquest through settlement and interaction.

The peoples of early medieval England whose kingdoms, including Wessex, faced Viking attacks and settlement.

The kingdoms of England, Denmark and Norway brought under Cnut’s rule. ‘Anglo’ refers to England and ‘Scandinavian’ to the northern European kingdoms. It is also called the North Sea Empire.

Historical writing organised around successive years, although an author may group connected events together.

A historical record arranged by year, often written by monks or other churchmen.

The incorporation of another territory into a state, usually without the agreement of its inhabitants or government.

Annual payments, often delivered as money, goods or supplies, promised by the US government to Native American tribes.

An annual payment. Under the first Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, the US government promised participating Plains peoples payments totalling US$50,000 each year.

A ruling that a marriage was not valid in the first place, rather than a divorce ending a valid marriage.

A ruler whose coronation included a religious ceremony of anointing, reinforcing the belief that royal authority came from God.

Being unknown to the people around you, making it harder for others to identify you or know your behaviour.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition: technology that reads vehicle registration plates and checks them against records.

The political union of Austria with Germany, achieved by Hitler in March 1938.

A kingdom in south-western Iran, ruled by Cyrus and his father Cambyses I, with a mixed Persian and Elamite population.

A medicine that kills bacteria or stops their growth; antibiotics do not treat viral infections.

The ability of bacteria to survive an antibiotic that would normally kill them or stop their growth.

An agreement against international communism, signed by Germany and Japan in November 1936 and joined by Italy in 1937.

Organised efforts to challenge racial prejudice, discrimination and racist political activity.

Opposition to racism through campaigning, protest, education or legal action.

The campaign launched in June 1957 to punish people accused of opposing communist rule, including many who had criticised the Party during the Hundred Flowers campaign.

Prejudice, hostility or discrimination against Jewish people.

A substance applied to living tissue to kill microorganisms or reduce their growth, helping to prevent infection.

Behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress to other people; it can overlap with criminal activity.

The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose troops fought at Gallipoli.

A large audience hall in a Persian royal palace, used for receiving people and displaying royal authority.

South Africa’s system of legally enforced racial segregation and white minority rule.

A sacred Egyptian bull associated with the god Ptah, worshipped during its lifetime and given an elaborate burial after death.

The abandonment or rejection of a religious faith. Aurangzeb used an accusation of abandoning Islam against Dara before his execution.

A practitioner who prepared and sold medicines, especially herbal remedies.

A procedure through which an accused person challenges a judicial decision.