History key terms

Organisations regulating particular trades in a town or city, including rules governing who could practise those trades.

The Soviet system of forced-labour camps in which prisoners were confined and made to work.

The resolution passed by the US Congress on 7 August 1964 that authorised President Johnson to take broad military action in Southeast Asia.

An explosive mixture used to propel projectiles from weapons such as cannon.

The Chinese Nationalist Party, led by Chiang Kai-shek during the Chinese Civil War; also called the Kuomintang or KMT.

A legal safeguard allowing the lawfulness of a person’s detention to be challenged in court.

The ruling dynasty to which Charles V belonged. His possessions included Spain as well as territories associated with the Holy Roman Empire.

Pieces of silver, including cut coins and jewellery, used for payment according to their weight.

The main Jewish defence organisation in British Mandate Palestine, which became the basis of Israel’s national armed forces.

A description of Edward I emphasising his military campaigns and harsh treatment of Scottish opponents; it does not mean that he achieved lasting conquest.

The royal dynasty whose rule in Britain began when George I succeeded Queen Anne in 1714.

The inheritance of the throne by the Protestant House of Hanover, beginning with George I in 1714.

Construction workers, named after their protective helmets, who demonstrated support for the government and the Vietnam War.

A flourishing of African-American literature, music and art associated with Harlem in New York during the 1920s and 1930s.

A campaign of deliberate destruction carried out by an army to punish opposition and deprive people of the resources needed to resist.

The deliberate devastation of northern England by William’s forces in 1069–1070, involving the destruction of settlements, food supplies and livestock to crush resistance.

The Carthaginian commander associated with the defence of Africa whose death during unrest at Carthage is described by Appian; he was not Hannibal’s brother, Hasdrubal Barca.

An offence motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

The section of the Metropolitan Police responsible for policing Whitechapel.

A piece of high land projecting into the sea or another body of water.

Information received from other people rather than witnessed directly.

A place where a fire burns inside a building, used for heating and cooking.

Industries producing or processing materials such as coal, iron and steel, rather than finished goods for everyday household use.

The leader of an alliance; Philip II and then Alexander held this position in the League of Corinth.

A person entitled to inherit a position or property, including a royal throne.

Relating to the Greek-influenced cultures and kingdoms that developed after Alexander the Great’s conquests.

An enslaved population under Spartan control. Thucydides explains that most of the helots involved in the revolt at Ithome descended from conquered Messenians.

An official messenger sent by a ruler or state, often to deliver demands or conduct diplomatic business.

Indirect protection against an infection when enough people are immune that it spreads less easily.

A condition that can be passed from parents to children through their genes.