History key terms

The writing of history, including how historians select, organise and interpret evidence.

A quick attack followed by withdrawal before the enemy can organise an effective response.

The carefully promoted image of Hitler as an exceptional leader who embodied Germany’s strength and interests.

An organisation that trained boys in Nazi beliefs, obedience and skills intended to prepare them for military service.

Human immunodeficiency virus: a virus that damages the immune system and can lead to AIDS.

A house of multiple occupation: accommodation occupied by separate households or tenants who share facilities such as a kitchen or bathroom.

A collection of valuable objects, such as coins or jewellery, deliberately hidden or buried together.

A deliberate deception, such as a letter falsely claiming to have been written by a murderer.

The supply network used to move fighters and supplies from North Vietnam towards the fighting in the South.

The persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.

The name given to the devastating famine in Soviet Ukraine that culminated in 1933.

The spear believed by some crusaders to have pierced Jesus’ side during the crucifixion, reportedly discovered at Antioch in June 1098.

The region of the Middle East associated with the life of Jesus Christ, including parts of modern Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

A large collection of territories in central Europe ruled by numerous princes and other rulers under an elected emperor. Charles V became emperor in 1519.

A formal acknowledgement of loyalty by someone holding land from a superior lord.

Civilian activity and organisation within a country at war, including producing supplies, maintaining food production and supporting the armed forces.

Territories created under apartheid to assign Black South Africans to separate ethnic political units, rather than recognise their equal citizenship in South Africa.

A policy allowing Ireland to have its own parliament to manage domestic affairs while remaining within the United Kingdom.

The government minister directly responsible for the Metropolitan Police, including appointing its commissioner.

An 1862 US law allowing settlers to claim 160 acres of public land and gain ownership after living on and improving it for five years, subject to fees.

A settler who established a home and farm on land claimed under homestead legislation, gaining ownership by meeting its conditions.

Prejudice, hostility or discrimination directed towards gay people.

A person's standing and reputation, judged through behaviour and qualities such as courage, generosity and loyalty to others.

A makeshift settlement of shelters built by homeless Americans during the Depression, named to blame President Hoover for their hardship.

Makeshift settlements of homeless people during the Great Depression, named mockingly after President Herbert Hoover.

A heavily armed Greek infantry soldier who fought on foot, usually in a close formation.

Mounted soldiers who use bows, combining missile attacks with rapid movement.

A person handed over as a guarantee that an agreement will be kept.

People handed over as a guarantee that a state will honour an agreement.

A direct communications link established between Washington and Moscow after the Cuban Missile Crisis to help leaders communicate quickly during emergencies.