History key terms

An alliance of Latin towns which opposed Rome during the early Republic.

Position north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees.

A washing facility in a monastery.

The work of preventing crime, investigating offences and taking action against suspected offenders.

An Israeli law passed on 5 July 1950 giving every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel, with entitlement to citizenship provided through subsequent nationality legislation.

The appointment of someone to a church office by a non-clerical ruler, such as a king or emperor.

The personal qualities and decisions through which a commander directs, organises and motivates an army.

The alliance of Greek states established by Philip II in 337 BC, through which he obtained authority to wage war against Persia in the name of Greece.

The girls’ branch of the Nazi youth movement, which combined physical activities with preparation for domestic life and motherhood.

The Nazi girls’ organisation, also called the League of German Maidens, which promoted loyalty to Hitler and preparation for motherhood.

The Nazi organisation for girls aged 14–18, also known as the BDM. It promoted Nazi beliefs, physical fitness and preparation for motherhood and domestic responsibilities.

The international organisation created after the First World War to encourage cooperation and resolve disputes peacefully.

A programme established by Heinrich Himmler in 1935 to support births and mothers who met Nazi racial criteria, including unmarried mothers.

The Nazi aim of acquiring ‘living space’ for Germans, particularly through expansion into eastern Europe.

The lasting effects of imperial rule after colonies become independent, including migration, cultural connections and international relationships.

A court decision that provides a basis for deciding later legal cases.

A traditional story which may preserve historical memories but whose details cannot necessarily be verified.

A large unit of the Roman army. Vespasian commanded the Second Legion, known as II Augusta.

Having the right to exercise power or rule.

A child born within a legally recognised marriage who is entitled to inherit under the relevant rules.

The American policy introduced in March 1941 that provided countries such as Britain with weapons and other wartime supplies without immediate payment.

Lenin’s assessment of potential successors, which criticised several leading Communists and recommended Stalin’s removal as General Secretary.

A royal grant allowing a foreign-born person to be treated broadly as an English-born subject, with rights such as owning land and using English courts, in return for allegiance to the king. It did not necessarily remove every legal disadvantage.

An official commission authorising a privateer to attack specified enemy targets; it was not unrestricted permission to raid.

Documents issued by the royal administration for a fee from the 1380s, granting immigrants certain rights normally reserved for English people, including property ownership, lower tax rates and access to central courts.

The eastern Mediterranean region, through which Asian goods reached European buyers.

A radical movement during the Civil War era that demanded wider male voting rights, religious freedom and equality before the law.

A liquid offering poured out in honour of a deity.

Laws passed by the Liberal government between 1906 and 1914 to improve health and welfare, including school meals, pensions and National Insurance.

Politicians who broke away from the Liberal Party over opposition to Irish Home Rule and became allies of the Conservatives.