History key terms

Historical evidence concerning a particular place or community, such as a borough council’s records or a resident’s diary.

The 1925 agreements through which Germany accepted its western borders and improved relations with its European neighbours.

The 1925 agreements through which Germany accepted its western borders and participating countries sought to improve European security and peaceful relations.

The position of a site in relation to its surroundings, including landscape, settlements and routes.

An employer’s refusal to allow employees to work, used to put pressure on them during an industrial dispute.

Accommodation where people paid for a bed rather than renting a permanent home; also called a ‘doss house’.

The organisation of supplies, transport and equipment needed to keep an army operating.

Followers of ideas associated with John Wycliffe who emphasised the authority of the Bible and challenged aspects of Catholic teaching, clerical wealth and religious practice.

A tall, powerful bow used by trained archers to shoot arrows over considerable distances.

The movement of a cattle herd over hundreds of miles, guided by cowboys, towards buyers or a railway loading point.

An elongated dwelling that formed the main building of a Viking farm, with a central fireplace and spaces for sitting and sleeping along the walls.

A fortified Viking ship camp in Ireland, used to protect ships, shelter raiders and support further expeditions.

A Viking warship powered by sails and oars, used to transport warriors quickly across seas and along rivers.

Fortifications connecting Athens with the coast and its ports, including Piraeus and Phaleron.

The stealing of possessions or supplies by soldiers during warfare.

A senior royal officer responsible for the Great Seal, official royal documents and oversight of the legal system.

A noble appointed by the queen to exercise royal authority in a county, including organising its militia and supervising Justices of the Peace.

The title taken by Oliver Cromwell in 1653 as head of state in place of a king.

The name given to the English settlement established on Roanoke Island in 1587, whose inhabitants were missing when John White returned in 1590.

The United States’ purchase of France’s claimed Louisiana territory in 1803 for US$15 million.

A traditional Afghan grand assembly brought together to make important national political decisions.

Organised support for the monarchy and existing constitution, particularly in opposition to revolution.

An American colonist who remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution.

The Indigenous inhabitants of the Bahamas whom Columbus encountered in 1492.

Workers who attacked textile machinery because they believed it threatened their employment and livelihoods.

Germany’s air force during the Second World War.

A ritual purification. Livy describes Servius purifying the assembled citizen army through sacrifice at the completion of the census.

A five-year period associated with the Roman census; the plural is lustra.

A tax on selected non-essential goods, such as furs, which raises government revenue and generally increases the cost of buying them.

Killing by a mob without a lawful trial, used to terrorise African Americans.