History key terms

A firing mechanism in which a hammer strikes a small explosive cap to ignite the gunpowder charge.

Gorbachev’s policy of restructuring the Soviet economy, including allowing some private enterprise and seeking to reduce the burden of military spending.

A law proposed by Pericles in 451/0 BC requiring both parents to be Athenian citizens for their child to qualify for citizenship.

Knowingly giving false testimony under oath.

A boundary established in 1834 intended to separate Indigenous lands in the west from white settlement, guarded by army forts.

Trotsky’s view that revolution needed to spread internationally rather than remain confined to the USSR.

The lasting settlement of major disputed questions, including borders, refugees and Jerusalem, rather than temporary arrangements for self-government.

Unfair or hostile treatment of people because of their religion, identity or beliefs.

A major Persian royal centre whose palace Alexander burned in 330 BC.

An individual’s description of their own experiences, recorded in forms such as a diary, letter, interview or memoir.

A system in which one leader dominates government and suppresses effective opposition.

The promotion of a leader as an exceptional, almost infallible figure who deserves personal devotion and obedience.

The period from 1629 to 1640 when Charles I governed England without calling Parliament.

A building used to isolate and care for people suffering from an infectious disease such as plague.

A formal request to an authority, usually supported by signatures.

A council representing workers and soldiers in Russia’s capital, which exercised influence alongside the Provisional Government in 1917.

An elementary school teaching young children basic reading, arithmetic and religious knowledge.

The theft of goods of relatively low value, such as bread or poultry.

The Macedonian heavy infantry known as the Foot Companions, who fought with sarissas in the phalanx.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine: a radical Palestinian organisation led by George Habash which used attacks including aircraft hijackings.

A closely packed formation of infantry carrying long spears, which depended on soldiers maintaining an organised line.

A representation of a penis used as a ritual object; the Brea inscription requires one to be brought to the Dionysia.

The Egyptian king, whose position included religious duties as well as political rule.

The businesses involved in researching, developing and manufacturing medicines.

Someone who contributes money, effort or resources to projects intended to improve other people’s lives.

An approach that uses money or resources to improve other people’s welfare. Philanthropic housing could combine a social purpose with a limited financial return.

A written work presented as a conversation between speakers, allowing ideas to be developed and challenged through questions and answers.

The period from September 1939 to May 1940 when Britain was at war with Germany but the expected major bombing attacks on British cities had not yet begun.

A traditional Athenian association connected with family membership and religious rites. Under Cleisthenes, registration with a deme replaced phratry membership as the basis of admission to the citizen body.

The use or threat of force to put pressure on those in authority.