History key terms

Broad agreement between the main political parties after 1945 about maintaining substantial welfare provision and government involvement in the economy, despite continuing disagreements.

A plant disease that destroyed much of Ireland’s potato crop from 1845.

A thick soup or stew, commonly made with peas, beans and other available ingredients.

A condition in which people lack the resources needed to obtain essentials such as sufficient food, clothing and shelter.

A minimum level of income needed to afford basic necessities. People below it cannot reliably meet those needs.

An arrangement in which representatives of different political communities share responsibility for government.

The emperor’s elite bodyguard, which could also accompany him on campaign.

An approach focused on practical ways of achieving an aim.

The period of reform in Czechoslovakia in 1968, led by Alexander Dubček, which sought to make communist rule less restrictive.

An earlier action or decision that can be used to justify similar actions in future.

A weapon whose course can be guided towards a selected target, for example using laser guidance or satellite navigation.

An attack launched first to prevent an anticipated enemy attack.

A prejudgement about a person or group, rather than a judgement based on their individual actions or qualities.

A system of Church government led by elected elders rather than bishops.

A loose grouping within Parliament which favoured a nationally organised Presbyterian Church and generally supported a negotiated settlement with Charles I.

Germany’s head of state, who appointed the Chancellor. During this period, the President was Paul von Hindenburg.

A government without a parliamentary majority that depended primarily on the President’s support.

An organised group seeking to influence government policy or public opinion on particular issues, rather than form a government itself.

Respect and admiration associated with power, wealth or achievement.

A stated justification for an action which conceals its real motive.

Action taken to stop illness developing, rather than treating someone after they become ill.

Action taken to reduce the risk of illness before it develops, rather than treating people only after they become ill.

Government limits on the prices sellers may charge for goods or services.

The army’s removal of MPs who opposed its plans in 1648, leaving a reduced House of Commons known as the Rump Parliament.

A historical account compiled in Kiev around 1113, describing the early Rus rulers and settlements but also containing legendary material.

Poverty in which a household’s total income is insufficient to afford basic necessities, even if it spends its money as carefully as possible.

Evidence produced during the period being studied, such as a contemporary photograph, census return or police report.

The custom by which the eldest son inherited a landholder’s estate.

An Indian territory governed by a prince under treaty arrangements with Britain, rather than administered directly as a British province.

The senator placed first on the Senate's membership list, a position of considerable prestige rather than a separate military command.