History key terms

A false system of ranking human groups as supposedly superior or inferior, used by the Nazis to justify unequal treatment.

The policy or practice of keeping racial groups apart, including in schools, housing and public facilities.

Prejudice, discrimination or hostility directed at people because of their race or ethnic background.

The National Labour Service, which organised labour on public projects. From 1935, six months’ service was compulsory for young men aged 18–25.

Radio Detection and Ranging: technology that uses radio waves to detect objects such as approaching aircraft.

The use of radiation to treat cancer, rather than to produce a diagnostic image.

A campaign for fundamental political change, such as widening voting rights and challenging unequal parliamentary representation.

Members of the Republican Party who wanted stronger federal action to reconstruct the South and secure equal civil and political rights for African Americans.

The treatment of cancer using radiation to destroy cancer cells or reduce tumour growth.

An informal name for the clothing and garment industry.

A rapid attack intended to seize wealth, captives or supplies, rather than necessarily to hold territory permanently.

The Dutch attack on docked English warships in 1667, during which the flagship Royal Charles was captured.

A place where goods or livestock could be loaded onto trains, linking overland routes to the railway network.

British rule in India, including directly governed provinces and princely states under British authority.

Powerful warrior rulers and clans, many of whom held kingdoms in Rajasthan in northern India.

A stock character presented as wealthy, witty and attractive despite immoral behaviour.

The Royal Army Medical Corps: the British Army organisation responsible for medical treatment and the transport of sick and wounded soldiers.

A business that keeps and raises livestock, such as cattle, using extensive grazing land.

An armed conflict between rival groups over ranching interests, land or control of local business.

Money or valuables demanded or offered in exchange for releasing a prisoner.

The improvement of relations between countries after a period of hostility.

Formal approval of a proposed constitutional amendment. The ERA required approval by at least 38 states.

An explanation based on natural processes rather than supernatural forces; it is not necessarily scientifically correct.

Government limits on the quantities of scarce goods that individuals can buy, intended to share available supplies more fairly.

Food allowances distributed by the government. Dependence on these supplies gave officials leverage over Native American families.

The materials used to make products, such as iron for tools or leather for shoes.

A territory governed by a ruler, such as a king or duke.

The purchasing power of earnings: how much workers can buy with their wages.

The troops positioned at the back of a moving army to protect it against attacks from behind.

The expansion or strengthening of a country’s armed forces and weapon supplies.