History key terms

People attached to a powerful person’s household or service.

Punishing an offender because they are considered to deserve punishment for their crime.

Bringing territories previously governed separately under a single national government.

Money or other income received by a government or ruler, including income from land and taxation.

The back face of a coin, often carrying a symbolic image or message.

The slope behind a ridge, away from the enemy, which can shelter troops from observation and direct artillery fire.

A person accused by Maoists of changing or weakening revolutionary communist principles, especially by favouring policies they considered capitalist.

An interpretation challenging the orthodox view, placing greater responsibility on American policies and ambitions, particularly the expansion of US economic influence.

An interpretation which challenges an established view; in the appeasement debate, usually a more sympathetic assessment of Chamberlain’s choices and the constraints he faced.

A preacher who seeks to renew religious commitment, often by urging listeners to repent and experience a personal conversion.

An open rebellion against the authority of a ruler or government.

A body containing representatives of the Party, workers and army that took over the running of institutions such as factories during the Cultural Revolution.

The Latin word for ‘king’, found in early evidence relevant to Roman kingship.

The Roman priestly office established to perform religious duties previously carried out by the king; its name means ‘king of sacred rites’.

The use of language to persuade an audience, for example by appealing to pride, loyalty or fear of dishonour.

Spiral grooves inside a gun barrel that make the projectile spin, improving its accuracy.

A political label used by Mao’s government for people accused of opposing socialism and wanting to restore capitalism; it did not necessarily describe their actual beliefs.

The legal right to live in the UK and enter it without immigration restrictions.

Recognised freedoms, protections or entitlements, such as freedom of worship or the right to vote.

The policy introduced by the Housing Act of 1980 that allowed council tenants to purchase their homes.

The Palestinian refugees’ claim that they should be allowed to return to the homes and land they had left before or during the 1948–49 war.

A fortification enclosed by a roughly circular bank and ditch, with a palisade on the bank.

Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease, without necessarily making it inevitable.

A repeated ceremonial action connected with religious beliefs, such as making an offering or sharing a sacred feast.

The trial of Nelson Mandela and other resistance leaders in 1963–64, which resulted in life sentences for eight defendants in June 1964.

A label used by governments to describe a state considered to threaten international security or reject accepted international standards. It expresses a judgement, rather than a neutral category.

An emergency office in the Roman Republic giving one commander exceptional authority for a limited period.

A medieval architectural style fashionable in Western Europe which drew on Roman architecture and recalled the power of the Roman Empire.

The adoption and adaptation of Roman practices by people under Roman rule, including changes to settlements, government, religion and everyday life. It did not mean that local cultures disappeared.

A territory outside Italy governed under Roman authority rather than by an independent ruler.