IB History SL key terms

The origin of a historical source, including its author, date, place, and purpose. Provenance helps evaluate reliability and bias.

A document or artifact created during the period under study, such as letters, speeches, or photographs. It offers direct evidence but may reflect limited perspectives.

An interpretation of past events created after the period, such as textbooks or scholarly articles. It synthesizes primary evidence and reflects the author's analytical choices.

A systematic slant in a source that favors a particular viewpoint or interest. Bias affects reliability but does not automatically make a source useless.

The extent to which a source can be trusted as accurate and representative. It depends on provenance, corroboration, and the purpose behind the source.

The process of confirming information by comparing multiple independent sources. It strengthens a claim when sources agree and raises doubt when they conflict.

Information spread deliberately to promote a cause or damage an opponent. It often uses emotional appeals and selective facts.

The suppression of information or expression deemed unacceptable by authorities. It limits what sources are produced and can distort the historical record.

The study of how history has been written and interpreted over time. It examines changing methods, perspectives, and debates among historians.

A reinterpretation of historical events that challenges established views. Revisionist historians use new evidence or perspectives to revise accepted narratives.

A state where power is concentrated in a single leader or small elite, with limited political pluralism and often suppressed opposition. Control extends to economy, society, and culture.

A political system that seeks total control over society and individuals, using ideology, terror, and mass mobilization. It aims to transform human nature and eliminate independent institutions.

An excessive public image of a leader built through propaganda, portraying them as infallible and heroic. It reinforces loyalty and legitimizes authoritarian rule.

A series of centralized economic targets set by a government, notably in the USSR and China, to rapidly industrialize. They often prioritized heavy industry at the expense of consumers.

The forced consolidation of private farmland into collective farms under state control. It aimed to increase agricultural output but often caused resistance and famine.

A campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union in the late 1930s, involving arrests, show trials, and executions of alleged opponents. It eliminated perceived threats to Stalin's power.

A public trial staged to demonstrate the regime's power and to discredit the accused, often with forced confessions. The verdict is predetermined and serves political purposes.

The use of violence or intimidation by a state or group to achieve political goals. In authoritarian states, state terror is used to suppress opposition and maintain control.

A security agency that operates covertly to monitor and suppress political opponents. Examples include the Gestapo and the NKVD.

A diplomatic policy of making concessions to an aggressive power to avoid conflict. Associated with Britain and France's response to Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

A military tactic combining rapid armored advances, air power, and infantry to overwhelm defenses. Used effectively by Germany in the early years of World War II.

Warfare that mobilizes all societal resources, including civilians, economy, and industry. It blurs the distinction between combatants and non-combatants.

The civilian population and activities behind the lines during wartime, including production and morale. Its support is crucial for sustaining total war.

An international organization founded after World War I to promote peace and collective security. It lacked enforcement power and failed to prevent aggression in the 1930s.

The process of identifying and explaining why historical events occurred. Historians distinguish long-term and short-term causes, and necessary versus sufficient conditions.

The outcomes or effects of a historical event, which can be intended or unintended, short-term or long-term. Analysis of consequences involves assessing significance and change.

A historical concept examining what has changed and what has remained the same over a period. It requires identifying patterns and turning points.

The importance or meaning assigned to a historical event, person, or development. Significance is subjective and can be judged by criteria such as impact and relevance.

A point of view shaped by an individual's or group's background, beliefs, and interests. Historians consider multiple perspectives to build a nuanced understanding.

A underlying factor that develops over many years and contributes to an event. Examples include economic rivalry or ideological tensions.

An immediate or proximate factor that triggers an event, often within a short timeframe. It is distinguished from underlying long-term causes.

A moment when a significant change occurs, altering the direction of historical development. Turning points are often debated by historians.

The division of history into distinct periods for analysis. It involves choices about start and end dates and reflects interpretive priorities.

A set of beliefs and values that shapes political and social action. In authoritarian states, official ideology justifies rule and guides policy.

An economic system where the state makes all major decisions about production, distribution, and pricing. It contrasts with market economies and often leads to inefficiency.

An explanation or understanding of historical events based on evidence and perspective. Interpretations vary among historians and can change over time.

The goal of approaching history without personal bias or prejudice. Complete objectivity is impossible, but historians strive for fairness and evidence-based judgment.