Authority - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, authority means having the power or right to be in charge, make rules, and expect people to follow them. Authority is a fundamental concept in understanding historical events and societies, to understand who was in control at different times in history, and how they influenced actions and policies throughout history. For example, Adolf Hitler had authority in Nazi Germany. He used his power to make laws, control the country, and punish people who didn’t obey. In earlier times, kings and queens had authority, like Elizabeth I, who used his power to change the Church of England. Religious leaders, like the Pope, also had authority and could influence countries and their rulers, such as the Norman kings of England. By knowing who had authority, we can better understand why people acted the way they did and how events unfolded in the past.