The Korean War: Interactive Cartoon analysis Analyse a series of cartoons by hovering over details and answering exam-style questions. When you have finished, the computer will provide you with a printout comparing your answer to a model answer. A great way to revise and develop sourcework skills. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on…
Category: 1900-2000 (GCSE History)
Korean War Fling the Teacher Quiz
Korean War Fling the Teacher Quiz 75 possible questions: I like to get all the students playing it simultaneously, and award 25 points for the first person to finish, 24 for the next, and so on; over the course of a few weeks you can build up a “Fling the Teacher Leaderboard” if you play…
Cartoon story analysis – The Korean War
Consolidation activity [3]: Cartoon story analysis Students take a cartoon story about the war and analyse it for partiality and omissions. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Mapwork – The Korean War
Consolidation activity [2]: Mapwork Students have to match a range of maps to key moments in the war to consolidate their understanding. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Korean War – Mini-Debates
Mini-Debates Students are placed into prosecution and defence teams to analyse Truman’s handling of the Korean War. There are some completed teacher notes available for this exercise. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Model Essay: Analyse the causes and consequences of the Korean War
Model Essay: Analyse the causes and consequences of the Korean War A sample essay written by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk. (teacher password required). Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
How was a truce negotiated? What were the consequences for Korea and for the wider world?
How was a truce negotiated? What were the consequences for Korea and for the wider world? Students consider a list of detailed points are are then challenged to organise these into meaningful categories to answer the key questions. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Truman makes his decision about MacArthur
Truman makes his decision about MacArthur “Read the following sources, then use them to answer the following question: In your view, do you think that Truman was right to fire General MacArthur? Explain your answer by considering both sides.” Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Should Truman tolerate or fire MacArthur for his criticisms?
Should Truman tolerate or fire MacArthur for his criticisms? MacArthur asks Truman to threaten atomic attacks on China if they refuse to withdraw from Korea. Rejecting MacArthur’s advice, Truman refuses to threaten retaliation against China, fearing that this could lead to a Third World War. As a result, MacArthur starts openly criticizing Truman’s policies in…
Should Truman support MacArthur and commit the USA to a ‘total war’ in Korea?
Should Truman support MacArthur and commit the USA to a ‘total war’ in Korea? Using a variety of sources within a timeline, students decide whether Truman should follow MacArthur’s advice and threated retaliation against China unless they withdraw from Korea. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Containment or Rollback: Should Truman allow MacArthur to take the war over the 38th Parallel into North Korea?
Containment or Rollback: Should Truman allow MacArthur to take the war over the 38th Parallel into North Korea? Students consider nine key primary sources to reach a judgement about whether it would be wise for Truman to take the war into North Korea. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Should Truman approve MacArthur’s plan to launch an amphibious assault at Inchon?
Should Truman approve MacArthur’s plan to launch an amphibious assault at Inchon? At the outset of the Korean War, Truman called General McArthur out of retirement to lead the UN forces. MacArthur was a charismatic, complex figure who had served with distinction in both World Wars. Most famously, he had been forced from his military…
Korean War – Interactive Newsfeed Exercise
Korean War – Interactive Newsfeed Exercise Students are presented with a series of “newsfeeds” about the Korean War, which they use to complete this worksheet, and then answer a series of questions. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
Primary source analysis – causes of the Korean War
Who was responsible for the outbreak of the Korean War? Was Truman right to commit troops to the conflict? Partway through the presentation students will be required to evaluate a series of primary source documents regarding these issues. An additional optional source is extracts from NSC-68. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the…
Who was responsible for the outbreak of the Korean War? Was Truman right to commit troops to the conflict?
Who was responsible for the outbreak of the Korean War? Was Truman right to commit troops to the conflict? An online multimedia presentation which places students into the position of members of Truman’s National Security Council. The teacher guides the students through a series of decision points and they write up their thoughts on a…
James Spod: Undercover in Nazi Germany!
By popular request, a ‘Save Game’ feature has now been added to the “James Spod: Undercover in Nazi Germany” game. Let me know if there are any other requests!
Sourcework: Assess President Kennedy’s handling of the James Meredith controversy at “Ole Miss”
A new source work exercise in the style of IB History Paper 1 (Rights and Protest)
The Bosnian Crisis and the Balkan Wars: Factual Test
The Bosnian Crisis and the Balkan Wars: Factual Test A factual test in the “How certain are you?” format.
Guidance for writing the coursework essay for students
This document – guidance for writing the coursework essay for students – outlines how to write an introduction, a conclusion, and provides a range of key words and phrases to help them analyse significance. It also makes use of the ClassTools “Essay Writing Bookmark” which I have made freely available for download here.
To what extent were Stalin’s policies a direct attempt to protect Russia from the threat of another World War?
To what extent were Stalin’s policies a direct attempt to protect Russia from the threat of another World War? In the longer-term, the experience of World War One and the ensuing civil war which followed in its wake was used by Stalin to justify radical actions to protect the country against future threats. The teacher…
What was the immediate political, military, and socio-economic significance of World War One upon Russia?
What was the immediate political, military, and socio-economic significance of World War One upon Russia? Regardless of whether the war was a cause or merely a catalyst for the February Revolution, it certainly had a significant immediate impact upon Russia. The issue which divides historians in this respect is explaining how military and socio-economic developments…
October Revolution: Historiography and Primary Sources
C. Was the October Revolution a coup d’etat or a popular uprising? Primary / Secondary Source Material As the next phase of the investigation, students read through a series of selected primary and secondary accounts of the events of October 1917 and decide where each can be used, and which quotes are best to include….
Was the October Revolution a coup d’etat or a popular uprising? – Timeline Role-play Exercise
Was the October Revolution a coup d’etat or a popular uprising? The Provisional Government which took over from the Tsar in February 1917 remained committed to keeping Russia in the Great War. How significant this decision was in terms of contributing to the Provisional Government’s overthrow by the Bolsheviks in 1917 is another subject of…
How stable was the Tsarist regime on the eve of World War One?
How stable was the Tsarist regime on the eve of World War One? Politically, one of the major events that occurred in Russia during World War One was the overthrow of the Tsarist regime. Assessing the significance of World War One in this context requires us to consider whether the war CAUSED or merely ACCELERATED…
Significance of WW1 for Russia: Study Guide
Overview and study guide During the Cold War, the debate about the nature and origins of the 1917 Communist Revolution was particularly heated. The Capitalist West was eager to discredit the origins of the USSR, and the USSR was equally determined to romanticise them. Since the end of the Cold War, the debate has continued…
The Rise of Hitler: Essay Planning Generator
This new essay-planning generator helps students consider how five key factors which caused the Rise of Hitler can be linked in various ways. The computer shuffles the various factors as a pack. It then deals out the first two and connects them using a database of possible links. It then takes the third factor and…
Origins of World War One: Essay-Planning Generator
This new essay-planning generator helps students consider how five key factors which caused the First World War can be linked in various ways. The computer shuffles the various factors as a pack. It then deals out the first two and connects them using a database of possible links. It then takes the third factor and…
Causes of the Spanish Civil War: Essay Planning Generator
This new essay-planning generator helps students consider how five key factors which caused the Spanish Civil War can be linked in various ways. The computer shuffles the various factors as a pack. It then deals out the first two and connects them using a database of possible links. It then takes the third factor and…
IB Induction – WW2 Trivia Challenge
As part of the IB Induction Project outlined here, I have uploaded a ‘trivia challenge’ which I use within the opening assembly: [student version | teacher answers].
How far can Stalin’s rise to power be explained through reference to divisions in the party caused by WW1?
How far can Stalin’s rise to power be explained through reference to divisions in the party caused by WW1? Assessing the impact of the war upon Russia also requires us to look to the long-term. In this sense, the first thing to consider is the immediate impact upon Russia of Lenin’s decision to pull out…
IB Induction Project – Assembly Presentation
As part of the cross-curricular IB Induction project outlined here, I have uploaded my own personal assembly presentation and presenter notes. Assembly (based around this PowerPoint presentation and these presenter notes)
JFK: Speech on Castro and Cuba, 1960
JFK: Speech on Castro and Cuba, 1960 The centerpiece of JFKs attack on the Eisenhower administration was its failure to anticipate and then deal with the rise of Castro. The following speech is therefore very useful evidence for developing your analysis of the conditions which brought Castro to power. Moreover, it is a classic example…
World War One Battlefields Follow-Up: “Design a Memorial / Visitor Center”
Design a Memorial / Visitor Center [worksheet] Students can also use what they have learned to design their own memorial and visitor center in a group task (“The Commonwealth War Graves commission has decided to create a new memorial and visitor center to commemorate the war. Your task is to formulate your own concept for…
Richard Holmes: War Walks – The Somme (28m) | Student Worksheet | Teacher Answers
Video: Richard Holmes: War Walks – The Somme (28m) | Student Worksheet | Teacher Answers The late, great Richard Holmes is still the best TV military historian. Here’s a video, worksheet and teacher answers on the Battle of the Somme. Part of the comprehensive set of materials on World War One from ActiveHistory.
How Significant was the role of International Protest and Intervention in the Anti-Apartheid Movement?
Model Sourcework in the style of IB Paper 1 (more samples here). How Significant was the role of International Protest and Intervention in the Anti-Apartheid Movement? [Sample Paper | Model Answers]
Model Essay – Analyse the Rise and Fall of Thomas Wolsey (originally published in History Review)
Analyse the Rise and Fall of Thomas Wolsey (originally published in History Review) 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk As well as writing a number of articles for History Review magazine, I make it a habit to write essays in timed conditions whenever I set such assignments with my classes. These serve…
Assess the degree to which guerrilla warfare was the main cause of communist victory in Vietnam
Assess the degree to which guerrilla warfare was the main cause of communist victory in Vietnam – Model Essay 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk As well as writing a number of articles for History Review magazine, I make it a habit to write essays in timed conditions whenever I set such assignments…
Compare and contrast the role of technology in determining the outcome of two wars, each chosen from a different region
Compare and contrast the role of technology in determining the outcome of two wars, each chosen from a different region – Model Essay 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk As well as writing a number of articles for History Review magazine, I make it a habit to write essays in timed conditions whenever…
Model Essay: Analyse the causes of the Spanish Civil War
Model Essay: Analyse the causes of the Spanish Civil War A sample essay by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk. 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk As well as writing a number of articles for History Review magazine, I make it a habit to write essays in timed conditions whenever I set such assignments…
Model Essay – How successful were Mussolini’s Domestic Policies?
Model Essay – How successful were Mussolini’s Domestic Policies? (note: teacher password required). An essay completed in timed conditions by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk. 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk As well as writing a number of articles for History Review magazine, I make it a habit to write essays in timed…
Model Essays on Mao’s China
Model Essays by RJ Tarr (note: teacher password required). Analyse the methods and conditions which led to to the rise of Mao as ruler of China. Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and Stalin (originally published in History Review) Compare and Contrast the Rise of Pinochet and Franco Compare and Contrast the Rise of Mao and…
Analyse the causes and consequences of the Korean War
Model Essay: Analyse the causes and consequences of the Korean War (teacher password required). A sample essay written by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk. A sample essay written by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk. 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk As well as writing a number of articles for History Review magazine, I make…
In what ways, and with what results, was Germany a source of Cold War tensions between 1945 and 1962?
Model Essays by RJ Tarr: Analyse the roots of the Cold War before 1945 (note: teacher password required). To what extent were conflicting views about Germany the main cause of the Cold War up to 1949? (note: teacher password required). In what ways, and with what results, was Germany a source of Cold War tensions…
Model Essay: By what methods, and with what success, did Fidel Castro try to eliminate domestic opposition?
Model Essay: By what methods, and with what success, did Fidel Castro try to eliminate domestic opposition? (note: teacher password required). (note: teacher password required). From: 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk
Model Essay: “Castro’s mastery of guerrilla warfare was the main reason why he was able to take control of Cuba”. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Model Essay: “Castro’s mastery of guerrilla warfare was the main reason why he was able to take control of Cuba”. To what extent do you agree with this statement? (note: teacher password required). From: 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk
Crime Board: Who was Jack the Ripper?
Crime Board: Who was Jack the Ripper? As an alternative to producinga straightforward ‘Wanted’ poster for the killer following the computer simulation, students could instead consider producing a ‘Crime Board’ connecting the various pieces of evidence to different suspects to produce an overall theory.
Turbo-Timeline Generator!
I have developed a brand-new timeline generator over at ActiveHistory’s sister site, ClassTools.net. All you have to do is COPY and PASTE a timeline from a website or word document, click a button and you get an animated timeline you can navigate through. Here is an example on the Life and Career of Cromwell, and…
Rule of Pinochet / 1973 Chilean Coup: Dialogue Poem Starter Activity
Starter Activity: Dialogue Poem After a study of the 1973 Chilean Coup, and before/during a study of Pinochet’s rule of Chile, ask two female students to read out the following dialogue poem to the class as a powerful starter activity. For further ideas about using “Dialogue Poems” in class, follow this link on Tarr’s Toolbox:…
“Backward Essay Planning” – the Rule of Pinochet
“Backward Essay Planning” – the Rule of Pinochet In this activity, students are presented from the outset with a model essay on the subject of the Rise of Pinochet. They then go through this reading it carefully for style and content, highlighting off key features and discussing their thoughts with the class. Next, each student…
The Sophiatown Removals: Sample Sourcework Paper / Model Answers
The following materials are designed to provide teachers and students with practice sourcework exercises for the “Rights and Protest” topic in the IB History examination.
Escape the Room: Mission Rivonia!
A new one-hour introductory lesson to Apartheid South Africa. “It is 1966. You are anti-apartheid fighters who have been captured after being in hiding since the Rivonia Trial of 1964. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Verwoerd, you have been discovered and placed under house arrest following a dawn raid by the police. You have…
Summary revision: Cold War Crises Compared
Cold War Crises Compared A detailed revision summary comparing and contrasting key Cold War crises, with tasks for students to complete.
Model Essay: Evaluate the political and economic impact of military rule in Chile between 1973 and 1989
Evaluate the political and economic impact of military rule in Chile between 1973 and 1989 A model essay by RJ Tarr.
Historiography: Causes for the Rise of Dictators / Outbreak of Civil Wars / Revolutions
Historiography: Causes for the Rise of Dictators / Outbreak of Civil Wars / Revolutions A useful summary grid outlining the main historians and their theories.
Model Essay: With reference to two examples from two different regions, assess (a) the reasons for the use of guerrilla warfare, and (b) its effectiveness. (compares Cuba and Vietnam).
With reference to two examples from two different regions, assess (a) the reasons for the use of guerrilla warfare, and (b) its effectiveness. (compares Cuba and Vietnam).
The February Revolution of 1917
The February Revolution of 1917 Students take a detailed timeline of events and place each event into one of three columns: political damage, military damage, socio-economic damage. From this they decide when exactly the Tsar lost control of the politicians, the armed forced and the ordinary people. They then put each of these crises in…
From Yalta to Potsdam – the wartime alliance starts breaking down
From Yalta to Potsdam Through a focus on primary source analysis, students investigate how far Truman’s bellicosity towards the Soviet Union was apparent from the outset, or was merely a position he adopted once he was in possession of the atomic bomb. Part of the comprehensive unit on Cold War Origins to 1949.
Introduction to Racism: An introduction to Rights and Protest
Racism – A (provocative!) introduction to “Rights and Protest” Before starting study for the IB Sourcework Paper “Rights and Protest” I like to get students thinking about the concept of racism and its expression in the 21st century. By doing this, I hope to challenge them out of the complacent view that modern Western society…
How similar were the Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises?
Conclusions: How similar were the Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises? | Teacher Model Answers Students are provided with a writing frame which helps them compare and contrast the causes, course and consequences of the two crises.
The Abyssinian Crisis
The Abyssinian Crisis Students are presented with a detailed breakdown of the crisis and watch several video clips to help them form judgements. A cartoon analysis exercise then follows.
Roleplay: The Manchurian Crisis | Rolecards
Roleplay: The Manchurian Crisis | Rolecards This roleplay exercise is a great way to get students thinking about the possible courses of action open to the League. Students are given an essential briefing about the Manchurian Dispute, and are then organised into five groups representing different countries. Each country is given a role card outlining…
*NEW* Simulation: Can you survive life in the trenches in World War One?
A brand new simulation! “In this simulation you will be a British soldier who joins the army in 1914 to fight the Germans. You will learn about the conditions which soldiers lived and fought in, and the dangers they faced. There is a worksheet to go with this activity which you should complete as you proceed. You…
Model Essay: For what reasons, and with what results, did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964?
Model Essay: For what reasons, and with what results, did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964? A sample essay written by me which I share with students for discussion purposes after they have completed their own assignment.
Civil Rights Movement – Student research tasks / presentation instructions
Student research tasks / presentation instructions Each member of the class chooses one research task from a list of 10 options provided. Suggested sources and approaches are given in the worksheet. The students should then share their findings with the class. Links to useful sources are provided, such as this short video about the Black…
Multimedia lecture [2]: IN WHAT WAYS did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964?
Multimedia lecture [2]: IN WHAT WAYS did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964? This detailed online presentation lecture is designed to be delivered by the teacher. It comes complete with media clips from a wide variety of sources. Questions for discussion are provided within the slides and students should be encouraged to…
Multimedia lecture [1]: WHY did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964?
Multimedia lecture [1]: WHY did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964? This detailed online presentation lecture is designed to be delivered by the teacher. It comes complete with media clips from a wide variety of sources. Questions for discussion are provided within the slides and students should be encouraged to consider these…
Mission: Berlin! (‘Escape the Room’ activity on Hitler’s consolidation of power)
A new “Escape the Room!” stand-alone lesson designed to last between 45 minutes and an hour. “You are a member of the Social Democrats, enemies of the new chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler. The Reichstag has just burned down and Hitler has persuaded President Hindenburg to declare a state of emergency and outlaw opposition parties….
Student-friendly Sourcework Rubric
Student-friendly Sourcework Rubric This rubric provides a student-friendly mark scheme and tips for structuring each of the answers for the IB Sourcework Paper. For example: [Sourcework Rubric]
Model Essay: Assess the view that “After initial failures, Kennedy’s handling of foreign policy grew increasingly successful as time went on”
Model Essay: Assess the view that “After initial failures, Kennedy’s handling of foreign policy grew increasingly successful as time went on” A model essay written in timed conditions by RJ Tarr. Set the question to students too, then use this to compare alongside them in a feedback session.
“Advisor to the Kaiser!” – A new online simulation!
I have completely rewritten and relaunched the Origins of World War One online simulation (available on this page), which now has a detailed work pack, multimedia video clips, a leaderboard, a ‘save game’ feature so that students can return to it as a homework exercise if they don’t complete it in class, and much else besides….
The Rise of Hitler – Images
The Rise of Hitler – Images This double-sided sheet of selected images relating to the rise of Hitler can be used to develop the hexagons display piece still further, or as the basis for a visual essay writing exercise.
President Johnson – An Introduction to “LBJ”
LBJ: An Introduction In this engaging task, students are given an overview of LBJ and his famous ‘treatment’, along with video clip links and an extract from an acclaimed biography of the President. From this they are encouraged to identify five key aspects of the “Johnson Treatment” and substantiate each with an extract from the…
ClassTools.net Arcade Games: “Kennedy’s Foreign Policy”
ClassTools.net Arcade Games: “Kennedy’s Foreign Policy” A whole range of interactive arcade games to accompany the detailed study unit available at ActiveHistory.
Factual test – Kennedy’s Foreign Policy
Factual test – Kennedy’s Foreign Policy In the ‘how certain are you?’ format, this test determines not just what students know, but also how confident they are in their knowledge.
Classroom debate – How successful was Kennedy’s foreign policy?
Classroom debate – How successful was Kennedy’s foreign policy? The class is divided into teams to prepare questions on different policies from either a prosecution or a defence perspective.
Escape the Room! – Mission Havana, 1959
Escape the Room! – Mission Havana, 1959 “You are American business people from the United Fruit Company, placed under house arrest by the new Castro regime due to your close ties to Batista. You have managed to ply the guard with rum and he has passed out. But you have only one hour to find…
Cold War – Random Essay Question Generator!
Cold War – Random Essay Question Generator! This tool is desiged to help teachers and students prepare for the IB Paper 2 exam by generating possible questions to practice and discuss. It is based on the command terms and syllabus bullet points provided in the IB syllabus. Use this tool to generate a random question…
The Treaty of Sevres [1]: The Middle East
The Treaty of Sevres [1]: The Middle East | teacher answer sheet Students learn about the conflicting promises made by the British in the Middle East during World War One, and then tackle this: “It is now 1919. You are Prime Minister David Lloyd George, about to head off for the Paris Peace Conference. Complete this official…
SIMULATION – The Treaties of Sevres and Lausanne: How successfully did Lloyd George handle Turkey?
The Treaties of Sevres and Lausanne [2]: The Near East – How successfully did Lloyd George handle Turkey after World War One? [interactive] “In this simulation you will take on the role of an advisor to the British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. You will be asked how you think he should handle the Ottoman Empire…
How important was the role of women in the Civil Rights movement? – source work
A new source work assignment, complete with model answers, for the following questions. 1a. According to Source A, why was the success of the Little Rock Campaign still not assured? [3 marks] 1b. What is the message conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2. With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value…
Model Essay: “Analyse the successes and failures of Nixon’s domestic policies”
Model Essay: “Analyse the successes and failures of Nixon’s domestic policies” A timed essay that I wrote in exam conditions to share with students for revision and discussion. Part of the Nixon’s Administration scheme of work.
Nixon’s Domestic Policy: Student research task
“Higher level students will write a timed essay on the key question outlined above. You will self-study this topic in your own time. When it comes to revision time we will compare and contrast Nixon and Johnson’s achievements. Your task will be to use a variety of sources to decide for yourself what the main…
IB Sourcework: Rights and Protest – sample source work papers and model answers
IB Sourcework: Rights and Protest – sample source work papers and model answers These materials are designed to provide teachers and students with practice sourework exercises for the “Rights and Protest” topic in the IB History examination. More will follow in due course.
Model Essay: “Assess the successes and failures of Nixon’s foreign policy”
Model Essay: “Assess the successes and failures of Nixon’s foreign policy” [teacher password required] Students should close this unit by tackling one of the essay questions outlined above in timed conditions. The essay provided here was written by me in timed conditions whilst my own students tacked a similar question. Part of the new scheme of…
Nixon’s foreign policy: the second administration
Nixon’s second administration (1972-1974) “Nixon’s second administration was mired in the Watergate Scandal, but no less controversial is is handling of foreign affairs in this period. In this part of the investigation you will reach your own judgement on whether Vietnam, Chile, Israel and the Middle East, or South Africa deserves to be regarded as…
Nixon’s foreign policy: The 1972 Presidential Election
The 1972 Presidential Election | Teacher notes “Imagine it’s 1972 election year, with inauguration day due to take place in January 1973. You are deciding how to vote, and Gallup (the public opinion pollsters) have asked for your approval rating of Nixon in the realm of foreign affairs. Using your existing knowledge, discuss with a partner what…
Sourcework Exercise: To what extent was Martin Luther King responsible for the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
Paper 1 Sourcework Exercise: To what extent was Martin Luther King responsible for the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott? A one-hour sourcework paper in the style of the IBO. 1. a) According to Source A, why did Rosa Parks refuse to give up her bus seat? [3 marks] 1. b) What message is conveyed…
Nixon’s foreign policy: the first administration (1969-72)
Nixon’s first administration (1969-1972) | Teacher notes Students complete a gap-fill exercise providing them with an essential overview of Nixon’s foreign policy. They then conduct extra research and reading to answer such questions as: What were the essential features of the Nixon Doctrine? Use quotes from Nixon himself as appropriate. / Complete the following table to provide an…
Nixon’s Foreign Policy: New study unit
A study of Nixon’s foreign policy makes a great deal of sense if students have already studied the Vietnam War and / or the 1973 Chilean Coup (each of which provides a major area of overlap with Nixon). In this compact study unit, students revisit these topics and broaden out to consider not just Nixon’s policies with the USSR…
To what extent was Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War due to the involvement of foreign powers?
To what extent was Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War due to the involvement of foreign powers? A model essay by RJ Tarr.
Model Essay: Analyse the successes and failures of President Kennedy’s foreign policies towards Latin America between 1961 and 1963.
Analyse the successes and failures of President Kennedy’s foreign policies towards Latin America between 1961 and 1963. A model essay by RJ Tarr.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Pinochet and Franco
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Pinochet and Franco Students first have a brainstorm about what are the most frequent causes for the rise of single party state rulers. They then analyse the key methods and conditions which led to the rise of particular individual dictators, then compare and contrast them. In this…
What is Politics? Why are so many people not interested in it and why is this worrying?
Teacher Presentation: What is Politics? Why are so many people not interested in it and why is this worrying? This presentation is given to the entire group and is designed to get them thinking about why politics is so important. It outlines how the study unit will focus on helping students determine whether they are…
The Potsdam Conference: When and why did the US policy move from one of co-operation to confrontation?
The Potsdam Conference: When and why did the US policy move from one of co-operation to confrontation? Students consider the extent to which the Potsdam conference was characterised more by conflict that by co-operation. Part of the comprehensive unit on Cold War Origins to 1949.
LBJ and the “Great Society”
A new teaching unit on LBJ and the Great Society. After the 1964 election, the Democrats held two-thirds majorities in both houses of Congress. This gave Johnson the mandate to realize his vision of a “Great Society”. Emboldened by his election by more votes than any president in history, Johnson prepared to inundate the 89th…
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre – Teacher model answers
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre | Teacher answers 1) a. According to Source A, why was the campaign in Sharpeville so badly coordinated? [3 marks] 1) b. What is the message conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2) With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value and limitations of Source C for…
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre 1) a. According to Source A, why was the campaign in Sharpeville so badly coordinated? [3 marks] 1) b. What is the message conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2) With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value and limitations of Source C for a historian studying…
Model answers for sourcework exercise on rise of Apartheid
IB-style source work exercise: Why was apartheid introduced into South Africa in 1948? | Model Answers by RJ Tarr A one-hour source work exercise in the style of the IBDP History Paper 1, complete with model answers to share with students afterwards.
Model Essay – Compare and contrast the role of ideology in causing two 20th-century wars, each chosen from a different region
Compare and contrast the role of ideology in causing two 20th-century wars, each chosen from a different region “Although at face value very different conflicts, the Spanish Civil War and the Vietnam War were strikingly similar in a number of important ways: not least the central role played by ideology in precipitating the outbreak of…
Model Essay – What were the most frequent causes of 20th-century wars?
What were the most frequent causes of 20th-century wars? (model essay) “The 20th Century was defined by two World Wars which brought havoc upon civilization unprecedented in human history, and in the continued instability of the 21st century a study of their causes – and how to avoid them – is an essential method of working…
