International Relations: 1930s a. Describe the Abyssinian Crisis. b. Why was the conquest of Manchuria by Japan not prevented by the League of Nations? b. Why was remilitarisation of the Rhineland a risk for Hitler? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:
Category: GCSE / IGCSE History
GCSE Modern World History Revision
International Relations: 1920s/30s – Model Answers
International Relations: 1920s/30s a. Describe the successes of the League of Nations in peacekeeping in the 1920s b. Why did the League fail to secure world disarmament before World War Two? b. Explain why the League was quite successful in the 1920s One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can…
Model Answers: International Relations: 1920s
International Relations: 1920s a. Describe the activities of the Agencies of the League of Nations. b. Why did some major powers not join the League? c. How successful was the League at dealing with border disputes in the 1920s? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:
International Relations: 1920s – Model Answers
International Relations: 1920s a. What were the aims of the League of Nations? b. Why did the USA’s refusal to join create problems for the League? c. How successful was the League at dealing with the problems it faced in the 1920s? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can…
Germany Depth Study: Model Answers
Weimar Germany, 1918-34 a. Describe the effects of the hyperinflation of 1923 on the German people b. Why was 1923 a year of crisis for the Weimar Republic? c. c. To what extent did the Weimar Republic recover between 1924-28? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed…
Model Answers – Weimar Germany, 1918-34
Weimar Germany, 1918-34 a. What changes in German society did the Nazi Party want in 1920? b. Why did the Nazi Party remain unsuccessful between 1924 and 1929? c. How important was Hitler to the success of the Nazis between 1929 and 1932? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that…
Model Answers: Weimar Germany, 1918-34 [free]
Weimar Germany, 1918-34 [free] a. What were the main features of the Weimar Constitution? b. Why did the Weimar Republic face difficulties in 1923? c. How successful was the Republic between 1924-1928? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:
Versailles Peace Treaty: Model Answers
Peace Treaties after World War One a. Describe how the peace treaties affected France. b. Explain why the Versailles treaty was harsh on Germany. c. To what extent did the aims of the Big Three differ? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:
Peace Treaties after World War One: Model Answers
Peace Treaties after World War One a. What is a diktat? b. Explain why some people thought that the Treaty of Versailles was fair. c. To what extent did the aims of the Big Three differ? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:
Model Answers: Peace Treaties after World War One [free]
Peace Treaties after World War One [free] a. What did Wilson hope to achieve from the peace settlement of 1919-20? b. Why did Clemenceau and Lloyd George disagree over how to treat Germany? c. “The Treaty of Versailles was a fair settlement”. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. One of…
Origins of WW1 – IGCSE History P1 Model Answers
The Origins of World War One a. Describe the Alliance System which existed among European powers before 1914. b. Why did the Anglo-French entente survive? c. “The crises of 1905, 1908 and 1911 made war inevitable” – to what extent do you agree with this statement? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE…
Why Appeasement? Diamond9 Quiz
Why Appeasement? Diamond9 Quiz A 15-question factual test designed to be used after students have watched the classic documentary “Why Appeasement?“. Part of the unit: GCSE/IB History: International Relations, 1929-39
League of Nations Simulation – update
I have updated the first part of the League of Nations simulation with more detailed information and a new worksheet for IGCSE students. The topic page for the League can be found here.
Adolf Hitler: Head2Head Virtual Interview Relaunch
Over the Xmas holidays I completely re-coded and relaunched the popular “Head2Head Interview with Adolf Hitler” which can be found here. The new version has an improved artificial intelligence engine and a modernised layout so that students appear to be having a text chat with the character on their mobile device.
Martin Luther King, Jr: Head2Head Virtual Interview Relaunch
Over the Xmas holidays I completely re-coded and relaunched the popular “Head2Head Interview with MLK” which can be found here. The new version has an improved artificial intelligence engine and a modernised layout so that students appear to be having a text chat with the character on their mobile device.
Josef Stalin: Head2Head Virtual Interview Relaunch
Over the Xmas holidays I completely re-coded and relaunched the popular “Head2Head Interview with Josef Stalin” which can be found here. The new version has an improved artificial intelligence engine and a modernised layout so that students appear to be having a text chat with the character on their mobile device.
25-Question Factual Test – the Korean War
25-Question Factual Test To test knowledge and understanding at the end of the unit (teacher password required). Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
The Korean War: Collapsible Revision Notes
The Korean War: Collapsible Revision Notes Interactive notes which can be collapsed or expanded to various levels of detail for revision purposes. Part of the new ActiveHistory study unit on the Korean War.
The Korean War: Interactive Cartoon analysis
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Berlin Residential Trip: Maps, Multimedia, Itineraries and Workpacks
In 2018 I took history students to Berlin on a residential trip for the first time after they completed this preparatory task based on selected video clips. The Google maps and work packs on this page illustrate the division of Berlin during the Cold War, and the clear outline of the Berlin Wall (with inner/outer…
History of Berlin: Multimedia note-taking task
In 2018 I took history students to Berlin on a residential trip for the first time after they completed this preparatory task based on selected video clips. The following Google maps illustrate the division of Berlin during the Cold War, and the clear outline of the Berlin Wall (with inner/outer walls marked, and the death…
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.
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.
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…
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….
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.
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…
IGCSE History Revision 2017
Completely updated and relaunched, this section of the website provides comprehensive revision materials for Cambridge IGCSE Modern World History.
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.
Vietnam veteran John Kerry’s statement at the Senate hearings of 1971
Vietnam veteran John Kerry’s statement at the Senate hearings of 1971 The class will be divided into pairs, representing 18-year-old US citizens in 1971. Imagine that you and your partner are good friends who have just been drafted into the US army. You are both well educated and have strong opinions about the war: one…
Why, and with what degree of justification, did Nixon refuse to immediately withdraw from Vietnam?
Why, and with what degree of justification, did Nixon refuse to immediately withdraw from Vietnam? A primary source analysis activity. Students use the ‘Silent Majority’ speech to answer the following questions: 1. What is the current situation in Vietnam, and why did America get involved in the first place? 2. Why is Nixon refusing to…
Compare and contrast the policy of Johnson and Nixon with regard to Vietnam
Compare and contrast the policy of Johnson and Nixon with regard to Vietnam Students are provided with a detailed timeline of events covering the Nixon administration and conduct further research of their own. They then consider carefully their completed research to provide an essay plan to the past exam question “Compare and contrast the Vietnam…
Could LBJ have handled the Vietnam War more effectively?
Could LBJ have handled the Vietnam War more effectively? In this decision-making exericse, students imagine they are advisors to President Johnson. As the crisis in Vietnam deepens, their job is to advise him on the best course of action to preserve his administration (How should LBJ respond to accusations that he is being insufficiently honest…
SOLO Hexagons: The Rise of Hitler
SOLO Hexagons: The Rise of Hitler 40+ factors are provided to students to organise into meaningful and connected categories as part of the essay-planning process. Full details of the hexagons approach can be found at Tarr’s Toolbox.
How successfully did Elizabeth deal with the problems of her reign?
Part of the new materials to support a study of Elizabethan England, for example: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88 (Edexcel) Elizabethan England, c1568-1603 (AQA) How successfully did Elizabeth deal with the problems of her reign? In this exercise, students will reach a final judgement about Elizabeth I by writing an essay. In this way, they will:…
To what extent was Elizabeth I to blame for Spain’s decision to invade England in 1588? Essay Instructions and Markscheme
Part of the new materials to support a study of Elizabethan England, for example: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88 (Edexcel) Elizabethan England, c1568-1603 (AQA) Why did the Spanish decide to invade England in 1588? > Conclusion: To what extent was Elizabeth I to blame for Spain’s decision to invade England in 1588? – Essay Instructions and…
Elizabeth’s refusal to marry, conclusions and sourcework
Part of the new materials to support a study of Elizabethan England, for example: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88 (Edexcel) Elizabethan England, c1568-1603 (AQA) Why did the Spanish decide to invade England in 1588? > Elizabeth’s refusal to marry Conclusion: Elizabeth’s Refusal to Marry Students are provided with a list of factors explaining Elizabeth’s decision not…
Elizabethan England: Why did Elizabeth refuse to marry?
Part of the new materials to support a study of Elizabethan England, for example: Early Elizabethan England, 1558-88 (Edexcel) Elizabethan England, c1568-1603 (AQA) Why did the Spanish decide to invade England in 1588? > Factor 1. Elizabeth’s Refusal to Marry | Teacher Presentation | Teacher Notes
75 question Fling the Teacher Quiz on Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?
This “Fling The Teacher” Revision Quiz (75 questions) on “Why did events in the Gulf Matter?” is part of the complete scheme of work “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter, 1970-2003?”, designed for IGCSE History.
The Gulf War Fling the Teacher Quiz
This Fling the Teacher Quiz: The Gulf War is part of the complete scheme of work “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter, 1970-2003?”, designed for IGCSE History.
Rule of Saddam Hussein Fling the Teacher Quiz
This Fling the Teacher Quiz: The Rule of Saddam Hussein is part of the complete scheme of work “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter, 1970-2003?“, designed for IGCSE History. There is also a 75-question Fling the Teacher Quiz on Events in the Gulf. If you like this resource you might also enjoy the “Which 20th…
The Iran-Iraq War Fling the Teacher Quiz
This Fling the Teacher Quiz: The Iran-Iraq War is part of the complete scheme of work “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter, 1970-2003?”, designed for IGCSE History.
The Iranian Revolution Fling the Teacher Quiz
This Fling the Teacher Quiz: The Iranian Revolution is part of the complete scheme of work “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter, 1970-2003?”, designed for IGCSE History.
Why did Events in the Gulf Matter? Revising the Five Big Questions
Part of the complete scheme of work on “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?“ “Revising the Five Big Questions” “The class will be divided into four team (1, 2, 4, 5). For each of the following key questions, work individually, to complete one of the incomplete rows of this table. The row on Saddam’s…
What were the consequences of the First Gulf War?
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” What were the consequences of the First Gulf War? Students use the information provided to provide an infographic about the impact of the First Gulf War, then complete two sourcework questions (“To what extent does Source A prove that the…
Why, and with what results, was an international coalition formed against Saddam Hussein?
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” Why, and with what results, was an international coalition formed against Saddam Hussein? Students conduct further research on Operation Desert Shield and Operation Saber, then complete a sourcework question (“How useful is this cartoon to the historian studying the reasons…
Why did the First Gulf War take place?
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” Why did the First Gulf War take place? Focus Point 1: Why did Saddam invade Kuwait? “Listed below are various factors relating to the decision to go to war. Use these to produce TWO brief speeches in role as Saddam:…
To what extent do you agree that there was no victor in the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88?
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” To what extent do you agree that there was no victor in the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88? At the end of the war, both the Ayatollah and Saddam claimed victory and historians have continued to debate the reality of the…
Why did the Iran-Iraq War last for so long?
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” Why did the Iran-Iraq War last for so long? Before reading the additional information in the worksheet, students should have made notes from the two short video clips [clip 1 | clip 2], focusing on the question “Why did the Iran-Iraq War…
Sourcework Practice: Causes of the Iran-Iraq War
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” Sourcework Practice: Causes of the Iran-Iraq War 1. According to Source A, why did Saddam Hussein decide to invade Iran in September 1980? TIP: as with any ‘why’ question, provide several reasons, substantiated with quotes from the sources. 2. How reliable is Source B…
What were the causes and consequences of the Iran-Iraq War, 1980-88?
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” What were the causes and consequences of the Iran-Iraq War, 1980-88? Task: A biased government speech explaining the causes of the war On the 22nd September 1980, the longest conventional war of the 20th Century began when Iraq launched an…
Halabja: What really happened, and who was responsible? – Sourcework Exercise
Halabja: What really happened, and who was responsible? – Sourcework Exercise The class will be divided into two teams. Each team needs to provide answers to each of the following questions, using the most appropriate source(s) from the list provided to help them. TIP: If the discussion takes the form of a classroom debate, be…
What are the most frequent methods and conditions that lead to the rise of dictators?
Part of the IGCSE Paper 2 Study Topic: “Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?” Compare and Contrast the Rise of Three Dictators At this point students are given the opportunity to compare and constrast the rise of Saddam, Khomeini and one other dictators (e.g. Hitler) that they have studied. Working individually, then in jigsaw…
In what ways were Saddam’s attacks on the Kurds and the Shia similar, and in what ways were they different?
In what ways were Saddam’s attacks on the Kurds and the Shia similar, and in what ways were they different? “After working through this material, make additional notes on the Anfal campaign by watching (a) The video clip (7 minutes); (b) The podcast epsiode from BBC ‘Witness’ (9 minutes) which can be located on the…
Saddamarama: Propaganda Images from Saddam’s Iraq
Saddamarama: Propaganda Images from Saddam’s Iraq “You will be divided into teams. One person from each team will come to the front and collect a propaganda image. Without showing it to the rest of the team, this person should describe what they see, who it appears aimed at, and what it is trying to say…
Saddam’s Rule of Iraq. Overview: Terror, Achievements, Propaganda
Overview: Terror, Achievements, Propaganda “Using your findings from this resource, produce a written response to the following question: ‘Was Saddam’s rule of Iraq was based on fear, propaganda or genuine achievements?’ Explain your answer by connecting all three factors.”
McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare: Design a school exhibition!
Design a school exhibition! The Impact of McCarthyism in the USA in the 1950s is such a rich topic of study that it is difficult to know what to focus on, so I let each student choose their own area of interest (music, film, politics, science….) and then gave them their own exhibition space to…
McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare: Individual Research Phase
Individual Research Phase This pack provides detailed information and suggested areas for research. Students choose a range of themes from those suggested and conduct their own research to help them prepare their essays.
McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare: Teacher-Led Online Presentation
Teacher-Led Online Presentation A 12-slide presentation providing an essential overview and images to analyse and discuss.
Stalin’s Salami Tactics: How and why did Stalin take control of the countries of Eastern Europe?
Stalin’s Salami Tactics: How and why did Stalin take control of the countries of Eastern Europe? By 1948, the Soviet Union had established communist regimes in all of the territories that they had “liberated” during World War Two. The Hungarian Communist Rakosi described this process as “Salami Tactics” because Stalin sliced away opposition bit by…
Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech: Did it create, accelerate or merely acknowledge the onset of the Cold War?
Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech: Did it create, accelerate or merely acknowledge the onset of the Cold War? In March 1946, Churchill gave a famous speech before President Truman at Fulton, Missouri. By this time there were communist governments in Poland, Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. He used the phrase “Iron Curtain” to describe the European…
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? 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….
The Yalta Conference – activity and follow-up
The Yalta Conference: Interactive Computer Simulation! [Interactive] An artificial intelligence simulation, complete with a worksheet: students choose whether to play as Churchill, Roosevelt or Stalin, and then pit their wits against their opponents to achieve their objectives. This computer lesson runs itself and is a great way of learning about the personalities, issues and results…
Individual Research Task: Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt
Individual Research Task: Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt The class is divided into three teams, each representing the press officer for one of the Big Three. a. Using your own knowledge and other research, provide THREE key points suggesting your man will work well with the others. Write these into the left hand column. b. Then…
Essay Planning Exercise: Analyse the roots of the Cold War before 1945 | Completed model essay
Essay Planning Exercise: Analyse the roots of the Cold War before 1945 | Completed model essay To ensure that students are sufficiently prepared for any Cold War question that comes up, we spend time writing up a carefully considered answer to the key question. Students will write this answer as a timed essay in the…
“Living Graph” Exercise: Steps to the Cold War before 1945: Relations between East and West
“Living Graph” Exercise: Steps to the Cold War before 1945: Relations between East and West From your completed studies, choose FIVE pre-war events, and FIVE wartime events, to complete this ‘living graph’. A suggestion about the Russian Revolution has been added to give students an idea about how to approach this. Part of the new…
The Grand Alliance, 1941-44
The Grand Alliance, 1941-44 | Teacher Notes Students conduct independent research on eight key wartime events, focusing specifically on how each one raised tensions, and between whom. There are links to appropriate video clips which can be used by the students as part of their research, or watched together as a class. Part of the…
IGCSE Sourcework Sample Paper *and generic mark scheme*, Why was there a revolution in Iran in 1979?
Why was there a revolution in Iran in 1979? NOW UPDATED WITH A GENERIC MARK SCHEME AT THE REQUEST OF SUBSCRIBERS! This question will be investigated through a Hexagons exercise. Students will be presented with a large amount of hexagons, with each one providing one key piece of information. Students will have to arrange these into…
Why had the Shah become so unpopular by 1979? – Hexagons exercise (IGCSE Paper 2 source work)
Why had the Shah become so unpopular by 1979? – Hexagons exercise Students are presented with 30 key facts helping them to answer the question, in the form of hexagons. They then analyse, categorise, link and prioritise these using the format described in this post: “Using Hexagon Learning for categorisation, linkage and prioritisation” at the ClassTools…
Causes of the Iranian Revolution, 1979 – Introductory Slideshow for IGCSE
Introductory Slideshow In this teacher-led presentation (during which students should take notes), the class is presented with some of the key questions, images and personalities relating to the 1979 Revolution. In particular, the presentation encourages students to see Iran in its long-term context and to consider how today it appears to again be going through…
