Multimedia Lecture [3]: Examine the reasons why splits in the feminist movement began to appear in the 1970s
Author: Russel Tarr
Discuss the impact and significance of feminist movements in the Americas after 1945
Multimedia Lecture [2]: Discuss the impact and significance of feminist movements in the Americas after 1945
Examine the reasons for the rise of feminist movements in the region post 1945
Multimedia Lecture [1]: Examine the reasons for the rise of feminist movements in the region post 1945
Design your own medieval shield!
I have updated the popular Heraldry Simulation so that students can save progress if they need to complete their activity for homework or in a subsequent lesson.
*NEW* Bingo Game Generator
I’ve just launched a new template on ClassTools which allows you to create printable bingo cards or generate online bingo games.
Did the Portuguese court flee, or relocate, to Brazil in 1808?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
How significant were the efforts of Mairead Corrigan, Betty Williams and the Peace People in the Northern Ireland peace process?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
Why is Robert McNamara such a controversial historical figure?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
How useful are the films of Mitchell and Kenyon to a historian studying Edwardian Britain?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent were facially disfigured soldiers failed by post World War One Britain?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent was Alan Turing personally responsible for the cracking of the Enigma codes during World War II?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent can the White Rose be regarded as a genuine resistance movement?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent did Mao’s Great Leap Forward achieve its objectives?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
What is the historical significance of the Spanish “Generation 27”?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
Model Essay – How Successful was the Great Society?
Model Essay: How successful were Johnson’s Great Society reforms? An essay written in timed conditions by Russel Tarr, author of this website.
Historiography of the Great Society
Historiography and Essay Writing | completed teacher notes “Read the concluding statements you have produced regarding each of the main policy areas you have considered to arrange them in a continuum line from least to most successful. If you were going to arrange these into three broad categories as sections for an essay, what would your new…
LBJ – how successful was the Great Society?
Group Feedback Phase | Teacher Notes The class will be organised into small groups of about four or five students.Each group should start by discussing the “Education / Workers’ rights” row. Any member of the team who researched any of these laws should share their findings with the rest of the group, and all members should write…
LBJ and the Great Society
Individual Research Task: 27 Acts of Legislation Each member of the class will be given ONE card, and should research the law listed on it to make notes on the following:What problem was it trying to solve?What did it try to do to solve this problem?Was it a success or a failure?
Silk Roads Simulation
I have added a “Leaderboard” facility to the “Silk Roads Simulation” game so that teachers can view student progress and use it as a live markbook.
*NEW* Target Diagram Generator
*NEW* Target Diagram Template! A Target diagram is a fantastic way of getting students to break down a key question. Three factors are placed in the centre of the diagram. In the next layer, each factor can then be broken into two examples. In the final layer, each of these examples can then be substantiated…
*NEW* Virtual Journey around Tsarist Russia
*NEW* Virtual Journey around Tsarist Russia This simulation provides students with a thorough overview of the political, economic, religious and military strengths and weaknesses of Tsarist Russia on the eve of World War One. There are more than 50 locations to visit.I’ve completely rewritten and reskinned the simulation this weekend by adding quiz questions, a…
*NEW* Simulation: Rule of Mussolini
“In this new simulation, you will play the role of James Spod, an undercover agent. Your mission is to find, and then assassinate, Benito Mussolini: the Fascist dictator whose alliance with the evil Adolf Hitler is throwing the world into chaos. There is a worksheet which you should complete as you progress through the simulation….
*NEW* Simulation: The American Revolution
A brand new simulation to teach students about the causes of the American Revolution.
Interactive Decision-Making Simulation: How successfully did Castro rule Cuba, 1959-1980?
Interactive Decision-Making Simulation: How successfully did Castro rule Cuba, 1959-1980? This standalone interactive simulation, which takes 2-3 hours to complete thoroughly, provides students with essential information about Castro’s rule and demands that they analyse various policies in terms of success and failure. It can be set as a self-study classroom exercise or as a homework…
Source Pack: The Chinese Civil War and the Rise of Mao
Source Pack: The Chinese Civil War and the Rise of Mao This sourcepack comes complete with questions and is broken up logically into sections relating to three key periods leading to the rise of Mao. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao.
Useful Quotes from Mao and Chiang
Useful Quotes from Mao and Chiang Students are given a list of quotes from Mao and Chiang, and consider where and how they could be integrated into their essay plans. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao.
Rise of Mao: Essay Planning
Rise of Mao: Essay Planning Students are provided with a template which allows them to methodically structure a whole range of essay questions. Each student should complete this for a different questions, then these can be collated and shared to revise from. In a subsequent lesson, the teacher should choose one of these questions for…
Rise of Mao: Possible Essay Questions | Sample Plan
Rise of Mao: Possible Essay Questions | Sample Plan Students are provided with a list of essay questions from past examination papers. As a class, read through the questions and highlight the central focus point of each. Students then consider how they would structure a question phrased as follows for each of these focus points. Part of…
Analyse the Methods and Conditions which led to Mao’s Victory in the Chinese Civil War
Analyse the Methods and Conditions which led to Mao’s Victory in the Chinese Civil War | Completed Teacher Version Students use their detailed notes to complete an analysis of the following factors, taken from the IBO syllabus, then discuss later as a class how they can be connected.Propaganda and Charismatic Leadership | Ideology | Socio-Economic Factors| Military…
The Chinese Civil War: Video Recap
The Chinese Civil War: Video Recap “Watch the 8-minute video to complete this initial timeline to summarise what you have so far learned. If you have not already completed your own detailed timeline, develop this one further using your notes from the decision making simulation“. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and…
Factual Test – The Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao
Factual Test – The Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao (teacher password required) Twenty questions to test essential knowledge, based on what should have been learned so far. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao.
Mao’s Rise to Power – Timeline Task
Mao’s Rise to Power – Timeline Task “Use your detailed handwritten notes from the decision making simulation to complete this table in as much detail as possible. You may wish to use a key to highlight events, places, and people in different colours. Next, develop your timeline further by doing your own web research on some of…
*NEW* Simulation – Are you more like Chiang or Mao?
The Chinese Civil Wars – Are you more like Chiang or Mao? (Multimedia Decision Making Simulation) A comprehensive interactive lecture to educate students about the key events of the Chinese Civil War, with twelve decision points and complete with 45 minutes of video clips. Designed to be delivered as an interactive lecture over several hours. As…
The Chinese Civil War: Introduction
The Chinese Civil War: Introduction An introductory handout providing a timeline of events and lost of characters to familiarise students with an essential overview. Part of the new study unit on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao at ActiveHistory.
Cold War Historiography
Cold War HistoriographyStudents are provided with a comprehensive list of quotes from contemporary politicians and historians since, and given a range of tasks to complete which will enable them to deepen their understanding.
Campaign 1965: Selma – The Simulation
Campaign 1965: Selma – The Simulation [interactive]“In this simulation you will learn about key figures involved in the struggle as events unfold step-by-step. For each character you will be invited to step inside their shoes and consider how you should react to the situation you face if your objective is to attract favourable media attention that…
Historiography of the Berlin Blockade
Historiography of the Berlin BlockadeStudents are provided with a historiographical overview and structure questions to familiarise themselves with the debate. Part of the Berlin Blockade Scheme of Work.
The Berlin Blockade: Timeline, Analysis and Video Work
The Berlin Blockade: Timeline, Analysis and Video WorkA standalone worksheet which guides students through the essential causes, consequences and events of the crisis. Part of the Berlin Blockade Scheme of Work.
Cuban Missile Crisis – Conclusions on the Bay of Pigs
Background – Conclusions on the Bay of PigsStudents assess the significance of the Bay of Pigs crisis. Part of the complete scheme of work on the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Cuban Missile Crisis – Tension between the USA and Cuba
Background – Tension between the USA and CubaThis worksheet focuses more narrowly on the tension between the USA and Cuba following Castro’s seizure of power. Part of the complete scheme of work on the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Cuban Missile Crisis – Tension between the USA and the USSR
Background – Tension between the USA and the USSRStudents review the tension between the USA and the USSR on the global stage.
Global Impact of the British Empire – Video Worksheet
The Global Impact of the British Empire on Australia, Africa and ChinaStudents watch three video clips of 8 minutes each to answer questions (What sorts of foreigners settled there, and why? / What positive effects did their arrival have upon the region? / What negative impact did they have upon the region?)
Medieval Castle Building – Online Simulation
Castles: Defence and Attack! A game of strategy: Spend your budget on your choice of features, then read a story of how your castle fares when faced with attack! Complete with a worksheet and extension activities. There’s even a live ‘leaderboard’ to check the progress of your students! This game has now been updated with…
The Yalta Conference: classroom roleplay!
The Yalta Conference: classroom roleplay!The teacher will arrange the class into three group (USSR / UK / USA) and give each student a briefing sheet focusing on the objectives of their leader (Stalin / Churchill / Roosevelt). They then have a series of issues to reach a compromise upon, and score points accordingly for their…
The Kennan Telegram and NSC-68
The Kennan Telegram and NSC-68Students learn about two essential documents which helped to shape post-war American foreign policy throughout the Cold War.
Factual Test: Cuban Missile Crisis
End of unit factual testWorksheet and Teacher AnswersA 25-question factual test, in the format of a detailed analysis / conclusion with gaps to fill.
The Mystery of Pompeii: Study Unit
This suite of lessons has expanded over the past few years to become a mini-scheme of work in itself. The complete unit, with additional material such as a worksheet to accompany a documentary video, is available here.
New Simulation: Origins of World War One
I have recoded and relaunched the “Advisor the Kaiser” simulation with new questions, multimedia and functionality.
Online Fishbone Diagram Template
I’ve created a new Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram template over at ClassTools.net.
“Escape the Room” Lesson – Origins of the Cold War
As an introduction to my first major topic of study with my IB students, I put together this new “Escape the Room” lesson last week, designed to run between 45 minutes and an hour. It worked really well and you can download all the resources to try it with your own classes by following the…
The Bosnian Crisis / Balkan Wars
The clash of Serb Nationalism with Austrian Imperialism | Completed Teacher Notes The tension between Austria and Serbia is explained through a focus on the Bosnian Crisis of 1908 and the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913. Teacher notes have now been added to this lesson resource.
New Simulation: Lenin’s Russia
This new simulation, which comes complete with multimedia clips, a leaderboard feature and a ‘save game’ facility, is designed for students of Lenin’s Russia.
New simulation: The British Home Front in World War Two
This new simulation is designed to help students consider how effectively the British government managed the domestic front during World War Two.
Simulation: Causes of the English Civil War
This simulation has been completely recoded and relaunched with new graphics, gameplay and multimedia.
Poverty and Homelessness
A self-contained lesson and multimedia presentation designed for my PSHCE classes.
Welsh Memorial, Mametz
Welsh Memorial, Mametz: Commemorating the sacrifice of Welsh soldiers during the Battle of the Somme. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Vimy Ridge
Vimy Ridge: A breathtaking memorial and visitor center, preserved trenches, and an opportunity for a tour of the underground tunnels. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Ulster Tower
Ulster Tower: Commemorating the sacrifice of Northern Irish soldiers during the Battle of the Somme. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Tyne Cot
Tyne Cot: Largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, situated at the site of the Battle of Passchendaele. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Thiepval Memorial
Thiepval Memorial: Commemorating the missing of the Somme. Recently improved with a new visitor center. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Talbot House
Talbot House: Refuge for soldiers when they were resthing behing the lines near Ypres. Now a wonderful preserved museum. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
St. George’s Chapel, Ypres
St. George’s Chapel, Ypres: Built after the war largely by veterans working on the war cemeteries. Packed with relics and memorials. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
South African Memorial, Delville Wood
South African Memorial, Delville Wood: Originally built during the apartheid era and now redesigned to highlight the contribution of black South Africans. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Serre Memorial
Serre Memorial: To the “Accrington Pals”, and site where Wilfred Owen wrote his poem “The Sentry”. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Pozieres Australian Memorial
Pozieres Australian Memorial: Particularly good to visit if you have Australian students. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Historiale de la Grande Guerre, Peronne
Historiale de la Grande Guerre, Peronne: An especially well-constructed museum. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Oradour-sur-Glane
Oradour-sur-Glane: Preserved ruins of a village subject of a notorious Nazi atrocity at the end of World War Two. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Neuville St. Vaast
Neuville St. Vaast: The largest German war cemetery in France. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Notre Dame de Lorette
Notre Dame de Lorette: Largest French war cemetery in the world; also site of the “Ring of Remembrance” Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Indian Memorial, Neuve Chapelle
Indian Memorial, Neuve Chapelle: Especially great to visit if you have students with Indian heritage. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Menin Gate
Menin Gate: The “memorial to the missing” in Ypres. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
*NEW* Simulation – Liberal Social Reforms 1906-14
This simulation replaces an earlier version, and is substantially improved with additional multimedia, quiz questions, a leaderboard and a ‘save game’ feature.
Lochnagar Crater
Lochnagar Crater: Relic of one of the gigantic underground mine explosions which heralded the start of the Battle of the Somme. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Lijssenthoek Cemetery
Lijssenthoek Cemetery: Casualty clearing station cemetery with an unusually high proportion of named graves; final resting place of Nurse Nellie Spindler. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Langemarck German Cemetery
Langemarck German Cemetery: Foreboding cemetery in stark contrast to Tyne Cot, which is just a few kilometres away. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Fricourt German Cemetery
Fricourt German Cemetery: Original resting place of the “Red Baron”. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Flatiron Copse Cemetery
Flatiron Copse Cemetery: Containing the grave of the VC Winner Edward Dwyer, whose voice was uniquely recorded. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Devonshire Cemetery
Devonshire Cemetery: Containing the graves of Duncan Martin and the poet William Noel Hodgson. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Dartmoor Cemetery
Dartmoor Cemetery: Containing the graves of a father and son, and a soldier ‘shot at dawn’. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Compiegne Armistice Site
Compiegne Armistice Site: Where the war finally came to an end. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
Beaumont Hamel
Beaumont Hamel: Site of the Newfoundland Memorial and the Highlanders’ Memorial Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
WW1 – Essential Context
Essential Context: Providing an essential narrative overview of the war on the Western Front, with specific mention of many of the sites listed below for context. Part of the new suite of worksheets to accompany some of the most important sites to visit on a WW1 Battlefields Trip.
New Simulation: Worst Medieval Religious Jobs in History
This new simulation is designed to complement a study of “Why were people so religious in the Middle Ages?“.
*NEW* Simulation – Worst Georgian Jobs in History
I’ve just launched another brand new simulation on ActiveHistory – “The Worst Georgian Jobs in History”. Designed to run as a self-contained activity, students answer a series of questions to get matched to their ideal “worst job”. Complete with a worksheet and tests of factual knowledge.
World War One Trenches Simulation
I have made some major improvements to the popular “Can you survive the trenches of World War One?” simulation, in particular adding more multimedia clips and decision points.
The Mid-Tudor Crisis under Edward VI: New Simulation
A new ActiveHistory simulation. It is 1547. King Henry VIII is dead, and his young son, Edward VI, has become King. Ruling on his behalf is the Privy Council, led by Protector Somerset (the boy’s uncle). Your task is to stay alive for the duration of the reign by keeping the country on an even…
The Worst Jobs in History!
In these simulations, you will be asked to rank NINE historical jobs from least to most horrible. At the end of the activity, you will be matched to your ideal “Worst job in History” based on your answers. The games come complete with structured worksheets.
Can you design your own Western Movie / Theme Park / Boardgame?
Can you design your own Western Movie / Theme Park / Boardgame? To consolidate knowledge, students convert what they have learned into one of three projects, outlined here in detail.
Who were the greatest characters of the Wild West?
Who were the greatest characters of the Wild West? I use this as an extension activity for students who complete the simulation within the three hours which I allocate to it. Students have to research various characters and then choose one “Cowboy”, one “Cowgirl” and one Native American who will be included in their film…
Simulation: Events of the French Revolution
This new simulation replaces an earlier game and includes more features and multimedia to bring it up to date.
Simulation: Causes of the French Revolution
This new simulation is an updated and relaunched version of an earlier game with additional features and multimedia.
The Red Scare: Classroom simulation!
In this educational simulation, students each research a different character secretly. One of them was a genuine communist, the rest were innocent of the charges. Then, after each one is interrogated (HUAC style!) by the teacher, students have to organise themselves over several rounds into different groups in an attempt to identify the communist within…
Podcast Worksheet: Mandela, an Audio History
Podcast Worksheet: Mandela, an Audio History Students provide answers to the following questions using the first 24 minutes of this podcast from the BBC, which covers Mandela’s life up to his imprisonment in 1964.
War in Ukraine: Worksheet / Lesson Plan
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, an independent sovereign nation. The international community overwhelmingly condemned this act of aggression. What are Russia’s motives for acting in this way? And what is the best way forward to bring lasting peace and stability back to Europe? I developed these lesson materials to help my students learn about…
Rise of Pinochet: Diplomatic Causes
Diplomatic causes: To what extent was President Nixon responsible for the overthrow of democracy in Chile? | Primary sources pack | Completed teacher version In this second part of the study, students investigate whether the USA was responsible for engineering both Allende’s failures and Pinochet’s coup. Part of the complete scheme of work on the rise and rule of…
Rise of Pinochet: Domestic Causes
Domestic causes: How popular was Allende with his own people at the time of his overthrow? | Completed teacher version In this task, students consider how far the Chilean coup can be explained in terms of domestic factors – in particular, whether it is accurate to say that Allende precipitated his own overthrow with divisive and unpopular…
1066: Battle of Hastings Simulation
I have completely recoded and relaunched this popular simulation, adding a variety of multimedia clips and interactive graphics.
Spanish Civil War: Video Worksheets
Video Worksheet: Causes of the Spanish Civil War – Part 1, 1931-1935 | Completed Teacher Version A structured worksheet based around a classic video documentary about the Spanish Civil War, which is available online. Video Worksheet: Causes of the Spanish Civil War – Part 2, 1936 | Completed Teacher Version A structured worksheet based around a classic video documentary…
Spanish Civil War: Detailed Analysis and Video Documentary Clips
Detailed Analysis and Video Documentary Clips In this activity, students consider not only the role of the Republic, the Nationalists and Foreign powers in the conflict, but also the role played by political, socio-economic and military factors. They begin by using ideas from their timeline (previous activity) and the move on to watch a series…
Understanding Addiction (PSHE)
I’ve put together some new materials for PSHE on the subject of addiction, which can be found on my website www.pshe-lessons.com: Understanding addiction
