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…
Category: 1900-2000 (GCSE History)
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…
Compare and Contrasting the Rise of Dictators in Different Regions
Which 20th Century Dictator are YOU? A simulation to compare and contrast the methods and conditions through which dictators rose to power. Complete with self-study workpack enabling students to turn their findings into a rigorous essay. There is also a class leaderboard where teachers can monitor student performance in the factual test questions. You might also try…
JFK and the Diem Coup: To what extent was Kennedy responsible?
JFK and the Diem Coup: To what extent was Kennedy responsible? In this activity students consider a range of primary source documents to determine how far Kennedy was responsible for coup against President Diem.
Roleplay Exercise – Kennedy and the Berlin Crisis of 1961
Roleplay Exercise – Kennedy and the Berlin Crisis of 1961 | Multimedia teacher-led presentation | Briefing Sheets In this exercise students will take the role of an advisor to President Kennedy. By discussing different courses of action and then comparing them to what Kennedy did, they will form a balanced judgement on his handling of…
Kennedy and Latin America: The Alliance for Progress
Kennedy and Latin America: The Alliance for Progress This worksheet and activity covers Kennedy’s “Alliance for Progress”, which was in essence a Marshall Plan for Latin America. As its name suggests, it proposed a partnership between the USA and Latin American countries keen to engage in political and socio-economic reforms. Signed in Uruguay’s Punta Del…
The 1960 Election Campaign: The TV Debates and the Inaugural Address
The 1960 Election Campaign: The TV Debates and the Inaugural Address The TV Debates: In election year 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon took part in the first televised presidential debate, hosted by legendary newsman Walter Cronkite. This was the beginning of modern media-driven politics: JFK came across as suave, confident…
JFK: Introduction and Overview
JFK: Introduction and Overview Students are provided with a teacher-led lecture based around the following image and make notes in this worksheet. Part of the new study unit on The Foreign Policy of President Kennedy
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.
Model Essay: To what extent were conflicting views about Germany the main cause of the Cold War up to 1949?
Model Essay: To what extent were conflicting views about Germany the main cause of the Cold War up to 1949? (Teacher password required) A model essay written by RJ Tarr (author of www.activehistory.co.uk). Part of the comprehensive Origins of the Cold War Unit.
Cold War Historiography – comparisons and contrasts worksheet
Cold War Historiography “How would each school of historians assess the respective role of military, economic and political factors in causing the Cold War? How would you complete the final columns?” Part of the comprehensive Origins of the Cold War Unit.
Origins of the Cold War: Essay Writing Advice
Essay Writing Phase “Read through the following essay titles. Identify (e.g. by highlighting / dragging-dropping) common themes. These questions will be shared between the class. Produce an essay plan in 10 minutes for your allocated essay. Then feed back to the class with your thoughts and findings. In a lesson next week, one question from…
Model Essay: In what ways, and with what results, did the Cold War influence relations between Latin America with the United States in the period 1945 to 1957?
Model Essay by Russel Tarr: In what ways, and with what results, did the Cold War influence relations between Latin America with the United States in the period 1945 to 1957? (note: teacher password required) An essay written in timed conditions and then shared with my own students.
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.
American Foreign Policy in Latin America, 1945-60: Conclusions
American Foreign Policy in Latin America, 1945-60: Conclusions Students draw some overall conclusions about the how ‘new’ and how ‘successful’ Eisenhower’s policies in Latin America were. They should then be set a timed essay in examination conditions on one of the following themes: Discuss the consequences for the region of Eisenhower’s national security policy. Examine…
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.
Eisenhower’s Policy in Latin America: Do YOU like Ike?! (decision-making exercise)
Eisenhower’s Policy in Latin America: Do YOU like Ike?! (decision-making exercise) “In this exercise you will form your own judgement about how well Eisenhower handled relations with Latin America. Your teacher will guide you through each issue using an online multimedia presentation based at ActiveHistory. After your teacher tells you about the first issue (and you have…
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…
Truman’s Policy in Latin America
Truman’s Policy in Latin America Using the information provided, and a range of recommended weblinks for extra research, students answer the following questions: 1. What were the main features of Truman’s policy towards in Latin America? 2. To what extent was Truman’s policy in Latin America the same as his policy elsewhere in the world?…
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.
Eisenhower and the “New Look”: Video Worksheet
Eisenhower and the “New Look”: Video Worksheet “Complete this worksheet as you watch the 48-minute online video. Decide whether you wish to adjust your positionining of the key policies we have so far considered, or add further ones (e.g. about the meetings with Khrushchev)”.
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.
The Suez Crisis and the Middle East from Eisenhower’s Perspective – Conclusions
The Suez Crisis and the Middle East from Eisenhower’s Perspective – Conclusions NOTE: Comprehensive resources and activities relating to the Suez Crisis are provided in a dedicated section of ActiveHistory here. This document should merely be used to conclude this topic of study.
To what extent do you agree that Eisenhower’s foreign policy was neither new nor successful?
Investigation: To what extent do you agree that Eisenhower’s foreign policy was neither new nor successful? Contained in this document are seven key policy areas. Your teacher will divide the class into two teams. a. Working alone, read through the first policy area carefully then decide how ‘new’ and ‘successful’ it was. Explain your answer…
Introduction to Eisenhower and the “New Look” National Security Policy
Introduction to Eisenhower and the “New Look” National Security Policy “Using the information provided here, and your existing knowledge of Truman’s foreign policy, to answer this question: In what ways did Eisenhower’s ‘New Look’ differ from the foreign policy of President Truman?”
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…
IB History Internal Assessment 2017 – Marksheet and Guidance
I have updated the materials I have designed to support the IB History Internal Assessment based on the new specifications of the 2017 syllabus. In particular I have designed a new mark sheet and rubric to guide students through the process. Exemplar studies will follow in due course after the first cycle of examinations next…
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…
Model Essay: How did the early years of the Cold War (1946 to 1956) affect the political and social life of the United States?
Model Essay: How did the early years of the Cold War (1946 to 1956) affect the political and social life of the United States? [teacher password required] Here’s a model essay I wrote on the key question in timed conditions, and which students could be given after completing their own.
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…
Keyword Checker – How did the early years of the Cold War (1946 to 1956) affect the political and social life of the United States?
Keyword Checker – How did the early years of the Cold War (1946 to 1956) affect the political and social life of the United States? When students have completed their essays on this question, they should put them into this key word checker to determine how many key terms they have successfully incorporated.
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.
McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare: Video Documentary and Worksheet
Pre-class preparation: Video Documentary and Worksheet Prior to the first lesson on this topic, students should complete this worksheet which provides them with a thorough overview of the main events, themes and personalities.
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…
Cold War – Historical Context, 1917-39
Historical Context, 1917-39 Students are presented with a detailed, interactive timeline of events and two key questions for consideration: 1: Was the Nazi-Soviet Pact proof that the West were right to distrust Stalin all along, or was it the direct and unfortunate result of that distrust? 2: Based on Question 1, who was therefore more…
Video Worksheet for Episode 1 of the CNN “Cold War” Series (covering the period 1917-44)
Video Worksheet for Episode 1 of the CNN “Cold War” Series (covering the period 1917-44). Students use this worksheet whilst watching the first 30 minutes of the Episode 1 of the CNN “Cold War” series (available on DVD) prior to a factual test. They are encouraged to consider such questions as “Who was responsible?” and…
Long-term roots of the Cold War before 1945 – Study Guide with past examination questions / syllabus details
Study Guide with past examination questions / syllabus details The first half of the 20th century was dominated by the “European Civil War” of 1914-45, which left the continent broken and exhausted. The second half of the century was characterised by the “Cold War” between the two superpowers who emerged from the wreckage: the USSR…
IB History sourcework exercise: The Sophiatown Removals
One-hour sourcework exercise: The Sophiatown Removals | Model answers written by RJ Tarr A full sourcework exercise, complete with teacher model answers, based around the following questions: 1. a) According to Source C, why was was there so little resistance to the Sophiatown evictions? [3 marks] 1. b) What message is conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2. With reference to…
Infographic challenge: Apartheid in statistics
Infographic challenge: Apartheid in statistics “The impact of apartheid on black South Africans is difficult to comprehend. Your task is to take these essential statistics about apartheid and then convert them into an “info graphic” (for example, using a tool like Piktochart, Canva, Infogr.am or similar.” Part of the complete scheme of work to support…
IB History sourcework practice – in the style of question [1/2/3]
IB sourcework practice – in the style of question [1] IB sourcework practice – in the style of question [2/3] Two sourcework exercies based around conditions under the Apartheid regime. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
Speech-writing task: a reply to the defenders of Apartheid
Speech-writing task: a reply to the defenders of Apartheid “Watch the following three interviews with people defending the policy of apartheid. For each one, make notes on their essential arguments. Then, use these to help you produce a speech which will (a) summarise the arguments that have been put forward to defend apartheid by its…
Factual Test: The anti-apartheid resistance movement | Teacher answer sheet
Factual Test: The anti-apartheid resistance movement | Teacher answer sheet A detailed factual test in the form of a ‘fill the gaps’ exercise. When completed and corrected, it forms a useful revision aid in itself. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
IB History – The development of the anti-Apartheid resistance movement
The development of the anti-Apartheid resistance movement The tasks in this worksheet accompany the teacher led multimedia lecture and decision-making exercise at ActiveHistory (above). Both the lecture, and this worksheet, will take up substantially more than one lesson. Therefore, a good strategy is to (a) Complete Task 1 before the start of the lecture; (b)…
Apartheid – Multimedia Teacher-led lecture and decision-making exercise
Multimedia Teacher-led lecture and decision-making exercise This detailed multimedia presentation guides students through the development of the anti-Apartheid resistance movement. Through a series of stimulus images, written sources and video clips, students are guided through a series of decision points which reflect the issues which split the resistance movement into different groups and factions including…
IB/A-Level: Christmas in Stalin’s Russia
IB/A-Level: Christmas in Stalin’s Russia | Teacher Answer Sheet This lesson gets starts with a team-based quiz challenge, and then moves on to look at how Stalin unexpectedly revivied Christmas for his own propagandistic ends. It forms a useful addition to students’ understanding of Stalin’s use of propaganda, and his policies towards religion, and as such is…
GCSE Christmas History: “Have Yourself and Very Nazi Christmas!”
GCSE: “Have Yourself and Very Nazi Christmas!” In this activity you will consider how effectively the Nazis used propaganda to manipulate the message of Christmas so that it promoted Nazi ideology. You will consider which aspects of Christmas traditions that Hitler would particularly dislike (and so remove) and which aspects he could use for Nazi…
Gifts and Christmas Cards of World War One
In this new stand-alone lesson, the teacher will start by delivering this ActiveHistory Teacher Presentation (which comes complete with a useful video clip) to outline some of the gifts that were marketed to soldiers in World War One. The main task involves deciding how to categorise these 30 Xmas cards from World War One. Students should cut them…
The Sophiatown removals: podcast note-taking task
The Sophiatown removals: podcast note-taking task Students use the BBC Witness Podcast (10 minutes) to answer a series of structured questions, including: Why were the black residents evicted from Sophiatown? How long did the process take, and how many people were affected? How did the Sophiatown get its name? How did this non-white community manage…
Factual Test: the Apartheid laws
Factual Test: the Apartheid laws | Teacher answer sheet A detailed factual test in the form of a ‘fill the gaps’ exercise. When completed and corrected, it forms a useful revision aid in itself. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
Creative writing task: the experience of Apartheid
Creative writing task: the experience of Apartheid Students are provided with THREE possible approache to this task, one of which is to “Produce a fictional first-person account written by a black South African looking back on their life under apartheid. The account should tell a story which allows you to illustrate the impact of the…
The Apartheid Laws: research, categorisation and prioritisation
The Apartheid Laws: research, categorisation and prioritisation | Completed teacher copy “1. Read the details about each Act and use these to complete the second column with the correct titles from this list: Population Registration Act | Bantu Self-Government / Authorities Acts | Group Areas Act | Bantu Education Act | Separate Amenities Act | Public Safety…
IB-style source work exercise: Why was apartheid introduced into South Africa in 1948?
IB-style source work exercise: Why was apartheid introduced into South Africa in 1948? A one-hour source work exercise in the style of the IBDP History Paper 1. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
South Africa – Discriminatory laws passed before 1948
Discriminatory laws passed before 1948 “Using any sources available to you, research the provisions of each of the following TEN laws passed before 1948.When you have notes on each, colour code the laws using a scheme of your choice and provide a key to make it clear how you have categorised them” Part of the…
South Africa before 1948 – factual test
Factual Test | Teacher Answer Sheet This 20 question, paper-based test is provided in the form of a ‘fill the gaps’ exercise. When completed and corrected, it forms a useful revision aid in itself. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
Empathy exercise: Understanding the Broderbund and the ANC
Empathy exercise: Understanding the Broderbund and the ANC Supporting material: 1944 ANC Youth League Manifesto | 1948 National Party Platform “In 1912 the Afrikaner Broderbund was established to protect the rights of White Boers. In 1918 the ANC was established to protect the rights of Black South Africans. Produce a press statement from each organisation dated 1944 which…
Overview of South Africa to 1948
Timeline of events to 1948 Students are provided with a detailed timeline of events which enable them to answer key questions about the development of South Africa before the formal establishment of apartheid in 1948. Part of the complete scheme of work to support the IBDP History “Rights and Protest” unit on Apartheid South Africa.
Simulation: Which 20th Century Dictator are YOU?
A stand-alone simulation to help students compare and contrast how single-party state rulers maintained power. Complete with accompanying self-study workpack to enable students to turn their findings into a rigorous essay. “You will be asked 10 key questions about how you would choose to run your imaginary dictatorship. As you proceed you will be given detail about…
The Rise and Rule of Fidel Castro
A new study unit. The rise of Castro is best studied following completion of the ActiveHistory study unit “What are the most common methods and conditions that explain the rise of dictatorships?“, since that unit allows students to build up an overall theory about the nature of dictatorships that can then be tested against this…
Rule of 20th Century Dictators Compared
The IB History examination encourages students to analyse not just the rule of individual dictators, but to compare them across different regions. THIS UNIT provides a rigorous, engaging and efficient way of doing so – firstly by considering one ruler, then comparing him to a second. It is designed to accompany the comparative study unit on the…
How to Establish a Whole-School Induction Project for Year 12
“Was World War Two a Period of Progress and Development?” For the past five years I have co-ordinated an intensive IB Induction project at my school here Toulouse. I am currently in the process of discussing how this can be developed and improved further with input and inspiration from my colleagues, and to help them…
Weimar Germany Decision Making Simulation – 1921-29
Weimar Germany Decision Making Game – Part 2: 1921-29 This comprehensive decision-making simulation is now complete with follow-up factual test, the answers for which can be shared with students using this online presentation. This simulation is a great way of introducing or revising the issues surrounding Weimar Germany in the years 1921-29. Each of the 7 key decision points…
Why did Events in the Gulf Matter?
Why did Events in the Gulf Matter, c.1970-2000? This page is currently a work in progress. This is the compulsory 20th Century Option for the iGCSE sourcework paper for students taking the examination in Summer 2016. I will be teaching this topic to my own students in Year 11. By then, this page will consist…
IB History Revision – The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Eighteen Big Questions!
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Eighteen Big Questions! Each person in the class will be given a number. When your number appears, treat this as an indication that you are producing a YES argument if you are the first number listed, and a NO if you are the second. Discuss/debate your ideas in pairs, and also reach…
Middle East Revision: Higher Level, 1979-2000
Eight Key Events 1979-2000: Research, Comparison, Conclusions [there is also a completed teacher version] “Different people in the class should produce a research piece on an event outlined in one row of this table, then share them with the group so that everybody is able to complete their grid. When the table is completed, use it to…
IB History Teachers Debate: Is it true that Israel was a state created as a result of terrorism?
IB History Teachers Debate: Is it true that Israel was a state created as a result of terrorism? IB History Teachers have their own Facebook Group where they discuss their views on issues relating to topics that we teach. In December 2014, its members debated the answer to the above question. This worksheet contains their…
Origins of World War One Sourcework Assignment Pack
Sourcework Assignment Pack A comprehensive pack of sources and questions in the style of GCSE/IGCSE examinations, designed to be printed off at the beginning of the unit and used as homework exercises over the course of several weeks. This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory Scheme of Work on the Origins of World War One.
The Rise of Stalin: A Sweet Roleplay Exercise!
The Rise of Stalin: A Sweet Roleplay Exercise! It is 1923. Lenin, leader of the Soviet Union, is close to death and the battle to succeed him is raging in the Politburo. Overview: This interactive exercise forms part of the ActiveHistory unit on Stalin’s Rise to Power. Students take the role of five key members of the Politburo…
Origins of World War One: Model answers and exam questions
End of unit exam-style structured question (there are also some model answers available in the teacher area – model answers[1] | model answers [2]) “Your teacher will choose one (a), one (b) and one (c) question from this extensive list of past questions for this test, which will take place in timed conditions next lesson. As homework, you should…
Mr. Men History: The Origins of World War One
Mr. Men History: The Origins of World War One “In this task we will convert the story of the outbreak of the war into a fairy tale. The background will be provided to you. Your job will be to tell the story of how events unfolded using your knowledge of key events”. This forms part…
Historiography: Quotes about the Origins of World War One
Historiography: Quotes about the Origins of World War One “A. For each quote, decide which theme it relates to: 1. Nationalism and Imperialism | 2. Alliance System | 3. Arms Race | 4. Colonial Rivalry | 5. July Crisis B. Circle off the best quote for each theme. Incorporate this into your summary sheet /…
PieCharts: Who was to blame for World War One?
PieCharts: Who was to blame for World War One? This self-updating Excel spreadsheet allows students to divide responsibility for the war between 6 countries in the form of a piechart, and explain their choices alongside. When printed off, these sheets form a colourful display and an interesting discussion point. This forms part of the newly…
Classroom Trial: Who was to blame for World War One?
Classroom Trial: Who was to blame for World War One? (there is also a completed version for stimulus material in the teacher area). Each person in the class will be given a number (1-6). Each student’s task is as follows: 1. To frame TWO prosecution questions against ONE particular country, in this order: Examples (in this case, against…
The Willy-Nicky Telegrams
Extension Task: The Willy-Nicky Telegrams How could both the Kaiser and the Tsar use these telegrams to “prove” they were not responsible for the war breaking out? Which of these two men do you think most genuinely wished to avoid war? This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory scheme of work on The Origins of…
The July Crisis – Decision-making exercise
The July Crisis – Decision-making exercise (requires teacher support sheet). This key period – often overlooked by students who say that the assassination was simply followed by a ‘domino effect’ of countries declaring war – is approached in a ‘decision-making’ format. “Your teacher will provide you with a “decision point” for the first event. Discuss with a…
The Moroccan Crises and Colonial Rivalry
Colonial Rivalry as a Cause of World War One Tension between Germany and Russia (over the issue of Bosnia) and between Germany and Britain (over the Naval Race) was compounded by tension between Germany and France over Morocco and Alsace-Lorraine. This forms part of the newly updated ActiveHistory scheme of work on the Origins of World War One.
The Arms Race and the Role of Kaiser Wilhelm II
The Arms Race This worksheet covers both the arms race on land (Russia and France v. Germany) and at sea (Britain v. Germany). The Role of Kaiser Wilhelm II Imagine you are interviewing Kaiser Wilhelm in 1914. Come up with a series of questions you would like to ask him. Now use the internet to…
