Paper 1 Sourcework Exercise: To what extent was Martin Luther King responsible for the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott? A one-hour sourcework paper in the style of the IBO. 1. a) According to Source A, why did Rosa Parks refuse to give up her bus seat? [3 marks] 1. b) What message is conveyed…
Category: Historical Periods
Nixon’s foreign policy: the first administration (1969-72)
Nixon’s first administration (1969-1972) | Teacher notes Students complete a gap-fill exercise providing them with an essential overview of Nixon’s foreign policy. They then conduct extra research and reading to answer such questions as: What were the essential features of the Nixon Doctrine? Use quotes from Nixon himself as appropriate. / Complete the following table to provide an…
Nixon’s Foreign Policy: New study unit
A study of Nixon’s foreign policy makes a great deal of sense if students have already studied the Vietnam War and / or the 1973 Chilean Coup (each of which provides a major area of overlap with Nixon). In this compact study unit, students revisit these topics and broaden out to consider not just Nixon’s policies with the USSR…
Was life good or bad in Victorian Britain? – A study through paintings
Was life good or bad in Victorian Britain? – A study through paintings This new stand-alone study unit is delivered over 7-8 hours. Inspired by the excellent Jeremy Paxman series on “The Victorians”, it is designed to develop skills of visual literacy as well as essay writing. Students draw deductions from a range of Victorian…
To what extent was Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War due to the involvement of foreign powers?
To what extent was Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War due to the involvement of foreign powers? A model essay by RJ Tarr.
Model Essay: Analyse the successes and failures of President Kennedy’s foreign policies towards Latin America between 1961 and 1963.
Analyse the successes and failures of President Kennedy’s foreign policies towards Latin America between 1961 and 1963. A model essay by RJ Tarr.
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Pinochet and Franco
Model Essay: Compare and Contrast the Rise of Pinochet and Franco Students first have a brainstorm about what are the most frequent causes for the rise of single party state rulers. They then analyse the key methods and conditions which led to the rise of particular individual dictators, then compare and contrast them. In this…
What is Politics? Why are so many people not interested in it and why is this worrying?
Teacher Presentation: What is Politics? Why are so many people not interested in it and why is this worrying? This presentation is given to the entire group and is designed to get them thinking about why politics is so important. It outlines how the study unit will focus on helping students determine whether they are…
The Potsdam Conference: When and why did the US policy move from one of co-operation to confrontation?
The Potsdam Conference: When and why did the US policy move from one of co-operation to confrontation? Students consider the extent to which the Potsdam conference was characterised more by conflict that by co-operation. Part of the comprehensive unit on Cold War Origins to 1949.
LBJ and the “Great Society”
A new teaching unit on LBJ and the Great Society. After the 1964 election, the Democrats held two-thirds majorities in both houses of Congress. This gave Johnson the mandate to realize his vision of a “Great Society”. Emboldened by his election by more votes than any president in history, Johnson prepared to inundate the 89th…
Hexagons Activity: Impact of the Industrial Revolution
Hexagons Activity: Impact of the Industrial Revolution This activity is approached through a ‘Hexagons’ approach which is outlined in detail here. Students cut up the hexagons and organise them in logical groups, with adjacent sides of hexagons indicating connections that are then explained around the diagram. The hexagons were created using the ClassTools.net Hexagons Generator.
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre – Teacher model answers
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre | Teacher answers 1) a. According to Source A, why was the campaign in Sharpeville so badly coordinated? [3 marks] 1) b. What is the message conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2) With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value and limitations of Source C for…
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre
Sourcework Exercise: The Sharpeville Massacre 1) a. According to Source A, why was the campaign in Sharpeville so badly coordinated? [3 marks] 1) b. What is the message conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2) With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value and limitations of Source C for a historian studying…
Model answers for sourcework exercise on rise of Apartheid
IB-style source work exercise: Why was apartheid introduced into South Africa in 1948? | Model Answers by RJ Tarr A one-hour source work exercise in the style of the IBDP History Paper 1, complete with model answers to share with students afterwards.
Model Essay – Compare and contrast the role of ideology in causing two 20th-century wars, each chosen from a different region
Compare and contrast the role of ideology in causing two 20th-century wars, each chosen from a different region “Although at face value very different conflicts, the Spanish Civil War and the Vietnam War were strikingly similar in a number of important ways: not least the central role played by ideology in precipitating the outbreak of…
Model Essay – What were the most frequent causes of 20th-century wars?
What were the most frequent causes of 20th-century wars? (model essay) “The 20th Century was defined by two World Wars which brought havoc upon civilization unprecedented in human history, and in the continued instability of the 21st century a study of their causes – and how to avoid them – is an essential method of working…
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…
Who is your Historical Hero?
I have updated the “Who is your historical hero?” study unit to make use of the ‘Knowledge Cubes’ approach which I outline in more detail at Tarr’s Toolbox.
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…
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
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…
Using ‘The Apprentice’ TV Show Format in the Classroom
I have produced a comprehensive set of instructions and resources which enables teachers to adapt the format of the TV show “The Apprentice” to foster group work, research skills and presentational abilities. In the illustrative example I share, students research and prioritise the methods used by the 19th Century Abolition Movement to outlaw the slave trade. Students are…
Why did the Roman Empire Fall?
Why did the Roman Empire Fall? In this exercise, created using the ClassTools Hexagons Generator, pairs of students are given a sheet of factors explaining the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West. They cut these out and then organise them into meaningful categories, each with a title which makes it clear how they…
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…
Who was the most interesting Roman Emperor of all time?
Who was the most interesting Roman Emperor of all time? – a classroom debate In this activity, students research different emperors. They can then present their findings in a whole host of ways: through a balloon debate (my favoured approach!), a biopoem, a diamond diagram, and many others which are suggested within the worksheet. Part…
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…
Year 9 Christmas History: Ebeneezer Scrooge: Hero or Villain?
Yr9 Lesson 2: Ebeneezer Scrooge: Hero or Villain? | Teacher Support Sheet In this activity, students learn about, then are encouraged to challenge, the traditional interpretation of the Dickens Classic “A Christmas Carol”.
Gladiatorial Combat – A Roleplay Game!
Gladiatorial Combat – A Roleplay Game! | Accompanying question sheet “In this activity you will learn all about Roman Gladiators. You will complete a playing card all about your gladiator, then take the role of a gladiator and use your knowledge to help you win in a series of ‘battles’ against your opponents. Remember: Knowledge…
Yr9 History: The Victorian Invention of Christmas!
Yr9 Lesson 1: The Victorian Invention of Christmas! | Teacher Answers In this activity, students consider how the Industrial Revolution almost destroyed Christmas altogether – until three real-life “Father Christmas” figures came along to save it! This is part one of a two-part lesson and makes use of images of the first Christmas Cracker, the first Christmas Treeand the…
Roman Holiday! – Part 2: Presentations
Roman Holiday! – Part 2: Presentations ” Your teacher will give each team an A3 copy of this Venn diagram. Each team should nominate a scribe. This person should ask each member of the team what site(s) they researched, and write these into the Venn diagram in the appropriate place after discussion. Next, your teacher…
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…
Year 8 History – A Puritan Christmas!
Yr8: A Puritan Christmas! This lesson covers how and why the Protestant Reformation led to the emergence of a ‘Puritan’ movement which banned Christmas altogether. Students will research how various Christmas traditions that we take for granted actually have very little basis in the Bible. In role, and as charmingly as possible, the teacher will…
