Why did the Gallipoli campaign fail?

Why did the Gallipoli campaign fail? This introductory multimedia presentation is followed by using these 27 sources to complete the group work task outlined in the final slides. Suggested follow-up activities are also provided.

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 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.

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.

Flashpoint: Berlin – Events 1948-1960

Flashpoint: Berlin – Events 1948-1960 This lesson provides an overview of the Berlin Blockade, structured questions around a video documentary covering the period, and a cartoon sourcework question. Part of the scheme of work on Soviet Control of Eastern Europe at ActiveHistory.

Hitler’s Foreign Policy 1938-39

Uniting all Germans: Anschluss and the Sudetenland | Teacher Slideshow Complete with structured questions and sourcework, students are guided through the main events through a decision-making exercise. Invading Foreign Territory: Czechoslovakia and Poland | Teacher Slideshow Students examine a series of sources and watch video clips to build up their knowledge.

Germany, Italy and the Spanish Civil War | Teacher Slideshow

Germany, Italy and the Spanish Civil War | Teacher Slideshow A detailed workpack broken into three key sections, with structured questions and sourcework tasks:What was the Spanish Civil War?Why did Germany get involved in the Spanish Civil War?What did Germany Contribute to the Spanish Civil War?

Causes of World War Two: New Resources

I have uploaded a lot of new materials for my studies of the Origins of World War Two in the 1930s, meaning that I have now created several dedicated sections of the website to keep the topic manageable: The Great Depression Manchuria / Abyssinia Hitler’s Foreign Policy Appeasement Appeasement: Depth Study

Appeasement: Sourcework Questions and Model Answers

Sourcework Questions and Model Answers 1. Study Sources A and B. How far do these two sources agree? Explain your answer using the sources.2. Study Sources B and C. How far does Source C make Chamberlain’s attitude in Source B surprising?

Silent Discussion: Was the policy of appeasement “Spineless”, “Stupid”, “Cunning” or “Honourable”?

Silent Discussion: Was the policy of appeasement “Spineless”, “Stupid”, “Cunning” or “Honourable”? | Sources | Completed Teacher Version The teacher now presents the class with a series of sources in the form of a “silent debate”. For each one, decide which interpretation (honorable, cunning, stupid or cowardly) it substantiates, and then summarise its argument. Finally, take a vote on…

Was Hitler a Gambler, or a Planner, in Foreign Affairs?

The Historiography of World War Two: Was Hitler a Gambler, or a Planner, in Foreign Affairs? The AJP Taylor debate is explained here clearly, with discussion points attached and reference made to other historians who have contributed to the debate.

Five Key Sources: Was Hitler a Gambler, or a Planner?

Five Key Sources: Was Hitler a Gambler, or a Planner? To investigate further this key question, students examine five central sources: Mein Kampf, The Four Year Plan, the Hossbach Memorandum, Code Green, and Goering’s testimony at the Nuremberg War Trials.

Roleplay: The Manchurian Crisis

Roleplay: The Manchurian Crisis | Rolecards This roleplay exercise is a great way to get students thinking about the possible courses of action open to the League. Students are given an essential briefing about the Manchurian Dispute, and are then organised into five groups representing different countries. Each country is given a role card outlining what course…

How similar were the Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises?

Conclusions: How similar were the Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises? | Teacher Model Answers Students are provided with a writing frame which helps them compare and contrast the causes, course and consequences of the two crises.

Visual Essay-Writing Exercise: The Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises

Visual Essay-Writing Exercise: The Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises | Manchuria Cartoons | Abyssinia Cartoons Break the class into two groups. One will focus on the first crisis, one on the second. They should then construct an essay about the causes, course and consequences of their allocated crisis using the cartoons about Manchuria or Abyssinia as appropriate.

New Simulation: Hitler’s Foreign Policy in the 1930s

This new simulation is designed to help students form an opinion as to whether Hitler was a gambler or a planner in foreign affairs, and how far his foreign policy objectives could be justified. It comes complete with work pack, media clips, and a ‘save game’ feature. Part of the International Relations in the 1930s…

New Simulation: Weimar Germany 1921-29

Weimar Germany Decision Making Game – Part 2: 1921-29 [Interactive] complete with follow-up factual test.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 covers a different issue. By working through the activity and completing the worksheet, students will learn about the…

New Simulation: Weimar Germany 1918-21

Weimar Germany Decision-Making Game – Part 1: 1918-21 [Interactive] A brand new version of the popular decision making game. Each of the 5 key decision points covers a different issue. By working through the activity and completing the worksheet, students will learn about the diplomatic, economic, social and political problems faced by the Republic, and consider how successfully…

New Simulation: Can you Survive the Wall St. Crash?!

Interactive Decision-Making SimulationCan you survive the Wall Street Crash?“In this interactive simulation, you will be invited to “play the stock market”. In this way will learn about how a Crash can occur. You will be given a series of situations. You must decide if each one will: lead to share prices rising ( = so…

New Simulation: The League of Nations in the 1920s

In this new multimedia simulation students will take on the role of an ambitious civil servant, working for the British government. They will offer advice about how ministers should try to improve international stability. A structured worksheet guides students through 12 key issues: 4 relating to border disputes, 4 relating to social affairs, and 4…

New IGCSE History Hub on ActiveHistory!

New IGCSE History Hub on ActiveHistory! I’ve finally got round to putting together a new landing page for IGCSE History students and teachers on ActiveHistory. It contains direct links to scores of schemes of work for the most popular IGCSE options and much else besides. Let me know if you have any suggestions for improvements!

Events since 1979: Decision Making Exercise | Multimedia Slideshow

Events since 1979: Decision Making Exercise | Multimedia Slideshow Students are provided with a detailed breakdown of the key events which took place after Camp David, and for each one students are presented with a decision point from either an Israeli or an Arab perspective to discuss before being provided by the teacher in the…

The Camp David Agreement | Teacher Presentation

The Camp David Agreement | Teacher Presentation “The stalemate which resulted from the Yom Kippur war produced a balance of power between the two sides that made genuine compromise possible. Conduct your own research on each of these questions. Your teacher will lead a feedback session using a PowerPoint presentation afterwards”.

Events / Consequences of the October War

Events / Consequences of the October War Students are provided with 20 essential points of information which they need to categorise into three rows (Why were the Arab armies initially so successful? / Why did they nevertheless fail to secure an outright victory? / What were the consequences?) and then subdivide into different categories (USA…

Causes of the October War

Causes of the October War “As a result of the 1967 war, Egypt lost Gaza and Sinai, Syria the Golan Heights; Jordan lost the West Bank and East Jerusalem. UN Security Council Resolution 242(1967) told Israel’s to return these lands, and for Arabs to respect the right of Israel to exist. However, the Arabs refused…

The 1967 Six-Day War: Events/Consequences

Events and Consequences of the 6-Day War The causes for the Israeli victory, plus the long-term international consequences and for the Palestinians in particular, are covered in this lesson activity.

The 1967 Six-Day War: Causes

Causes of the 6-Day War | Teacher Notes Students have to analyse a detailed timeline to determine how the four main combatant nations could be held mainly responsible for the outbreak of the war in 1967.

The Suez Crisis of 1956

The Suez Crisis of 1956 Multimedia decision-making exercise (double-lesson) This unit guides students step-by-step through the causes, events and consequences of the Suez Crisis. It also makes reference to the Sevres Protocol. Part of the new IGCSE Paper 1 Scheme of Work on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

What were the results of the 1948 war?

What were the results of the 1948 war? This exercise focuses particularly on “Al Nakba” (“The Catastrophe”) – the Palestinian refugee crisis, with a discussion about whether the Palestinians have the ‘right to return’ to their lands in present-day Israel. Part of the new IGCSE Paper 1 Scheme of Work on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

Why did Israel win the 1948 war?

Why did Israel win the 1948 war? By analysing a timeline of events and watching some multimedia clips, students are challenged to find three key reasons why the Israelis won, and to link them. Part of the new IGCSE Paper 1 Scheme of Work on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

What territorial changes took place as a result of the 1948 war?

The Arab-Israeli War of 1948 What territorial changes took place as a result of the 1948 war? Students are given an overview of the main events, and two ‘before and after’ maps to draw some initial conclusions from. Part of the new IGCSE Paper 1 Scheme of Work on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

Civil War in Palestine, 1947-1948

Civil War in Palestine, 1947-1948 The UN General Assembly (and the Jewish leadership in Palestine) voted to accept the UNSCOP partition plan in November 1947. The Arabs though rejected it. The outcome of this conflict was the first wave of Palestinian refugees, which remains one of the central problems in the region today. Students investigate…

UNSCOP and the United Nations Partition Plan

UNSCOP and the United Nations Partition Plan What really happened? Students consider, based on their own discussions, the merits and drawbacks of the actual partition plan settled upon by UNSCOP. Part of the new IGCSE Paper 1 Scheme of Work on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

1947 roleplay part 2: Task for the “Judges”

UNSCOP and the United Nations Partition Plan 1947 roleplay part 2: Task for the “Judges” “Three people in the class will be in role as members of the UN. They will have to vote later on which of the proposals presented to them is the most likely to bring lasting peace to the region. In…

1947 roleplay part 2: Task for the “Arabs” and “Jews”

UNSCOP and the United Nations Partition Plan 1947 roleplay part 2: Task for the “Arabs” and “Jews” “UNSCOP reported back in September 1947 proposing that Palestine should be divided into two separate states, with economic unity. In this exercise, you will draw up your own partition plan, and compare it to that decided upon by…

Tensions in Palestine 1945-1947 | Teacher Version

Why did Britain give up its Mandate in Palestine? Reason 3: Tensions in Palestine 1945-1947 | Teacher Version “Cut and paste each of the following events into the correct column. (US Pressure upon Britain | British (Empire) pressures | Jewish pressure upon Britain | Arab pressure upon Britain). If you have sufficient time, add a few relevant…

Tensions in Palestine Increase: World War Two and the Holocaust

Why did Britain give up its Mandate in Palestine? Reason 2: Tensions in Palestine Increase: World War Two and the Holocaust Students complete a detailed worksheet by watching a 35-minute video documentary about the Holocaust. Part of the new IGCSE Paper 1 Scheme of Work on the Arab-Israeli Conflict

Tensions in Palestine before 1939: Palestinians and Jews

Why did Britain give up its Mandate in Palestine? Reason 1: Tensions in Palestine before 1939: Palestinians and Jews | Teacher Version Students are provided with a ‘fill the gaps’ exercise and are then asked to identify from this three key reasons why Palestine was a source of tension even before the outbreak of World War Two….

Introduction and Overview: The Arab-Israeli Conflict since 1945

Introduction and Overview: The Arab-Israeli Conflict since 1945 Students are provided with a narrative overview of the conflict, with the “hook” being the tragic events of September 11th 2001. This is explained in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict and students are provided with a diagram and supporting questions to help them put this into…

Multimedia Presentation: Gorbachev’s Rule

A presentation to provide feedback on the main activity on this page. Each slide outlines what Gorbachev actually did, and is followed by a video clip from which students can take additional notes.

The Abyssinian Crisis

The Abyssinian Crisis Students are presented with a detailed breakdown of the crisis and watch several video clips to help them form judgements. A cartoon analysis exercise then follows. Part of the Interwar Europe: The 1930s study unit.  

The Events of World War Two: New Study Unit

These lessons focus on providing students with a clear understanding of the main ideologies, personalities and events leading up to the war rather than the causes themselves (The Causes of World War Two is a topic better suited as an examination topic for older students, and resources can be found here: 1920s | 1930s.)

The Battle of the Somme: Haig – hero or butcher?

The Battle of the Somme Students conduct a debate on the issues of whether Haig was a good General, whether the battle plan was crazy, and whether it achieved its objectives. They do this by: (a) Completing this NEWLY EDITABLE worksheet as the teacher goes through The Battle of the Somme PowerPoint; (b) Completing this…

How similar was the 2008 Financial Crisis to the Wall St. Crash?

How similar was the 2008 Financial Crisis to the Wall St. Crash? One of the most important purposes of studying history is to understand the modern world. In this exercise students will consider how the Wall St. Crash helps us understand the modern financial system, by considering three particular films in the process: Part of…

Student Record Grid – 1920s Border Disputes

Student Record Grid In this classroom roleplay exercise, students are divided into teams of four (idealists and pragmatists) and 11 students are also given a particular country to represent. We then go through each of the major border disputes of the 1920s hearing the arguments on both sides, reaching a decided course of action, then…

ActiveHistory Online Presentation – League in the 1920s

ActiveHistory Online Presentation In this classroom roleplay exercise, students are divided into teams of four (idealists and pragmatists) and 11 students are also given a particular country to represent. We then go through each of the major border disputes of the 1920s hearing the arguments on both sides, reaching a decided course of action, then…

Border Disputes in the 1920s: A Classroom Roleplay Exercise

Border Disputes in the 1920s: A Classroom Roleplay Exercise  In this classroom roleplay exercise, students are divided into teams of four (idealists and pragmatists) and 11 students are also given a particular country to represent. We then go through each of the major border disputes of the 1920s hearing the arguments on both sides, reaching…

How successfully did Elizabeth deal with the problems of her reign?

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: Develop their ability to see the ‘big picture’ and to connect factors together Consider how Elizabeth’s rule has affected such things as: The…

Comparing / contrasting the impact on two states: the USA / the DDR

Comparing / contrasting the impact on two states: the USA / the DDR In the earlier exercise students worked collaboratively to determine the impact of the Cold War upon the DDR. As a revision exercise, they will now compare and contrast this experience with that of the United States by reviewing their work on the…

Video viewing notes: “The DDR: Lost World of Communism”

Video viewing notes: “The DDR: Lost World of Communism” Minute-by-minute viewing notes for this excellent BBC documentary for students to use as a way of deepening their understanding. This is part of a unit of study on Communist East Germany. This concludes with an essay on the subject “Analyse the impact of the Cold War upon…

Analyse the impact of the Cold War upon the DDR

The Impact of the Cold War upon the DDR The impact of the Cold War upon one state, and a comparison and contrast of the impact of the Cold War upon two states from different regions, is a possible focus of exam questions. The following unit was designed to provide an academically rigorous follow-up task…

“Then and Now” photographs: Battlefields / Berlin

“Then and Now” photographs As an added dimension to the trip, I obtained a range of historical photos of key sites in Berlin, then challenged students to recreate them. I then uploaded these to ActiveHistory to share with the students.

Interpretation Battleships: The Treaty of Versailles

Interpretation Battleships: The Treaty of Versailles “Harsh but fair” – To what extent do you agree with this judgement on the Treaty of Versailles? Individual or Paired Task After reviewing the terms of the Treaty, decide where each of the following words belong in the grid: Saar | Colonies | Rhineland | Alsace-Lorraine | Polish…

The Boxer Uprising

The Boxer Uprising ” Read carefully through the following account, then: [1] Include at least THREE relevant, useful, captioned images into this document (in the same format as the one already included); [2] Add additional notes from the video. Highlight all these additions in yellow.

Sourcework Questions: The Opium Wars | Model answers

Sourcework Questions: The Opium Wars | Model answers A fully-developed sourcework examination. I set questions [2] and [6] as a homework exercise and produced model answers myself to share with students afterwards.

Matrix Exercise: The results of the Indian Mutiny

Matrix Exercise: The results of the Indian Mutiny Students are presented with a detailed list of consequences which they then organise into a matrix diagram which will enable them to answer the following two questions: c. ‘British rule in India changed significantly after the Mutiny.’ How far do you agree with this statement? c. The…

Why, and with what effects, did Indians resist British rule?

Why, and with what effects, did Indians resist British rule? British involvement in India began with the East India Company. Its powerful Governor Generals came to exercise indirect rule through its own private army. In this activity students compare and contrast the roles of Lord Bentinck and Lord Dalhousie in precipitating the Indian Mutiny of…

Sourcework: King Leopold II and the Congo

Sourcework: King Leopold II and the Congo 1. Study Sources A and B. Does Source A prove that Leopold was lying in Source B? Explain your answer using details of the sources and your knowledge. 2. Study Sources C, D and E. Does Sources C and D make Source E surprising? Explain your answer using…

Comparisons and Contrasts: French, Belgian and British approaches to Empire

Comparisons and Contrasts: French, Belgian and British approaches to Empire Using the information from the previous activity, students use this Venn Diagram template to highlight contrasts and comparisons between the different methods used by the French, British and Belgians. There is also a completed teacher version available.

How varied were the impacts of European imperialism on Africans? | teacher notes

How varied were the impacts of European imperialism on Africans? | teacher notes In the 1880s Europeans accelerated their colonisation programmes in a process which became known as the “Scramble for Africa”. Following the Berlin Conference (1884-85), the African continent was randomly divided into about fifty countries. These new borders took no account of ethnic…

What were the motives behind European imperialism in Africa?

What were the motives behind European imperialism in Africa? In this lesson, students investigate the key questions “Why did Europeans have little interest in colonising Africa before 1850?” and “What were the motives behind the ‘Scramble for Africa’ thereafter?”. Using the information provided, they produce an illustrated flowchart or infographic which highlights the connections between…

Hitler’s Foreign Policy: Model Answers

Hitler’s Foreign Policy a. Describe the events leading to Anschluss. b. Why did Hitler want to take over Czechoslovakia? c. How far was the policy of appeasement justified? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:

Hitler’s Foreign Policy: Model Answers

Hitler’s Foreign Policy a. In what ways did Hitler build up his armed forces before 1936? b. Why did Britain and France allow Germany to remilitarise the Rhineland in 1936? c. Evaluate the view that ‘Hitler was a gambler rather than a planner’ in foreign affairs. One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE…

International Relations: 1930s – Model Answers

International Relations: 1930s a. Describe the Abyssinian Crisis. b. Why was the conquest of Manchuria by Japan not prevented by the League of Nations? b. Why was remilitarisation of the Rhineland a risk for Hitler? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:

International Relations: 1920s/30s – Model Answers

International Relations: 1920s/30s a. Describe the successes of the League of Nations in peacekeeping in the 1920s b. Why did the League fail to secure world disarmament before World War Two? b. Explain why the League was quite successful in the 1920s One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can…

Model Answers: International Relations: 1920s

International Relations: 1920s a. Describe the activities of the Agencies of the League of Nations. b. Why did some major powers not join the League? c. How successful was the League at dealing with border disputes in the 1920s? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:

International Relations: 1920s – Model Answers

International Relations: 1920s a. What were the aims of the League of Nations? b. Why did the USA’s refusal to join create problems for the League? c. How successful was the League at dealing with the problems it faced in the 1920s? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can…

Germany Depth Study: Model Answers

Weimar Germany, 1918-34 a. Describe the effects of the hyperinflation of 1923 on the German people b. Why was 1923 a year of crisis for the Weimar Republic? c. c. To what extent did the Weimar Republic recover between 1924-28? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed…

Model Answers – Weimar Germany, 1918-34

Weimar Germany, 1918-34 a. What changes in German society did the Nazi Party want in 1920? b. Why did the Nazi Party remain unsuccessful between 1924 and 1929? c. How important was Hitler to the success of the Nazis between 1929 and 1932? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that…

Model Answers: Weimar Germany, 1918-34 [free]

Weimar Germany, 1918-34 [free] a. What were the main features of the Weimar Constitution? b. Why did the Weimar Republic face difficulties in 1923? c. How successful was the Republic between 1924-1928? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:

Versailles Peace Treaty: Model Answers

Peace Treaties after World War One a. Describe how the peace treaties affected France. b. Explain why the Versailles treaty was harsh on Germany. c. To what extent did the aims of the Big Three differ? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:

Peace Treaties after World War One: Model Answers

Peace Treaties after World War One a. What is a diktat? b. Explain why some people thought that the Treaty of Versailles was fair. c. To what extent did the aims of the Big Three differ? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE History (CIE) that can be accessed here:  

Model Answers: Peace Treaties after World War One [free]

Peace Treaties after World War One [free] a. What did Wilson hope to achieve from the peace settlement of 1919-20? b. Why did Clemenceau and Lloyd George disagree over how to treat Germany? c. “The Treaty of Versailles was a fair settlement”. How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. One of…

Origins of WW1 – IGCSE History P1 Model Answers

The Origins of World War One a. Describe the Alliance System which existed among European powers before 1914. b. Why did the Anglo-French entente survive? c. “The crises of 1905, 1908 and 1911 made war inevitable” – to what extent do you agree with this statement? One of many sets of model answers for IGCSE…