Model Essay: By what methods, and with what success, did Fidel Castro try to eliminate domestic opposition? (note: teacher password required). (note: teacher password required). From: 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk
Category: Year Groups
Model Essay: “Castro’s mastery of guerrilla warfare was the main reason why he was able to take control of Cuba”. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Model Essay: “Castro’s mastery of guerrilla warfare was the main reason why he was able to take control of Cuba”. To what extent do you agree with this statement? (note: teacher password required). From: 40+ Model History Essays by RJ Tarr of www.activehistory.co.uk
40+ Model History Essays by Russel Tarr
As well as writing a number of articles for History Review magazine, I make it a habit to write essays in timed conditions whenever I set such assignments with my classes. These serve as very useful teaching aids which help students to develop their own essay-writing skills. Provided here are more than 40 essays and…
Who is your historical hero?
I have updated this popular project with some several more illustrative examples and a link to the Amazon store where you can purchase cardboard cubes to allow your students to make more professional “History Cubes”!
Outcome from the Balloon Debate: Paper People Project | More on the “Paper People” approach
Who was the most important person in the Industrial Revolution? Each student produces a single powerpoint slide (using this template) as a key figure from the industrial revolution period explaining why “they” deserve to be remembered as the most important character overall. The debate which follows is a great way of encouraging students to link…
Crime Board: Who was Jack the Ripper?
Crime Board: Who was Jack the Ripper? As an alternative to producinga straightforward ‘Wanted’ poster for the killer following the computer simulation, students could instead consider producing a ‘Crime Board’ connecting the various pieces of evidence to different suspects to produce an overall theory.
Rule of Pinochet / 1973 Chilean Coup: Dialogue Poem Starter Activity
Starter Activity: Dialogue Poem After a study of the 1973 Chilean Coup, and before/during a study of Pinochet’s rule of Chile, ask two female students to read out the following dialogue poem to the class as a powerful starter activity. For further ideas about using “Dialogue Poems” in class, follow this link on Tarr’s Toolbox:…
“Backward Essay Planning” – the Rule of Pinochet
“Backward Essay Planning” – the Rule of Pinochet In this activity, students are presented from the outset with a model essay on the subject of the Rise of Pinochet. They then go through this reading it carefully for style and content, highlighting off key features and discussing their thoughts with the class. Next, each student…
How important was the role of women in the anti-Apartheid movement?
A brand new sourcework assignment, complete with model answers, in the style of IB History Paper 1 (Rights and Protest). Click here for the new assignment and many other sample papers / model answers.
The Sophiatown Removals: Sample Sourcework Paper / Model Answers
The following materials are designed to provide teachers and students with practice sourcework exercises for the “Rights and Protest” topic in the IB History examination.
Escape the Room: Mission Rivonia!
A new one-hour introductory lesson to Apartheid South Africa. “It is 1966. You are anti-apartheid fighters who have been captured after being in hiding since the Rivonia Trial of 1964. Following the assassination of Prime Minister Verwoerd, you have been discovered and placed under house arrest following a dawn raid by the police. You have…
Summary revision: Cold War Crises Compared
Cold War Crises Compared A detailed revision summary comparing and contrasting key Cold War crises, with tasks for students to complete.
Model Essay: Evaluate the political and economic impact of military rule in Chile between 1973 and 1989
Evaluate the political and economic impact of military rule in Chile between 1973 and 1989 A model essay by RJ Tarr.
Historiography: Causes for the Rise of Dictators / Outbreak of Civil Wars / Revolutions
Historiography: Causes for the Rise of Dictators / Outbreak of Civil Wars / Revolutions A useful summary grid outlining the main historians and their theories.
Model Essay: With reference to two examples from two different regions, assess (a) the reasons for the use of guerrilla warfare, and (b) its effectiveness. (compares Cuba and Vietnam).
With reference to two examples from two different regions, assess (a) the reasons for the use of guerrilla warfare, and (b) its effectiveness. (compares Cuba and Vietnam).
The Victorians through Paintings: Video Clips List
Was life good or bad in Victorian Britain? – A study through paintings The following 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…
The February Revolution of 1917
The February Revolution of 1917 Students take a detailed timeline of events and place each event into one of three columns: political damage, military damage, socio-economic damage. From this they decide when exactly the Tsar lost control of the politicians, the armed forced and the ordinary people. They then put each of these crises in…
From Yalta to Potsdam – the wartime alliance starts breaking down
From Yalta to Potsdam Through a focus on primary source analysis, students investigate how far Truman’s bellicosity towards the Soviet Union was apparent from the outset, or was merely a position he adopted once he was in possession of the atomic bomb. Part of the comprehensive unit on Cold War Origins to 1949.
Introduction to Racism: An introduction to Rights and Protest
Racism – A (provocative!) introduction to “Rights and Protest” Before starting study for the IB Sourcework Paper “Rights and Protest” I like to get students thinking about the concept of racism and its expression in the 21st century. By doing this, I hope to challenge them out of the complacent view that modern Western society…
Video worksheet: “Brunel” by Jeremy Clarkson | Factual Test
Video worksheet: “Brunel” by Jeremy Clarkson | Factual Test A worksheet to accompany the excellent documentary on Brunel by Jeremy Clarkson. I get students to play the Horatio Ramsbottom Game, then we watch this and complete the worksheet, then students choose whether to base their imaginary interview on Brunel or Ramsbottom. Based on their choice, they then…
Escape the Room – Mission: Rome!
“You are a team of famous archaeologists preparing an exhibition about the Roman Empire which is due to open in just 45 minutes. The prize exhibit has been locked away safely by your team leader, but he has now been kidnapped by a group of art thieves who are asking for a ransom. Your task…
IB Extended Essay: Marksheet and Guidance
Marksheet and Guidance A student-friendly version of the IB mark scheme, combining the generic guidance from the IB as well as its subject-specific criteria for History.
How similar were the Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises?
Conclusions: How similar were the Manchurian and Abyssinian Crises? | Teacher Model Answers Students are provided with a writing frame which helps them compare and contrast the causes, course and consequences of the two crises.
The Abyssinian Crisis
The Abyssinian Crisis Students are presented with a detailed breakdown of the crisis and watch several video clips to help them form judgements. A cartoon analysis exercise then follows.
Roleplay: The Manchurian Crisis | Rolecards
Roleplay: The Manchurian Crisis | Rolecards This roleplay exercise is a great way to get students thinking about the possible courses of action open to the League. Students are given an essential briefing about the Manchurian Dispute, and are then organised into five groups representing different countries. Each country is given a role card outlining…
*NEW* Simulation: Can you survive life in the trenches in World War One?
A brand new simulation! “In this simulation you will be a British soldier who joins the army in 1914 to fight the Germans. You will learn about the conditions which soldiers lived and fought in, and the dangers they faced. There is a worksheet to go with this activity which you should complete as you proceed. You…
Six Steps for Writing your Extended Essay in IB History
Six Steps for Writing your Extended Essay in IB History A one-sided sheet provided step-by-step guidance for students on how to go about producing their Extended Essay.
Model Essay: For what reasons, and with what results, did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964?
Model Essay: For what reasons, and with what results, did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964? A sample essay written by me which I share with students for discussion purposes after they have completed their own assignment.
Civil Rights Movement – Student research tasks / presentation instructions
Student research tasks / presentation instructions Each member of the class chooses one research task from a list of 10 options provided. Suggested sources and approaches are given in the worksheet. The students should then share their findings with the class. Links to useful sources are provided, such as this short video about the Black…
Multimedia lecture [2]: IN WHAT WAYS did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964?
Multimedia lecture [2]: IN WHAT WAYS did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964? This detailed online presentation lecture is designed to be delivered by the teacher. It comes complete with media clips from a wide variety of sources. Questions for discussion are provided within the slides and students should be encouraged to…
Multimedia lecture [1]: WHY did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964?
Multimedia lecture [1]: WHY did the Civil Rights movement become more radical after 1964? This detailed online presentation lecture is designed to be delivered by the teacher. It comes complete with media clips from a wide variety of sources. Questions for discussion are provided within the slides and students should be encouraged to consider these…
IB History Internal Assessments – sample studies
Here are a selection of IB History Internal Assessment studies from the International School of Toulouse that were graded highly in May 2017 (marks shown are those awarded after moderation by the IBO).
Mission: Berlin! (‘Escape the Room’ activity on Hitler’s consolidation of power)
A new “Escape the Room!” stand-alone lesson designed to last between 45 minutes and an hour. “You are a member of the Social Democrats, enemies of the new chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler. The Reichstag has just burned down and Hitler has persuaded President Hindenburg to declare a state of emergency and outlaw opposition parties….
Student-friendly Sourcework Rubric
Student-friendly Sourcework Rubric This rubric provides a student-friendly mark scheme and tips for structuring each of the answers for the IB Sourcework Paper. For example: [Sourcework Rubric]
The life of Martin Luther – Design a film trailer!
The life of Martin Luther – Design a film trailer! It’s a great story – and in this activity, students use a timeline to produce a Hollywood Film Poster (complete with suggested merchandise, reviews and screenshots) advertising a new blockbuster about the life of the Reformation giant. Focusing on the cast list, the film title…
Model Essay: Assess the view that “After initial failures, Kennedy’s handling of foreign policy grew increasingly successful as time went on”
Model Essay: Assess the view that “After initial failures, Kennedy’s handling of foreign policy grew increasingly successful as time went on” A model essay written in timed conditions by RJ Tarr. Set the question to students too, then use this to compare alongside them in a feedback session.
The Rise of Hitler – Images
The Rise of Hitler – Images This double-sided sheet of selected images relating to the rise of Hitler can be used to develop the hexagons display piece still further, or as the basis for a visual essay writing exercise.
President Johnson – An Introduction to “LBJ”
LBJ: An Introduction In this engaging task, students are given an overview of LBJ and his famous ‘treatment’, along with video clip links and an extract from an acclaimed biography of the President. From this they are encouraged to identify five key aspects of the “Johnson Treatment” and substantiate each with an extract from the…
ClassTools.net Arcade Games: “Kennedy’s Foreign Policy”
ClassTools.net Arcade Games: “Kennedy’s Foreign Policy” A whole range of interactive arcade games to accompany the detailed study unit available at ActiveHistory.
Factual test – Kennedy’s Foreign Policy
Factual test – Kennedy’s Foreign Policy In the ‘how certain are you?’ format, this test determines not just what students know, but also how confident they are in their knowledge.
Classroom debate – How successful was Kennedy’s foreign policy?
Classroom debate – How successful was Kennedy’s foreign policy? The class is divided into teams to prepare questions on different policies from either a prosecution or a defence perspective.
Escape the Room! – Mission Havana, 1959
Escape the Room! – Mission Havana, 1959 “You are American business people from the United Fruit Company, placed under house arrest by the new Castro regime due to your close ties to Batista. You have managed to ply the guard with rum and he has passed out. But you have only one hour to find…
Escape Room: “Mission: Galileo 1610”
1. Escape Room: “Mission: Galileo 1610” “It is 1610. the Renaissance (‘Rebirth’) of arts and sciences has transformed Europe. You are students of the great scientist galileo in Padua, Italy. You have all been put in jail by the church for insisting that the earth goes round the sun! You will all taken away to…
The Treaty of Sevres [1]: The Middle East
The Treaty of Sevres [1]: The Middle East | teacher answer sheet Students learn about the conflicting promises made by the British in the Middle East during World War One, and then tackle this: “It is now 1919. You are Prime Minister David Lloyd George, about to head off for the Paris Peace Conference. Complete this official…
SIMULATION – The Treaties of Sevres and Lausanne: How successfully did Lloyd George handle Turkey?
The Treaties of Sevres and Lausanne [2]: The Near East – How successfully did Lloyd George handle Turkey after World War One? [interactive] “In this simulation you will take on the role of an advisor to the British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. You will be asked how you think he should handle the Ottoman Empire…
How important was the role of women in the Civil Rights movement? – source work
A new source work assignment, complete with model answers, for the following questions. 1a. According to Source A, why was the success of the Little Rock Campaign still not assured? [3 marks] 1b. What is the message conveyed by Source B? [2 marks] 2. With reference to its origin, purpose and content, analyse the value…
IGCSE History Revision 2017
Completely updated and relaunched, this section of the website provides comprehensive revision materials for Cambridge IGCSE Modern World History.
Model Essay: “Analyse the successes and failures of Nixon’s domestic policies”
Model Essay: “Analyse the successes and failures of Nixon’s domestic policies” A timed essay that I wrote in exam conditions to share with students for revision and discussion. Part of the Nixon’s Administration scheme of work.
Nixon’s Domestic Policy: Student research task
“Higher level students will write a timed essay on the key question outlined above. You will self-study this topic in your own time. When it comes to revision time we will compare and contrast Nixon and Johnson’s achievements. Your task will be to use a variety of sources to decide for yourself what the main…
IB Sourcework: Rights and Protest – sample source work papers and model answers
IB Sourcework: Rights and Protest – sample source work papers and model answers These materials are designed to provide teachers and students with practice sourework exercises for the “Rights and Protest” topic in the IB History examination. More will follow in due course.
Model Essay: “Assess the successes and failures of Nixon’s foreign policy”
Model Essay: “Assess the successes and failures of Nixon’s foreign policy” [teacher password required] Students should close this unit by tackling one of the essay questions outlined above in timed conditions. The essay provided here was written by me in timed conditions whilst my own students tacked a similar question. Part of the new scheme of…
Nixon’s foreign policy: the second administration
Nixon’s second administration (1972-1974) “Nixon’s second administration was mired in the Watergate Scandal, but no less controversial is is handling of foreign affairs in this period. In this part of the investigation you will reach your own judgement on whether Vietnam, Chile, Israel and the Middle East, or South Africa deserves to be regarded as…
Nixon’s foreign policy: The 1972 Presidential Election
The 1972 Presidential Election | Teacher notes “Imagine it’s 1972 election year, with inauguration day due to take place in January 1973. You are deciding how to vote, and Gallup (the public opinion pollsters) have asked for your approval rating of Nixon in the realm of foreign affairs. Using your existing knowledge, discuss with a partner what…
Sourcework Exercise: To what extent was Martin Luther King responsible for the success of the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
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…
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…
Anarchism: Bakunin’s Catechism of a Revolutionary
Anarchism: Bakunin’s Catechism of a Revolutionary This text should be copied into a shared Google Doc. It will then be divided between the members of the class (e.g. the first student is responsible for points 1-3, the second for points 4-6 and so on). Each student should delete all but one of the points, keeping…
Summary Sheet: Hegel, Marx and Lenin – compared and contrasted
Summary Sheet: Hegel, Marx and Lenin – compared and contrasted A detailed knowledge organiser that serves as a useful consolidation and revision aid. Part of the new Political Ideologies scheme of work.
Factual Test on the issues covered so far (20 questions)
Factual Test on the issues covered so far (20 questions) | Teacher answers This test makes use of the “How certain are you?” format. For each question, play for 1, 2 or 3 points to reflect your confidence. If you’re correct, you win those points. If not, you lose them down to a minimum of zero points. Part…
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.
Teacher-led online lecture [2]: A brief history of political ideology from the Enlightenment to the modern day!
Teacher-led online lecture [2]: A brief history of political ideology from the Enlightenment to the modern day! Complete with handouts and teacher notes, this is the second part of the teacher lecture. together an online lecture which runs through the development of political ideology. This on starts with the Enlightenment and covers such themes as…
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.
Enlightenment Philosophy: Philosophers, Revolutionaries and the Declaration of the Rights of Man
Enlightenment Philosophy: Philosophers, Revolutionaries and the Declaration of the Rights of Man In this exercise we will clarify what the spirit of the French Revolution actually was. It will then be possible, if and when you study the French Revolution in more depth, to decide: How far the early revolutionaries delivered on their promises, whether…
Teacher-led online lecture [1]: A brief history of political ideology from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment!
Teacher-led online lecture [1]: A brief history of political ideology from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment! Complete with handouts and teacher notes, I have put together an online lecture which runs through the development of political ideology. This first presentation brings students up to the Enlightenment and covers such themes as the Great Chain…
Left-wing and Right Wing: Which are you?
Left-wing and Right Wing: Which are you? [online simulation] Students complete the computer questionnaire, which will provide them with some initial suggestions about whether they are Left- or Right-Wing. This can be completed in class, or set as a homework activity. Students are then asked to complete a Triangle Nine Template by completing the following steps: “Step 1:…
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…
Communism and Fascism: What’s the difference?
Communism and Fascism: What’s the difference? Building on directly from the “Left and Right Wing” simulation earlier, students complete a questionnaire about key policy areas to help them identify the essential features of dictatorship and democracy, communism and fascism. They then use what they have learned to outline the differences between (a) Fascism and Communism;…
Design your ‘ideal state’
Design your ‘ideal state’ In this lesson, students take the ideas and principles they are now familiar with and use these to design an ‘ideal state’ by considering such things as the ideal age for voting, the benefits and disadvantages of having a monarchy, and so on. Plenty of room here for group work and…
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.
Slave Trade Simulation: Updated and improved
To tie in more closely with “The Apprentice” roleplay which forms the main part of this study unit, the popular “Slave Trade Simulation” has been updated with a new activity worksheet. This worksheet is the default way of working through the simulation. It provides a detailed introduction to the topic, explains how it will feed…
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…
Civil Rights Campaign 1964, Freedom Summer
Campaign 1964: Freedom Summer | Teacher notes “The 1964 Freedom Summer was a 10-week campaign in Mississippi designed to increase the amount of black people registered to vote…Listen to (or read) Fanie Lou Hamer’s “I Question America” speech and make notes on the sorts of injustices she and her people have suffered already and which she uses…
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Legislation 1964: The Civil Rights Act The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is significant because it made the protection of civil rights the responsibility of the federal government, and removed the rights of individual states to make their own exceptions to these…Watch the video clip and make detailed notes on the main provisions of the…
Sourcework Assignment with model answers, The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Sourcework Assignment with model answers: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 [Teacher password required] A complete sourcework paper in the style of the new IB Syllabus, complete with model answers by the author of this website. Part of the complete scheme of work on the civil rights movement 1954-1965 at ActiveHistory
Selma Marches 1965, Online Simulation
Campaign 1965: Selma – The Simulation [interactive] “In this simulation you will learn about key figures involved in the struggle as events unfold step-by-step. For each character you will be invited to step inside their shoes and consider how you should react to the situation you face if your objective is to attract favourable media attention…
The Voting Rights Act of 1965
Legislation 1965: The Voting Rights Act “The Voting Rights Act has recently been undermined by the case of Shelby County v. Holder (2013). Conduct some research into this case (including the article from The Guardian entitled ‘Selma leaders lament voting rights losses at congressional award ceremony’) to answer the question “To what extent has the…
Undercover in Ancient Rome – new worksheets for the simulation
I have added some new activities to the “Undercover in Ancient Rome” simulation. Mapping the key places and people In this task, you will use the interactive adventure to complete a schematic map which quickly allows you to identify the main sites and Emperors in Ancient Rome according to the simulation. Once this is finished,…
Knowledge Cubes – originally posted on Tarr’s Toolbox
Overview When students conduct research on key individuals, get them to write up their findings on a cardboard cube, with each of the six faces covering a different theme. After the class has exchanged its findings in the form of a balloon debate or similar, collect the cubes in and, as an extension activity, invite pairs of students to…
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.
A revision summary grid of historiographical terms
A revision summary grid of historiographical terms Observations: Leopold von Ranke’s Historicism movement in the late 19th Century laid the framework for modern historiography. From the scientific methods of source analysis it promoted, historians quickly moved from describing “what” happened and towards a consideration of “why”. In the late 20th Century, however, the postmodernists argued…
