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Decline and Collapse of Soviet Control in Eastern Europe – External Factors
An end-of unit “Fling the Teacher” challenge with 30 possible questions. All students should start the quiz at the same time, with 10 minutes available. Award 10 points to anyone finishing the quiz successfully within the first minute, 9 points to anyone finishing within the second minute, and so on. I build up a “leaderboard”…
Stalin bus begins driving through St Petersburg
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6th May 1910 (100 years ago today) King Edward VII of England died
King Edward gave his name to the “Edwardian Era” which represents the high-point of British confidence (complacency?) before World War One. He is also the reason why we don’t button up the final button on our waistcoats (if you know your fashion sense…) – because he was too fat to do so, everyone else turned…
6th May 1960 (50 years ago today) President Dwight Eisenhower signs the Civil Rights Act of 1960 into law.
For more on this legislation, have a read of this page. Share this:
Chinese Civil War: Keyword Challenge
A new Fruit Machine game created using www.classtools.net. Share this:
Worst Jobs in History: Tudors
This Worst Jobs in History simulation can be used as a stand-alone lesson, homework assignment or as part of a broader unit on “Was life Good or Bad during this particular period?”. The worksheet has basic activities for a 30 minute lesson, and extension tasks that could be followed up later. Share this:
Medieval black Briton found
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2nd May 1860 (150 years ago today) Theodore Herzl was born
Herzl was the founder of the Zionist Movement, which campaigned for an independent Jewish State. He is historically important in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Share this:
Sourcework Tips: Decline and Collapse of Soviet Control in Eastern Europe
A student handout highlighting the main periods, people and events so that sources can be placed into their correct historical context as specifically as possible. Share this:
1st May 1960 (50 years ago today): U2 Spy Plane Incident
A Soviet missile shoots down an American Lockheed U2 spy plane; the pilot Francis Gary Powers is captured. Share this:
IGCSE Collapse of Communism – Interactive Cartoon Analysis
In this activity, students analyse 5 separate political cartoons relating to the decline and collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. They are then able to compare their answers to a series of model answers. A useful way of revising the 2010 IGCSE Paper 2 Topic. Share this:
Training Day Opportunity from ActiveHistory
On Friday 21st May I’m personally running a one-day teacher-training course on “Web2.0 in the History Classroom”. All delegates will have access to their own computer with internet access and a 2GB memory stick with a full training pack and resources. A restaurant lunch is also included in the course price. The event will take…
The Rise of Mao – Interactive MazeGame
A new decision-making adventure designed to consolidate knowledge about the rise of Chairman Mao. Share this:
Quiz: The Rise of Chairman Mao
A new Fling the Teacher Quiz (45 possible questions) designed for IB level. Share this:
YouTube pulls Hitler Downfall parodies
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April 21st 1910 (100 years ago today) Mark Twain, American author, died
For an Edison film of Twain in 1909, click here. Share this:
Historical Anniversaries for May 2010
• The following list provides important anniversaries that could be commemorated in 2010. • It can be used by teachers preparing assemblies, extension tasks and one-off lessons. • I am limiting the list to multiples of 50 years (1960 (50 years ago today), 1910 (100 years ago today), 1860 (150 years ago today) etc). •…
Classtools.net Countdown Timer: Now with new tunes!
The popular countdown timer at www.classtools.net has now been developed with several more tunes – check them out here! Share this:
How did the War in Afghanistan undermine the USSR?
A Telescopic Topic created using www.classtools.net Share this:
Stalin’s Rise to Power
A Telescopic Topic created using www.classtools.net. Share this:
Calvin’s Reformation
A Telescopic Topic created using Classtools.net. Share this:
History Mystery: The Dreadnought Hoax
An ActiveHistory Mystery. The “History Mysteries” lessons are designed as stand-alone projects which each last 3-4 hours. Through engaging historical topics, they teach skills of research, groupwork, structured writing. There is a standard teacher lesson plan and student record sheet / markscheme for each activity. Share this:
Tensions in the Middle East, c.1914-1947
A Telescopic Topic created using Classtools.net. Share this:
Eastern Europe: Walesa and Pope John Paul II
In this task students discuss the respective roles of the key individuals and then answer some source work questions about the Solidarity movement. Share this:
Russia bans Hitler book as extremist
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The Suez Crisis: Historiography and Conclusions
The Suez Crisis: Historiography and Conclusions Students consider an orthodox and revisionist interpretation of the Suez Crisis to consolidate their understanding of this topic and reach an independent judgement. There are teacher notes available for this activity. Share this:
The Collapse of Soviet Control in Eastern Europe
Students conduct their own research about how each of the countries in the Eastern Bloc broke away from Soviet rule 1989-91 as part of their IGCSE history studies. Share this:
Medieval music of monks unearthed
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Gorbachev’s Policies: Glasnost and Perestroika
Students complete a table which helps them to assess the problems Gorbachev faced, how he chose to deal with them and how appropriate they consider these policies were. Share this:
Historical Anniversary: The Sharpeville massacre in South Africa results in more than 69 dead, 300 injured – 21st March 1960 (50 years ago today)
The Sharpeville Massacre, also known as the Sharpeville shootings, occurred on 21 March 1960, when South African police opened fire on a crowd of black protesters, killing 69 people. The confrontation occurred in the township of Sharpeville, in what is now Gauteng province. [Wikipedia Link] Share this:
USA/USSR: Reagan and “Star Wars”
President Ronald Reagan contributed to the decline and fall of the Soviet Union by adopting an aggressive, uncompromising policy towards communism. Students investigate his policies and their impact upon the USSR through a timeline and some source work questions. Share this:
Sourcework on the Nuclear Arms Race
Designed to be used as an extension or a homework activity. Share this:
Historical Anniversaries for April 2010
• The following list provides important anniversaries that could be commemorated in 2010. • It can be used by teachers preparing assemblies, extension tasks and one-off lessons. • I am limiting the list to multiples of 50 years (1960 (50 years ago today), 1910 (100 years ago today), 1860 (150 years ago today) etc). •…
USA/USSR: The Nuclear Arms Race
Another pressure upon the Soviet Union was the massive cost of keeping up with the United States in terms of nuclear weapons. Students answer questions based around a timeline and as an extension activity conduct some research into the Cuban Missile Crisis. Share this:
Dambusters hero wanted to bomb Mussolini
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Stalin Resurrected in Russia (video)
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Problems for the USSR: Afghanistan 1979-89
In this card-sort activity students piece together the causes, course and consequence of the war with Afghanistan, which caused such havoc for the military and the economic position of the Soviet Union. Share this:
2010 | Who should you vote for in the UK general election?
CLICK HERE for an interactive simulation to help you decide which party to vote for in the 2010 UK General Election. Rank 10 key issues by order of preference, then decide which party most closely reflects your own views on those issues. You will then be given a profile based on your feedback which suggests…
Worst Jobs in History: Middle Ages
The Middle Ages Worst Jobs in History simulation can be used as a stand-alone lesson, homework assignment or as part of a broader unit on “Was life Good or Bad during this particular period?”. The worksheet has basic activities for a 30 minute lesson, and extension tasks that could be followed up later. Share this:
Hitler abortion poster sparks anger in Poland
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Historical Anniversary: The United States announces that 3,500 American soldiers will be sent to Vietnam: 6th March 1960 (50 years ago today)
This began the military intervention that escalated into the Vietnam War, which lasted until 1973. Share this:
Eastern Europe: Rebellions 1956-68
Students investigate the uprisings in Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia to develop their understanding of the poor socio-economic conditions in the Eastern Bloc. Share this:
International Baccalaureate History: Sample Paper 1
Another 1-hour sourcework assignment in the style of the International Baccalaureate syllabus for History, dealing with International Relations 1918-36. Share this:
History Mystery: The Franklin Expedition
An ActiveHistory Mystery. The “History Mysteries” lessons are designed as stand-alone projects which each last 3-4 hours. Through engaging historical topics, they teach skills of research, groupwork, structured writing. There is a standard teacher lesson plan and student record sheet / markscheme for each activity. Share this:
Social-Economic Problems within the USSR: Sourcework
Some sourcework questions designed to be used as a homework / extension activity. Share this:
Social-Economic Problems within the USSR: Chernobyl and Lake Baikal
Students investigate the problems in agriculture, industry and society that plagued the USSR by the 1980s. They look at a number of Soviet jokes from the period and deduce what these tell us about life under Soviet rule. Share this:
Jud Süss: the Nazis’ inglorious blockbuster
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IB History Curriculum Map
I’ve just made some substantial changes and additions to my IB History curriculum map which is now packed full of useful resources and links. Share this:
John Babcock, Last Canadian World War I Veteran, Dies at 109
John Babcock, Last Canadian World War I Veteran, Dies at 109
Albert Göring, Hermann’s anti-Nazi brother
Albert Göring, Hermann's anti-Nazi brother
Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio wants to play role of Joseph Stalin
Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio wants to play role of Joseph Stalin
Social-Economic Problems within the USSR: Underproduction and Demotivation
Students compare and contrast communism and capitalism and produce a written summary outlining the inherent weaknesses of the Soviet system. Share this:
Chopin was born: 22nd Feb.1810 (200 years ago today)
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Political Tensions within the USSR: The “Gerontocracy”
Students investigate the “Rule by Geriatrics” – Brezhnev, Andropov, Chernenko – and how this lack of flexibility led to the tragedy of the Korean Airliner incident of 1983. Share this:
100 Years Ago Today: Douglas Bader, WW2 Fighter Ace, is born
Born 21st Feb. 1910. In 1928, Bader joined the RAF, but, on 14 December 1931 at Woodley airfield near Reading, lost both of his legs in an aircraft crash attempting a slow roll at very low level following jibes about his not wanting to perform aerobatics that day. Bader recovered, undertook refresher training, passed his…
100 Years Ago Today: Old Trafford hosted its first football match
Old Trafford, Manchester United football ground, opened (100 years ago today). The stadium hosted its inaugural game on 19 February 1910, with United playing host to Liverpool. However, the home side were unable to provide their fans with a win to mark the occasion, as Liverpool won 4–3. A journalist at the game reported the…
Political Tensions within the USSR: Dictatorship and Corruption
Students compare and contrast democracy and dictatorship and produce a written summary outlining the inherent weaknesses of the Soviet system. Share this:
To what extent was the collapse of communism in the USSR the result of Gorbachev’s policies?
The Decline and Collapse of Soviet Control over Eastern Europe is the compulsory sourcework paper for IGCSE History, Summer 2010. This is a new programme of study on the website which can be used to teach this interesting topic. Share this:
Historical Anniversaries for March 2010
• The following list provides important anniversaries that could be commemorated in 2010. • It can be used by teachers preparing assemblies, extension tasks and one-off lessons. • I am limiting the list to multiples of 50 years (1960 (50 years ago today), 1910 (100 years ago today), 1860 (150 years ago today) etc). •…
300 Years Ago Today: Louis XV, King of France, was born
Louis XV, the penultimate King of France, was born: 15th Feb. 1710 (300 years ago today) “Popular legend holds that Louis said, “After me, the flood” (“Après moi, le déluge”). In fact this quotation is more precisely attributed to Madame de Pompadour, although it is not certain that even she ever said it. The remark…
100 Years Ago Today: Winston Churchill becomes Home Secretary
Winston Churchill becomes Home Secretary in Asquith’s Liberal Government: 14th Feb. 1910 (100 years ago today). In this role he notoriously used troops to put down striking miners in South Wales and to assist police during a house siege in Sidney Street in East London in January 1911. Share this:
50 Years Ago Today: France tests its first atomic bomb in the Sahara
France tests its first atomic bomb in the Sahara: 13th Feb. 1960 (50 years ago today) Wikipedia Link Share this:
Overview: Eastern Europe in 1989
Students are provided with essential terminology and produce their own account of the events of 1989-91 by comparing and making deductions from two maps of Europe during the period. Share this:
IB Source Work Paper 1: The Peace Treaties after World War One
A source work paper based on paper 1 of the International Baccalaureate for History. Share this:
Why was the Medieval Church so powerful? – Boardgames project
This four-hour unit helps students to understand why religion was so important in the Middle Ages. This leads neatly into a study of the Cathars and the Reformation. Students study why the Church was so powerful in the Middle Ages. They conduct a card-sort exercise, have a game of charades, then work in pairs and…
100 Years Ago Today: The Dreadnought Hoax
100 Years Ago Today: Prince Makalin of Abyssinia and five other members of royalty were welcomed aboard the British battleship HMS Dreadnought. The prince turned out to be prankster Horace de Vere Cole, and the group included Virginia Woolf: 10th Feb 1910. Wikipedia Link Share this:
IB History Sourcework Paper: The League and Disarmament
A new 1-hour sourcework assignment in the style of the International Baccalaureate syllabus for History. Share this:
Tycho Brahe to be exhumed
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Last U.S. veteran of World War I turns 109
Last U.S. veteran of World War I turns 109
Worst Jobs in History: Victorian
This Victorian Worst Jobs in History simulation can be used as a stand-alone lesson, homework assignment or as part of a broader unit on “Was life Good or Bad during this particular period?”. The worksheet has basic activities for a 30 minute lesson, and extension tasks that could be followed up later. Share this:
Historical Anniversary – 100 Years ago today…
Thomas Crapper, English inventor of the modern toilet, died: 27th Jan. 1910. Share this:
Causes of the Vietnam War – Sourcework
A new resource for IGCSE history – Causes of the Vietnam War – Sourcework. Share this:
Historical Anniversary – 100 Years ago today…
Django Reinhardt, jazz guitarist, was was born: 23rd Jan. 1910. Share this:
Historiography
I’ve produced this Historiographical Terms Handout for my IB students, just to give them some useful points of reference. Feel free to use it in class – and if you think there’s something obvious I could add / amend / correct please let me know! It covers such themes as intentionalism, structuralism, annales school and…
Key Terminology for Historians
Classroom Posters: 24 Key Terms for Historians Two dozen defined terms, designed to be laminated and placed around the classroom for older students. Share this:
Historical Anniversaries for February 2010
• Here are the major events to commemorate in lessons, assemblies and extension tasks in February 2010. • It can be used by teachers preparing assemblies, extension tasks and one-off lessons. • I am limiting the list to multiples of 50 years (1960 (50 years ago today), 1910 (100 years ago today), 1860 (150 years…
Historical Anniversary – 100 Years ago today…
The United Kingdom “Peers v. People” General Election: 15th Jan. 1910. Share this:
Historical Anniversary – 75 Years ago today…
The Saar Plebiscite: The Saar, which had been given to France for 15 years by the Treaty of Versailles after World War One, voted overwhelmingly to return to Germany. One of Hitler’s earliest foreign policy successes, this event returned territory to Germany whose raw materials were immensely important for Hitler’s re-armament plans. Share this:
Why did Germany Lose World War One?
Students then use this interactive essay planning tool to submit a suggested way of linking the four factors, and get – at the simple click of a button – a very detailed model essay plan suggesting not only the content of each paragraph but also – crucially – how they should be linked together. In…
