How significant was World War One as a cause of the Russian Revolution of October 1917? Student Worksheet | Teacher Notes | Quiz This podcast episode covers a central part of the IGCSE coursework assignment (“How significant was World War One for Russia?”).
Category: Historical Periods
How did World War One precipitate the Russian Revolution of February 1917?
How did World War One precipitate the Russian Revolution of February 1917? Student Worksheet | Teacher Notes | Quiz This podcast covers a central part of the IGCSE coursework assignment (“How significant was World War One for Russia?”).
How stable was the Tsarist regime in Russia on the eve of World War One?
How stable was the Tsarist regime in Russia on the eve of World War One? Student Worksheet | Teacher Notes | Quiz This podcast covers a central part of the IGCSE coursework assignment (“How significant was World War One for Russia?”).
The Causes of the Korean War
The Causes of the Korean War Student Worksheet | Teacher Notes | Quiz This podcast covers a key topic for Paper 2 (Cold War Crises and Conflicts AND Causes, Practices, Effects of War) and Paper 3 Americas (Truman’s Foreign Policy)
The Chinese Civil War and the Rise of Mao Zedong
The Chinese Civil War and the Rise of Mao Zedong Student Worksheet | Teacher Notes | Quiz This podcast covers a key topic for Paper 2 (Rise of Authoritarian Rulers AND Causes, Practices, Effects of War).
“How successful were Castro’s policies towards women?”
“How successful were Castro’s policies towards women?” Student Worksheet | Teacher Notes | Quiz This podcast investigates a key question connected to Authoritarian States (Paper 2) and The Americas (P3).
Historiography in IBDP History
“Historiography in IBDP History” Student Worksheet | Teacher Notes | Quiz This podcast investigates how IBDP History students can make use of historiography in their written work. It considers key themes and insights from excerpts of works by E.H. Carr, John Lewis Gaddis, John Tosh, and John Lukacs. These historians offer diverse perspectives on the nature of history, its…
Online Factual Test: Truman’s Policy in Latin America
Online Factual Test: Truman’s Policy in Latin AmericaThis is a great way to test knowledge at the end of the topic. Each student in the class is given 30 randomly selected questions from a database in mutliple-choice format. At the end of the exercise, the teacher can access all the scores at once to put…
The Global Impact of the British Empire on Australia, Africa and China
The Global Impact of the British Empire on Australia, Africa and ChinaStudents watch three video clips of 8 minutes each to answer questions (What sorts of foreigners settled there, and why? / What positive effects did their arrival have upon the region? / What negative impact did they have upon the region?)
Podcast Review of my book “Essays in Modern World History”
Generated using the Google LLM Artificial Intelligence engine, this ‘deep dive’ podcast provides an impressive overview of the main themes covered in my book “Essays in Modern World History”.
Podcast: “The Cold War: A New History” by John Lewis Gaddis
Podcast: “The Cold War: A New History” by John Lewis Gaddis This 15-minute podcast was AI generated by Google based on a digital copy of the Gaddis book. It is remarkably impressive and is wortth listening to as a homework exercise.
Useful Quotes from Mao and Chiang
Useful Quotes from Mao and Chiang Students are given a list of quotes from Mao and Chiang, and consider where and how they could be integrated into their essay plans. Part of the scheme of work on The Rise of Mao.
The Weimar Republic: End of unit self-marking factual test
The Weimar Republic: End of unit self-marking factual test This is a great way to test knowledge at the end of the topic. Each student in the class is given 30 randomly selected questions from a database in mutliple-choice format. At the end of the exercise, the teacher can access all the scores at once…
The Rise of Mao: End of unit self-marking factual test
The Rise of Mao: End of unit self-marking factual test This is a great way to test knowledge at the end of the topic. Each student in the class is given 30 randomly selected questions from a database in mutliple-choice format. At the end of the exercise, the teacher can access all the scores at…
Brunel: End of unit self-marking factual test
Brunel: End of unit self-marking factual test This is a great way to test knowledge at the end of the topic. Each student in the class is given 30 randomly selected questions from a database in mutliple-choice format. At the end of the exercise, the teacher can access all the scores at once to put…
The Renaissance: Self-Marking End of Unit Test
The Renaissance: End of unit self-marking factual test This is a great way to test knowledge at the end of the topic. Each student in the class is given 30 randomly selected questions from a database in mutliple-choice format. At the end of the exercise, the teacher can access all the scores at once to…
The Diem Coup: Primary Sources Investigation / Slideshow
A new accompanying slideshow to accompany the resources in the ActiveHistory scheme of work on JFK in Vietnam.
“Brunel” documentary – worksheet
Video worksheet: “Brunel” by Jeremy Clarkson 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 complete…
League of Nations and Border Disputes: Factual Test
Border Disputes – Factual Test A 20-question factual test, complete with teacher answer key, to accompany the scheme of work on the League of Nations.
Kennedy’s “Alliance for Progress” – factual test
A 20-question factual test, complete with teacher answer key, to accompany the scheme of work on Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress.
Weimar Culture: Lotus Diagram
A sample Lotus Diagram template to illustrate culture to accompany the scheme of work on the Weimar Republic.
*NEW* Simulation: The Reign of King Henry V
This simulation is designed to provide students with a detailed overview of the dramatic reign of King Henry V in an engaging and accessible way. It helps to bridge the gap between the Battle of Hastings / Norman Conquest, and later periods of British history. At the same time, it takes the story of Anglo-French…
Cold War Essay Plans: Crises, Leaders, Impact
Cold War Essay Plans: Crises, Leaders, Impact A useful revision aid, designed to be a teacher-led presentation. 10 key questions are broken down and and essay plan provided for each one: Compare and contrast the causes of two Cold War crises, each from a different region.Compare and contrast the impact of two leaders, each from…
Rule of 20thC Dictators: detailed essay plans for ten key essay questions
Rule of 20thC Dictators: detailed essay plans for ten key essay questions A useful revision aid, designed to be a teacher-led presentation. 10 key questions are broken down and and essay plan provided for each one: Compare and contrast the methods used to maintain power in two authoritarian states, each from a different region.“Full authoritarian…
Multimedia Lecture: Essay Plans for Paper 3 – Feminism in the Americas
Part of the complete scheme of work for IBDP History: Multimedia Lecture [4]: Essay Plans for Paper 3 – Feminism in the Americas
*NEW* Simulation – Which US President are YOU?
Which US President are YOU? | Worksheet In this simulation you will learn about the foreign policy of US foreign policy during some of the most critical years of the Cold War. For each of seven different policy areas, you will choose your favoured course of action from a list of five options. You will then be…
Head2Head Virtual Interview with Captain James Cook
Head2Head Virtual Interview with Captain James Cook | Lesson IdeasThis interactive application allows students to interview historical characters directly! In this way, different groups of students can learn about different aspects of their life and career. There are plenty of lesson ideas to choose from.
Head2Head Virtual Interview with Mao Zedong
Head2Head Virtual Interview with Mao Zedong | Lesson IdeasThis interactive application allows students to interview historical characters directly! In this way, different groups of students can learn about different aspects of their life and career. There are plenty of lesson ideas to choose from.
1066 – Factual Test
The Battle for the throne: 1066 [Interactive simulation] | Factual Test A decision-making simulation as King Harold – will you survive the challenges to your throne? This is a major activity that should keep students busy for at least a couple of lessons (they are even given a certificate with a score at the end that could…
Wild West – Factual Test
Online Simulation: Fame and Fortune – A Wild West Adventure! | Factual Test In this major online simulation, which can be played over several lessons (my students took three hours), students take on the role of a pioneer eager to find fame and fortune by heading into the “Wild West”. By completing a detailed worksheet as they proceed, and…
How did the Vietnam draft actually work?
How did the Vietnam draft actually work? Which famous people have been accused of being draft-dodgers? A short PowerPoint presentation.
Red Scare: PowerPoint Presentation
The Red Scare: Classroom simulation! In this educational simulation, students each research a different character secretly. One of them was a genuine communist, the rest were innocent of the charges. Then, after each one is interrogated (HUAC style!) by the teacher, students have to organise themselves over several rounds into different groups in an attempt…
Red Scare: Factual Test
Red Scare = Individual Research Phase > Factual Test 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. There is also a factual test for students to test their knowledge of this material.
Bayeux Tapestry Slideshow
Bayeux Tapestry Slideshow The lesson could start by watching a Bayeux Tapestry Animation on YouTube. Then, view a series of interactive images from the Bayeux Tapestry with analysis of their meaning. Designed to be used to help teachers in a feedback session after students have completed the worksheet accompanying the game above. There is a…
New Simulation: Voyages of Discovery
This newly recoded game will teach students about the “Voyages of Discovery” of the 15th century. These daring overseas adventures marked the beginning of globalization and European empire-building. Countries like Portugal, Spain, Holland and Britain competed for access to the riches that came from the spice trade with the “Far East”. You will seek your…
Regency England: Fling the Teacher Quiz
End of Unit Quiz I give students 10 minutes at the start of the lesson to try to complete the quiz. Anyone completing the quiz within the available time gets a score based on the amount of minutes left on the clock. They can then move on to the first lesson task, whatever that happens…
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.
Task – Winner’s podium: who was the greatest figure of the Regency period?
Task – Winner’s podium: who was the greatest figure of the Regency period? Choose who you think are the three most significant figures from the Regency Period you have learned about. Use this PowerPoint Template to produce a poster explaining your choices to share with the rest of the class in a display. Designed to accompany the…
Time Travel Holiday Package to Regency London
Time Travel Holiday Package to Regency London In this competitive activity, the class is arranged into groups and each one has to design a ‘Time Travel Holiday; package to Regency England, designed to appeal to a wide range of customers. Each group has to choose a different set of locations and people drawn from the simulation,…
*NEW* Simulation – Regency London: The Coronation Quest!
Regency London: The Coronation Quest! [interactive simulation]: Workpack | Extension Tasks “In this game, your mission is to get an invitation to attend the coronation of King George IV in 1821. To succeed you must talk to various people and trade different objects. In the process you will learn all about this fascinating period of British history. Use what…
The Atomic Bomb: Was America right to use it?
The Atomic Bomb: Was America right to use it? | Teacher answer sheet In 1945 Dr. Farrington Daniels asked 150 scientists working on the atomic bomb how they thought it should be used. They were given 5 options. Students debate these before being told what was actually decided. Did they agree?
French Revolution Simulation – updated
I have updated the Causes of the French Revolution Simulation [part 1] with further video clips and a brand new worksheet, which now comes complete with a teacher answer sheet.
D-Day: Timeline Analysis
D-Day: Timeline Analysis Students are presented with an online newsfeed which reveals the events of D-Day, step by step. They use this information to make detailed notes in the worksheet, which comes complete with follow-up questions and research tasks.
Why did youth protest counterculture movements develop in the USA, and how successful were they in realising their objectives?
A new study unit for IBDP History. The 1960s saw the emergence of a ‘counterculture’ as young people in particular rebelled against traditional values and ways of life. The conditions for the emergence of this counterculture are varied and complex, and include such things as:Economic wealth and educational opportunities gave the post-war ‘baby boom’ generation in the US…
Japan in the Edo Period – A Time of Culture
Japan in the Edo Period – A Time of Culture The Edo period brought stability to Japan. As violence and warfare became a thing of the past, Japan’s arts and culture began to thrive under the leadership of a series of Emperors and their Shoguns. Because the Edo period also saw Japan rejecting foreign influence and isolating itself,…
What sorts of things could get me into hell? – The Seven Deadly Sins
What sorts of things could get me into hell? – The Seven Deadly Sins [teacher-led presentation version]In this activity students will learn about, and connect, the seven deadly sins. They will also learn about which particular punishments are associated with each of these sins. They will then write a dialogue between two people that can…
*NEW* Simulation – the Henrician Reformation
I’ve completely recoded and relaunched the “Henry VIII and the Reformation” simulation with new features such as a leaderboard and a ‘save’ game feature.
Who was the Greatest US Foreign Policy President, 1945-1980?
Who was the Greatest US Foreign Policy President, 1945-1980?Standard/Higher Level Revision Debate framework, complete with a detailed databank of past examination questions on this topic.
US Presidents and Latin America, 1945-1980
US Presidents and Latin America, 1945-1980A comprehensive revision aid outlining the impact of each US President between Truman and Carter upon key countries in Latin Ameria.
Rights and Protest: Video Documentary Quiz
Video Documentary covering both topics: Complete with quiz / detailed viewing notes
Apartheid South Africa – Classroom Debate
Classroom Debate – 10 key issuesStudents are given a range of possible issues to debate.. Each pair of students will debate one of the focus points. One person in the pair will argue “YES” and the other will argue “NO”. During each debate, the rest of the class should take notes. At the end of…
Timeline Quiz: Apartheid South Africa 1948-1964
Timeline Quiz: Apartheid South Africa 1948-1964 | Teacher answer sheetTwenty questions in the format of a ‘fill the gaps’ timeline.
Examine the reasons why splits in the feminist movement began to appear in the 1970s
Multimedia Lecture [3]: Examine the reasons why splits in the feminist movement began to appear in the 1970s
Discuss the impact and significance of feminist movements in the Americas after 1945
Multimedia Lecture [2]: Discuss the impact and significance of feminist movements in the Americas after 1945
Examine the reasons for the rise of feminist movements in the region post 1945
Multimedia Lecture [1]: Examine the reasons for the rise of feminist movements in the region post 1945
Design your own medieval shield!
I have updated the popular Heraldry Simulation so that students can save progress if they need to complete their activity for homework or in a subsequent lesson.
Model Essay – How Successful was the Great Society?
Model Essay: How successful were Johnson’s Great Society reforms? An essay written in timed conditions by Russel Tarr, author of this website.
Historiography of the Great Society
Historiography and Essay Writing | completed teacher notes “Read the concluding statements you have produced regarding each of the main policy areas you have considered to arrange them in a continuum line from least to most successful. If you were going to arrange these into three broad categories as sections for an essay, what would your new…
LBJ – how successful was the Great Society?
Group Feedback Phase | Teacher Notes The class will be organised into small groups of about four or five students.Each group should start by discussing the “Education / Workers’ rights” row. Any member of the team who researched any of these laws should share their findings with the rest of the group, and all members should write…
LBJ and the Great Society
Individual Research Task: 27 Acts of Legislation Each member of the class will be given ONE card, and should research the law listed on it to make notes on the following:What problem was it trying to solve?What did it try to do to solve this problem?Was it a success or a failure?
Silk Roads Simulation
I have added a “Leaderboard” facility to the “Silk Roads Simulation” game so that teachers can view student progress and use it as a live markbook.
*NEW* Virtual Journey around Tsarist Russia
*NEW* Virtual Journey around Tsarist Russia This simulation provides students with a thorough overview of the political, economic, religious and military strengths and weaknesses of Tsarist Russia on the eve of World War One. There are more than 50 locations to visit.I’ve completely rewritten and reskinned the simulation this weekend by adding quiz questions, a…
*NEW* Simulation: Rule of Mussolini
“In this new simulation, you will play the role of James Spod, an undercover agent. Your mission is to find, and then assassinate, Benito Mussolini: the Fascist dictator whose alliance with the evil Adolf Hitler is throwing the world into chaos. There is a worksheet which you should complete as you progress through the simulation….
Interactive Decision-Making Simulation: How successfully did Castro rule Cuba, 1959-1980?
Interactive Decision-Making Simulation: How successfully did Castro rule Cuba, 1959-1980? This standalone interactive simulation, which takes 2-3 hours to complete thoroughly, provides students with essential information about Castro’s rule and demands that they analyse various policies in terms of success and failure. It can be set as a self-study classroom exercise or as a homework…
Source Pack: The Chinese Civil War and the Rise of Mao
Source Pack: The Chinese Civil War and the Rise of Mao This sourcepack comes complete with questions and is broken up logically into sections relating to three key periods leading to the rise of Mao. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao.
Useful Quotes from Mao and Chiang
Useful Quotes from Mao and Chiang Students are given a list of quotes from Mao and Chiang, and consider where and how they could be integrated into their essay plans. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao.
Rise of Mao: Essay Planning
Rise of Mao: Essay Planning Students are provided with a template which allows them to methodically structure a whole range of essay questions. Each student should complete this for a different questions, then these can be collated and shared to revise from. In a subsequent lesson, the teacher should choose one of these questions for…
Rise of Mao: Possible Essay Questions | Sample Plan
Rise of Mao: Possible Essay Questions | Sample Plan Students are provided with a list of essay questions from past examination papers. As a class, read through the questions and highlight the central focus point of each. Students then consider how they would structure a question phrased as follows for each of these focus points. Part of…
Analyse the Methods and Conditions which led to Mao’s Victory in the Chinese Civil War
Analyse the Methods and Conditions which led to Mao’s Victory in the Chinese Civil War | Completed Teacher Version Students use their detailed notes to complete an analysis of the following factors, taken from the IBO syllabus, then discuss later as a class how they can be connected.Propaganda and Charismatic Leadership | Ideology | Socio-Economic Factors| Military…
The Chinese Civil War: Video Recap
The Chinese Civil War: Video Recap “Watch the 8-minute video to complete this initial timeline to summarise what you have so far learned. If you have not already completed your own detailed timeline, develop this one further using your notes from the decision making simulation“. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and…
Factual Test – The Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao
Factual Test – The Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao (teacher password required) Twenty questions to test essential knowledge, based on what should have been learned so far. Part of the new unit of study on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao.
Mao’s Rise to Power – Timeline Task
Mao’s Rise to Power – Timeline Task “Use your detailed handwritten notes from the decision making simulation to complete this table in as much detail as possible. You may wish to use a key to highlight events, places, and people in different colours. Next, develop your timeline further by doing your own web research on some of…
*NEW* Simulation – Are you more like Chiang or Mao?
The Chinese Civil Wars – Are you more like Chiang or Mao? (Multimedia Decision Making Simulation) A comprehensive interactive lecture to educate students about the key events of the Chinese Civil War, with twelve decision points and complete with 45 minutes of video clips. Designed to be delivered as an interactive lecture over several hours. As…
The Chinese Civil War: Introduction
The Chinese Civil War: Introduction An introductory handout providing a timeline of events and lost of characters to familiarise students with an essential overview. Part of the new study unit on the Chinese Civil Wars and the Rise of Mao at ActiveHistory.
Cold War Historiography
Cold War HistoriographyStudents are provided with a comprehensive list of quotes from contemporary politicians and historians since, and given a range of tasks to complete which will enable them to deepen their understanding.
Campaign 1965: Selma – The 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 that…
Historiography of the Berlin Blockade
Historiography of the Berlin BlockadeStudents are provided with a historiographical overview and structure questions to familiarise themselves with the debate. Part of the Berlin Blockade Scheme of Work.
The Berlin Blockade: Timeline, Analysis and Video Work
The Berlin Blockade: Timeline, Analysis and Video WorkA standalone worksheet which guides students through the essential causes, consequences and events of the crisis. Part of the Berlin Blockade Scheme of Work.
Cuban Missile Crisis – Conclusions on the Bay of Pigs
Background – Conclusions on the Bay of PigsStudents assess the significance of the Bay of Pigs crisis. Part of the complete scheme of work on the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Cuban Missile Crisis – Tension between the USA and Cuba
Background – Tension between the USA and CubaThis worksheet focuses more narrowly on the tension between the USA and Cuba following Castro’s seizure of power. Part of the complete scheme of work on the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Cuban Missile Crisis – Tension between the USA and the USSR
Background – Tension between the USA and the USSRStudents review the tension between the USA and the USSR on the global stage.
Global Impact of the British Empire – Video Worksheet
The Global Impact of the British Empire on Australia, Africa and ChinaStudents watch three video clips of 8 minutes each to answer questions (What sorts of foreigners settled there, and why? / What positive effects did their arrival have upon the region? / What negative impact did they have upon the region?)
Medieval Castle Building – Online Simulation
Castles: Defence and Attack! A game of strategy: Spend your budget on your choice of features, then read a story of how your castle fares when faced with attack! Complete with a worksheet and extension activities. There’s even a live ‘leaderboard’ to check the progress of your students! This game has now been updated with…
The Yalta Conference: classroom roleplay!
The Yalta Conference: classroom roleplay!The teacher will arrange the class into three group (USSR / UK / USA) and give each student a briefing sheet focusing on the objectives of their leader (Stalin / Churchill / Roosevelt). They then have a series of issues to reach a compromise upon, and score points accordingly for their…
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 Mystery of Pompeii: Study Unit
This suite of lessons has expanded over the past few years to become a mini-scheme of work in itself. The complete unit, with additional material such as a worksheet to accompany a documentary video, is available here.
New Simulation: Origins of World War One
I have recoded and relaunched the “Advisor the Kaiser” simulation with new questions, multimedia and functionality.
“Escape the Room” Lesson – Origins of the Cold War
As an introduction to my first major topic of study with my IB students, I put together this new “Escape the Room” lesson last week, designed to run between 45 minutes and an hour. It worked really well and you can download all the resources to try it with your own classes by following the…
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.
New Simulation: Lenin’s Russia
This new simulation, which comes complete with multimedia clips, a leaderboard feature and a ‘save game’ facility, is designed for students of Lenin’s Russia.
New simulation: The British Home Front in World War Two
This new simulation is designed to help students consider how effectively the British government managed the domestic front during World War Two.
*NEW* Simulation – Liberal Social Reforms 1906-14
This simulation replaces an earlier version, and is substantially improved with additional multimedia, quiz questions, a leaderboard and a ‘save game’ feature.
*NEW* Simulation – Worst Georgian Jobs in History
I’ve just launched another brand new simulation on ActiveHistory – “The Worst Georgian Jobs in History”. Designed to run as a self-contained activity, students answer a series of questions to get matched to their ideal “worst job”. Complete with a worksheet and tests of factual knowledge.
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.
The Mid-Tudor Crisis under Edward VI: New Simulation
A new ActiveHistory simulation. It is 1547. King Henry VIII is dead, and his young son, Edward VI, has become King. Ruling on his behalf is the Privy Council, led by Protector Somerset (the boy’s uncle). Your task is to stay alive for the duration of the reign by keeping the country on an even…
Can you design your own Western Movie / Theme Park / Boardgame?
Can you design your own Western Movie / Theme Park / Boardgame? To consolidate knowledge, students convert what they have learned into one of three projects, outlined here in detail.
Who were the greatest characters of the Wild West?
Who were the greatest characters of the Wild West? I use this as an extension activity for students who complete the simulation within the three hours which I allocate to it. Students have to research various characters and then choose one “Cowboy”, one “Cowgirl” and one Native American who will be included in their film…
Simulation: Events of the French Revolution
This new simulation replaces an earlier game and includes more features and multimedia to bring it up to date.
Simulation: Causes of the French Revolution
This new simulation is an updated and relaunched version of an earlier game with additional features and multimedia.
