Historical Periods – Page 2

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 to identify the communist within…

Podcast Worksheet: Mandela, an Audio History

Podcast Worksheet: Mandela, an Audio History Students provide answers to the following questions using the first 24 minutes of this podcast from the BBC, which covers Mandela’s life up to his imprisonment in 1964.

Rise of Pinochet: Diplomatic Causes

Diplomatic causes: To what extent was President Nixon responsible for the overthrow of democracy in Chile? | Primary sources pack | Completed teacher version In this second part of the study, students investigate whether the USA was responsible for engineering both Allende’s failures and Pinochet’s coup. Part of the complete scheme of work on the rise and rule of…

Rise of Pinochet: Domestic Causes

Domestic causes: How popular was Allende with his own people at the time of his overthrow? | Completed teacher version In this task, students consider how far the Chilean coup can be explained in terms of domestic factors – in particular, whether it is accurate to say that Allende precipitated his own overthrow with divisive and unpopular…

1066: Battle of Hastings Simulation

I have completely recoded and relaunched this popular simulation, adding a variety of multimedia clips and interactive graphics.

Spanish Civil War: Video Worksheets

Video Worksheet: Causes of the Spanish Civil War – Part 1, 1931-1935 | Completed Teacher Version A structured worksheet based around a classic video documentary about the Spanish Civil War, which is available online. Video Worksheet: Causes of the Spanish Civil War – Part 2, 1936 | Completed Teacher Version A structured worksheet based around a classic video documentary…

Spanish Civil War: Detailed Analysis and Video Documentary Clips

Detailed Analysis and Video Documentary Clips In this activity, students consider not only the role of the Republic, the Nationalists and Foreign powers in the conflict, but also the role played by political, socio-economic and military factors. They begin by using ideas from their timeline (previous activity) and the move on to watch a series…

Design a Film Poster / Trailer about the Aztecs and the Conquistadors

Design a Film Poster / Trailer about the Aztecs and the Conquistadors “You are a Hollywood director producing a film about the Conquest of the Aztec Empire by Cortes. You will produce a poster advertising your film, including:– A dramatic title for the film– 4 “Screenshots” from the film depicting the key events of the story– Captions under each screenshot…

In Defence of Apartheid

In Defence of Apartheid Students listen to three short video interview clips with contemporary witnesses justifying the policy of apartheid, and make notes on each. Part of the Apartheid South Africa scheme of work at ActiveHistory.

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.

To what extent was the Soviet intervention in Hungary in 1956 Justifiable? Why did the West not react more strongly?

To what extent was the Soviet intervention in Hungary in 1956 Justifiable? Why did the West not react more strongly? A thorough analysis of the Hungarian Revolution, complete with sourcework questions to develop skills for Paper 2. Part of the scheme of work on Soviet control of Eastern Europe during the Cold War at ActiveHistory.

Historiography: How have historians debated the causes of the Korean War?

Historiography: How have historians debated the causes of the Korean War? Here’s a handout I produced for my students, which is particularly useful for justifying the definition of the Korean War as a Civil War for Paper 2 as well as a Cold War Conflict. Part of the Korean War scheme of work at ActiveHistory.

The Silk Roads: Measure them to scale using your school!

The Silk Roads: Measure them to scale using your school! At this stage, I get my students to determine which parts of the school site would represent different places along the Silk Roads, and how many kilometres would be represented by each footstep. It’s a nice way of getting the students out of the classroom…

Henry VIII: Video and accompanying worksheet

Henry VIII: Video and accompanying worksheet This framework document instructs students to take minute-by-minute notes on an accessible video documentary, to choose images to accompany the various ‘chapters’ in the story of Henry’s life, and to decide which elements suggest he was a ‘hero’ and which a ‘villain’. Part of the Henry VIII scheme of…

The Wild West: New Simulation Game!

The Wild West: Cowboys and Indians, Outlaws and Sheriffs! At the start of the 1800s, the USA was just thirteen British colonies on the East Coast of North America. But for the rest of the century, these settlers headed Westwards to take over the entire continent in a process of “Westward Expansion”, and the dangers…

The Wild West: Timeline Analysis

The Wild West: Introduction and Overview

Essay Keywords Checker: Castro’s Rule of Cuba

Essay Keywords Checker: Castro’s Rule of Cuba This tool provided a list of key terms relating to Castro’s rule of Cuba and can be used to help students identify any obvious gaps in their analysis. Part of the new scheme of work on Castro’s Rule.

Factual Test: Castro’s Rule of Cuba (25 Questions)

Factual Test: Castro’s Rule of Cuba (25 Questions) Complete with teacher answers. Part of the new scheme of work on Castro’s Rule.

Video Documentary: Castro’s Rule (1 hour)| Teacher Viewing Notes

Video Documentary: Castro’s Rule (1 hour)| Teacher Viewing Notes A film which covers the main events of Castro’s Rule. Part of the new scheme of work on Castro’s Rule.

Castro’s Rule: Past IB Paper 2 / Paper 3 Essay Questions

Past IB Paper 2 / Paper 3 Essay Questions Students can highlight different themes in different colours and highlight dates in red and use these to discuss the most common themes and perspectives focused on by the examiner. Part of the new scheme of work on the Rule of Castro.

Castro Essay Planning Exercises | Matrix Grids – Blogpost | Sample Student Slides

Essay Planning Exercises | Matrix Grids – Blogpost | Sample Student Slides In this phase, students use their research to consider how they could use it to answer two possible questions:Was Castroâ€™s use of propaganda more important than his use of force as a means of maintaining power?How Authoritarian was Castro’s Cuba? Part of the new scheme of work…

Teacher Notes: Castro’s Policies Analysed in Terms of Success and Failure

Teacher Notes: Castro’s Policies Analysed in Terms of Success and Failure These detailed notes will provide useful material to help teachers support students with extra facts and opinions during the debate. Part of the new scheme of work on the Rule of Castro.

Castro’s Rule: Classroom Debate and Arbitration Exercise

Classroom Debate and Arbitration Exercise In this stage, students work with the same student(s) that looked at the same policy, from the same perspective, as themselves. Together, they produce a joint presentation to the rest of the class designed to persuade them that in your policy area Castro was a success or a failure as…

Castro’s Objectives, Policies, and Research Focus Points

Castro’s Objectives, Policies, and Research Focus Points | Teacher Notes Each student should focus on a different policy area, and identify elements of success OR failure in preparation for a debate.. Students first consider how rulers measure their success in terms of economics, politics and so on. If you have IB Geography students willing to do so,…

Measuring Castro’s success on his own terms: Populism, Nationalism, Socialism

Measuring Castro’s success on his own terms: Populism, Nationalism, Socialism This short presentation, which closes with a 5-minute video clip providing a recap on Castro’s rise, sets up the unit by stressing the importance to students of measuring Castro on his own terms, and providing definitions of three criteria by which to do so. Part…

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…

The Roman Empire: PowerPoint Introduction

This simulation is designed to provide students with an engaging, enjoyable and rigorous introduction to Imperial Rome. As they journey around the virtual landscape, they will learn about the main personalities and chornology of the Empire through the “Emperors” worksheet, and learn about the main achievements and inventions of Rome through the “Roman Holiday” worksheet. Ideally, students should…

Conclusions and Essay Planning: Cold War Crises and Leaders to 1964

Conclusions and Essay Planning: Cold War Crises and Leaders to 1964 Students are provided with eight possible essay questions from past examination papers, along with indicative content. These should be shared among the members of the class to tackle. Part of the scheme of work on JFK’s Foreign Policy at ActiveHistory.

Horatio Ramsbottom: Victorian Entrepreneur

Horatio Ramsbottom: Victorian Entrepreneur In this newly relaunched version of the popular simulation, students take a series of decisions about how to run their new business. How should the workers be treated? What transport system should be used? Should they invest in the triangular trade and the Great Exhibition? Complete with a worksheet and follow-up…

Video / Worksheet: Carcassonne, Medieval Fortress

Video / Worksheet: Carcassonne, Medieval Fortress A worksheet to accompany an 18-minute video, with a link to an online version of the documentary. Ideal as a homework or an extension activity (or as a quiet lesson for the teacher!).

“How secure was the USSR’s control over Eastern Europe, 1948-c.1989?” – Complete scheme of work!

I’ve just finished launching this new page for ActiveHistory subscribers covering the Paper 2 twentieth century option for exams in Summer 2022. I’ll be adding even further to it in the new year when I teach it as my final topic with my cohort!

Music genres since the 1960s

An online presentation to help students design their own music festival poster.

Design your ultimate music festival!

Teen music fashions since the 1960s: can you design your ultimate festival line-up? | Sample poster | More sample posters In this activity you will learn about some of the most important music genres that developed from the 1960s onwards. You will use what you learn to produce your own personal music festival with the very best bands, and…

US withdrawal from Afghanistan – FREE topical lessons

US withdrawal from Afghanistan – FREE topical lessons I’ve put together a couple of activities to help students understand what’s been going on in Afghanistan recently and how the West should now rethink its policy there. They’re primarily designed for my 15-16 year old form group rather than my IB Historians but they could be…

The Mughals – Interactive Revision Quizzes

A “Fling the Teacher” quiz and a range of ClassTools Arcade Games can be found at the end of this topic page.

The Mughals: End of Unit Factual Test

End of unit factual test Thirty questions to test knowledge and understanding of this topic.

Interactive Simulation: Who was the Greatest Mughal Emperor?

Interactive Simulation: Who was the Greatest Mughal Emperor? | Student Worksheet | Teacher Answers This simulation provides a detailed overview of the lives and careers of the first six Mughal Emperors. Students give their opinion on how they hope the emperors will react in various circumstances, and form their own judgement on which emperors deserve to be regarded as…

What do portraits of the emperors tell us about the Mughals?

What do portraits of the emperors tell us about the Mughals? | Accompanying Images | Captions and Descriptions A number of portraits are chopped up and spread around the room. Students are placed in groups to reconstruct these in various stages, with a number of stimulating tasks to complete as they do so. Once the process is finished and…

Which emperor’s name do you think is the greatest?

Which emperor’s name do you think is the greatest? | Teacher answers Each emperor adopted a special name upon coming to power (Jehangir’s real name, for example, was Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim!). “Rank the following names from your most favourite to your least favourite. As for the maps, give these scores of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and…

Who do the maps suggest was the greatest Emperor?

Who do the maps suggest was the greatest Emperor? | Animated Map Working alone or with a partner, students decide – based on the information from a series of maps – which of the emperors deserves to be regarded as the greatest, and why. They then rank the emperors from 5 points (best) to 0 points (worst)….

How did the Mughal Empire compare to others of the time?

How did the Mughal Empire compare to others of the time? | Teacher answers Students complete a gap-fill exercise providing an overview of the Mughal Empire, and then examine different maps comparing the Mughal Empire to other Islamic Empires of the period. Part of the new scheme of work on the Mughal Empire.

How do the Mughals still affect the shape of the region?

How do the Mughals still affect the shape of the region? This worksheet should be provided to students to fill in as the teacher delivers the introductory presentation. Part of the new scheme of work on the Mughal Empire.

The Mughals: The recent history of the Indian subcontinent

Introductory Presentation: The recent history of the Indian subcontinent Part of the new study unit on the Mughal Empire.