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)
Category: A-Level / IB History
IB History, AS History, A2 History
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).
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…
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 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…
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.
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.
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 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.
Revision Quiz: Feminism in the Americas after WW2
A new Fling the Teacher revision quiz.
Mary I: Government and Administration
Government and Administration A brief summary with follow-up questions.
The Issue of Marriage
The Issue of Marriage An analysis of Mary’s marriage options and an assessment of her decisions.
Mary I: Timeline of the Reign
Timeline of the Reign An essential overview, with students encouraged to formulate their own questions for further research.
England under Northumberland
England under Northumberland An interactive “Jigsaw table” exercise.
Sourcework: England under Protector Somerset
Sourcework: England under Protector Somerset Practice assignment.
Factual Test: England under Protector Somerset
Factual Test: England under Protector Somerset A 25-question factual test.
Somerset: Conclusion and Debate
Somerset: Conclusion and Debate Students are presented with detailed points and then use these to prepare for a classroom debate.
The 1549 Rebellions
The 1549 Rebellions An online presentation designed to be delivered as a lecture.
Somerset: The 1549 Rebellions
Somerset: The 1549 Rebellions Detailed notes and assessment.
Somerset: Economic Policy
Somerset: Economic Policy Detailed notes and structured questions.
Somerset: Sourcework and Markscheme on Religious Policy
Somerset: Sourcework and Markscheme on Religious Policy Practice assignment.
Somerset: Character and Style of Government
Somerset: Character and Style of Government Primary source material for students to categorise and analyse.
Somerset: Foreign Policy
Somerset: Foreign Policy Teacher lecture notes and student worksheet.
Introduction: England in 1547
Introduction: England in 1547 An essential overview, with accompanying tasks.
Mary I: Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy Structured questions and tasks.
Edward VI: Key Figures
Key Figures of the Reign A biographical summary of each of the major players.
Edward VI: Timeline of the Reign
Edward VI: Timeline of the Reign For reference / revision purposes.
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.
Korean War: Visual essay-writing exercise
I love it when the students teach each other. Today, this exceptional group of HL historians at the International School of Toulouse drew together their studies of the Korean War by working together to categorise, link and annotate 25 political cartoons to create a ‘gallery walk’. The product was a superb piece of display and…
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.
Summary Pack: The Tudor Revolution in Government
Summary Pack: The Tudor Revolution in Government
Why did the Pilgrimage of Grace fail, and what were the results? | Teacher notes
Why did the Pilgrimage of Grace fail, and what were the results? | Teacher notes Student worksheet and teacher lecture notes.
What were the motives of those involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace? | Teacher notes
What were the motives of those involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace? | Teacher notes Student worksheet and teacher lecture notes.
Timeline and Overview: The Pilgrimage of Grace
Timeline and Overview: The Pilgrimage of Grace A student handout to introduce the Pilgrimage of Grace.
The Dissolution of the Monasteries: Causes, Events, Consequences | Teacher notes
The Dissolution of the Monasteries: Causes, Events, Consequences | Teacher notes A self-contained workpack with information and tasks.
Timeline of the Henrician Reformation, 1536-47
Timeline of the Henrician Reformation, 1536-47 A detailed timeline broken down to analyse evidence of Protestantism and Catholicism.
Causes for the Henrician Reformation: Hexagons essay-planning exercise
Causes for the Henrician Reformation: Hexagons essay-planning exercise For more on the hexagons approach, click here.
How did Henry deal with opposition to the Break with Rome?
How did Henry deal with opposition to the Break with Rome? The first inkling of opposition to Henry came in March 1532 when the Commons produced a petition against the Bishops – the Supplication Against the Ordinaries…
Was the status of Parliament undermined or enhanced by the Schism? | teacher notes
Was the status of Parliament undermined or enhanced by the Schism? | teacher notes Detailed analysis and structured tasks.
Sourcework exercise: Opposition to the Break with Rome
Sourcework exercise: Opposition to the Break with Rome Complete with mark scheme and teacher guidance.
How healthy was the Pre-Reformation Church? Investigation of the Historiography
How healthy was the Pre-Reformation Church? Investigation of the Historiography Although the Henrician Reformation is often seen as a ‘revolution from above’ led by Henry and his minions, historians also consider how far the Church itself was already on the verge of collapse, and how far this therefore made the monarch’s task easier.
Who was the most important character in the Henrician Reformation?
Who was the most important character in the Henrician Reformation? Historians often argue about the importance played by individuals in historical events. Some claim that they merely crystallise forces and trends which already exist; others say that they can actually pull society in a totally new direction. In this activity you will learn more about…
Causes and Course of the Henrician Reformation, 1527-35
Causes and Course of the Henrician Reformation, 1527-35 It is 1527. You are Sir Thomas de Tart, an advisor to Henry VIII of England. The King wants to get rid of his wife, Catherine of Aragon. Your job is to give him good advice when he faces difficult decisions. If you do a good job,…
Key Events, 1533-36
Key Events, 1533-36 By the beginning of 1533 the English Clergy had now been brought to heel but the King had not established formal independence from Rome. That was the next phase of events.
How and why was 1532 a turning point in the break with Rome?
How and why was 1532 a turning point in the break with Rome? Information, historiography and structured questions.
1529-31: Years of Drift or of Policy? | teacher notes
1529-31: Years of Drift or of Policy? | teacher notes Further investigation with teacher lecture notes.
The King’s Great Matter: Why did Henry want an annulment, and why did the Pope refuse to give him one? | teacher notes
The King’s Great Matter: Why did Henry want an annulment, and why did the Pope refuse to give him one? | teacher notes Detailed investigation with teacher lecture notes.
Research Task: Characters in the Henrician Reformation
Research Task: Characters in the Henrician Reformation Produce a one-sided handout on one or more of the following characters. The proforma is shown overleaf. This will form the basis of a presentation / display.
Timeline of the Henrician Reformation, 1515-29
Timeline of the Henrician Reformation, 1515-29 The early years of Henry VIII’s reign gave no indication of the dramatic upheavals in religion which would ultimately take place. He appointed a Cardinal as his Chief Minister, went on pilgrimages and wrote a book in defence of Catholicism against Luther, for which he gained the title of…
Model essay: analyse the rise and fall of Thomas Wolsey
Model essay: analyse the rise and fall of Thomas Wolsey Originally written for History Review by Russel Tarr of ActiveHistory.co.uk.
Primary sources about Wolsey’s fall from power
Primary sources about Wolsey’s fall from power Primary sources to analyse to develop the previous lesson activity.
Why did Wolsey fall from power?
Why did Wolsey fall from power? Various historiographical positions outlined, with accompanying tasks.
Wolsey: the church
Wolsey: the church Comprehensive information sheet and structured questions.
Wolsey: the legal system | teacher notes
Wolsey: the legal system | teacher notes Detailed teacher lecture notes and an accompanying student worksheet.
Wolsey: society and economy
Wolsey: society and economy Information sheet and follow-up questions.
How far did the Break with Rome encourage the emergence of an English Nation State?
How far did the Break with Rome encourage the emergence of an English Nation State? For some historians, the Henrician Reformation led to a growth of absolutism and the power of Rex Solus (King Alone), whilst others feel that the developments actually undermined the position of the Crown and led to the development of the…
Wolsey and finance / parliament
Wolsey and finance / parliament Overview and structured questions.
Wolsey and administration
Wolsey and administration Detailed information and structured tasks.
Reformation Statutes, 1533-36 | teacher notes
Reformation Statutes, 1533-36 | teacher notes For each extract, identify its main provisions, and the justification / authority for these policies in another. Fill in the boxes under each. Using your timeline of events from the earlier lesson, see if you can determine which Act each extract comes from. Write this into each of the yellow boxes.
Foreign Policy 1514-29 | teacher notes
Foreign Policy 1514-29 | teacher notes Detailed teacher lecture notes and an accompanying student worksheet.
The course of Wolsey’s rise to power
The course of Wolsey’s rise to power A self-marking online quiz to test knowledge from the previous exercise.
How did Wolsey rise to power?
How did Wolsey rise to power? A detailed account in the form of a gap-fill exercise, with structured 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…
*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.
Origins of the Cold War: 25-question factual test
Origins of the Cold War: 25-question factual test | teacher answers
Rights and Protest: Video Documentary Quiz
Video Documentary covering both topics: Complete with quiz / detailed viewing notes
Debate: Who was the most significant figure in promoting civil rights for Black Americans?
Debate: Who was the most significant figure in promoting civil rights for Black Americans?Students are guided through a brainstorm of key characters, and then link and categorise this as a way of drawing the topic together. There is also a link to a useful online video and a databank of past examination questions for students…
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
*NEW* Bingo Game Generator
I’ve just launched a new template on ClassTools which allows you to create printable bingo cards or generate online bingo games.
Did the Portuguese court flee, or relocate, to Brazil in 1808?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
How significant were the efforts of Mairead Corrigan, Betty Williams and the Peace People in the Northern Ireland peace process?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
Why is Robert McNamara such a controversial historical figure?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
How useful are the films of Mitchell and Kenyon to a historian studying Edwardian Britain?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent were facially disfigured soldiers failed by post World War One Britain?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent was Alan Turing personally responsible for the cracking of the Enigma codes during World War II?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent can the White Rose be regarded as a genuine resistance movement?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
To what extent did Mao’s Great Leap Forward achieve its objectives?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
What is the historical significance of the Spanish “Generation 27”?
A sample IBDP History Internal Assessment.
*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…
