This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members. Share this:
75 Years Ago Today (23rd Jan. 1937): Second Moscow Show Trial
The second Moscow show trial (The Trial of the Seventeen) took place. 17 leading Communists were accused of participating in Trotsky’s plot to overthrow Stalin. 13 of them were sentenced to death. The Moscow Trials were a series of show trials conducted in the Soviet Union and orchestrated by Joseph Stalin during the Great Purge…
The 1917 Decrees and the 1918 Constitution – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members. Share this:
75 Years Ago Today (19th Jan 1937): Howard Hughes breaks the air record
American industrialist, film producer and aviator Howard Hughes broke the U.S. transcontinental air record, flying from Burbank, California to Newark, New Jersey in 7 hours, 28 minutes and 25 seconds. The New York Times report of the event can be found here. Share this:
100 Years Ago Today (18th Jan. 1912) – Scott reaches the South Pole
British explorer Robert Falcon Scott’s expedition reached the South Pole, but discovered that Roald Amundsen’s Norwegian team had beaten them by over a month. In addition to Capt. Scott, Lieut. Bowers, and Dr. Wilson, two others, Capt. Titus Oates and Petty Officer Edgar Evans made the final push to the Pole. Conditions were appalling: temperatures…
400 Years Ago Today (17th Jan. 1612) – Birth of Thomas Fairfax
Birth of Thomas Fairfax, 3rd Baron Fairfax of Cameron, English general, commander of the Parliamentary army during the English Civil War. Known as “Black Tom” for his dark complexion, Sir Thomas gained a reputation as a gallant and courageous commander in the struggle to control Yorkshire — but his fortunes were mixed. In March 1643,…
Research Grid – Lenin’s Russia, Roleplay Unit
This worksheet is part of the new Scheme of Work through which the entire topic of Lenin’s Russia is taught through an extended roleplay with students taking the role of different Politburo members. Share this:
New History – Redesigned, Relaunched!
“New History” is a microsite from ActiveHistory which collates all the Latest History news, tv, podcasts and blog entries in one place – complete with anniversaries / commemorations and a “Quote of the Day”! Share this:
“Fakebook” – Gallery of examples for inspiration!
I have created an auto-updating gallery of ‘Fakebook’ examples created by students and teachers around the world in a wide variety of subjects. Why not try Fakebook out with your own classes as a way of getting thinking about timelines of events / biographical summaries and relationships between historical figures? Share this:
Who was the Greatest Figure of the Industrial Revolution?
This lesson follows on well from the studies of individuals (see entire unit here). Students consider the big changes – transport, agriculture, smelting and so on – and try to link them together in a meaningful way. I have now added are some samples produced by my own students: Olivia | Hanif | Grace Share…
600 Years Ago Today (6th Jan. 1412) – Birth of Joan of Arc
Birth of Joan of Arc, French martyr, saint and national heroine. (This is the date given in a letter from Lord Perceval de Boullainvilliers. Her actual date of birth is impossible to verify, and she could only estimate her age) Share this:
Religious Events in the Early Modern Period – Overview timeline / research task
Religious events in the Early Modern Period Before moving on to the next topic of study, this activity gets students to investigate a wide range of other events going on in Europe at the same time as the Lutheran Reformation. In this way they get a useful overview of the entire period rather than merely…
100 Years Ago Today (5th January 1912): The Bolshevik Party was Formed
Lenin’s Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party broke away from the main party and formed what would later become the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The Bolsheviks were born out of Russia’s Social Democrat Party. When the party split in 1903, the Bolsheviks only had one obvious leader – Lenin. In…
The Lutheran Reformation: Designing a Movie Poster / Trailer
A Powerpoint template getting students to match historical characters from the timeline of Luther’s life to real actors. A completed version is also available, along with a movie trailer produced recently by one of my students. For the full unit, click here. Share this:
Essay Planning: The October Revolution
A worksheet to help students plan their essay assignment. A completed teacher version is also available. Share this:
Primary Source Analysis: Was the October Revolution a popular uprising, or a coup d’etat?
A worksheet activity designed to get students thinking about the key historiographical debate. Share this:
Mussolini’s Italy: Two model essays on his domestic policies
Two model essays, written by RJ Tarr to help students understand how to structure an effective essay: 1. How Fascist was Fascist Italy? 2. How Successful were Mussolini’s Domestic Policies? Share this:
Factual Test: The Provisional Government and the October Revolution
A student test; there is also a completed teacher version available. Share this:
Mussolini’s Italy: Essential Teacher Notes on all key policy areas
A series of notes [1][2][3] to help teachers with their planning and preparation. Share this:
The Provisional Government and the October Revolution – Structured Narrative
This resource is designed to get students turning their timeline into a thematic analysis. A completed teacher version is also available. Share this:
Fascist Italy under Mussolini: Conclusions about the nature of Fascism
A PowerPoint presentation getting students to reflect on the nature of Fascism. Share this:
10 Years Ago Today (29th Nov 2001): Death of George Harrison
Death of George Harrison, British rock guitarist, singer and songwriter (The Beatles) Share this:
25 Years Ago Today (29th Nov 1986): Death of Cary Grant
Death of Cary Grant, British-born American film actor (‘Bringing Up Baby’, ‘Gunga Din’, ‘His Girl Friday’, ‘The Philadelphia Story’, ‘To Catch A Thief’, ‘North by Northwest’, and more) Share this:
Timeline Task – The Provisional Government and the October Revolution
A student worksheet; a completed teacher version is also available. Share this:
Fascist Italy under Mussolini: Primary Sources
A series of primary sources to help students with their essay planning task. Share this:
75 Years Ago Today (25th Nov. 1936): Anti-Comintern Pact
Germany and Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact, an agreement to collaborate against the threat of Soviet Communism Share this:
20 years ago today (24th Nov 1991): Death of Freddie Mercury
Death of Freddie Mercury, Zanzibar-born British rock singer and songwriter (Queen) Share this:
Historiography – The Provisional Government and the October Revolution
A resource to familiarise students with the historiographical issues. Share this:
75 Years Ago Today (20th Nov. 1936): Death of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera
Death of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, Spanish politician, founder of the Spanish fascist party, the Falange. (Executed) Share this:
Rule of Mussolini: Picture Quiz
A picture quiz designed to precede a more detailed factual test. Share this:
200 Years Ago Today (16th Nov 1811): Birth of John Bright
Birth of John Bright, British politician and political reformer, co-founder of the Anti-Corn Law League, and a campaigner for free trade Share this:
The Provisional Government / October Revolution: Overview
A worksheet to introduce the topic. Teacher notes are also available. Share this:
Rule of Mussolini: What is Fascism?
A worksheet to help students analyse Fascism through primary sources. Share this:
Raising the Profile of History in School: #historychat
#historychat is a live one-hour “chat” on Twitter inviting history teachers from all over the world to share ideas and resources which help to develop source analysis skills in the history classroom. #historychat is currently moderated by Russel Tarr in Europe and Bill Chapman in the USA. Bill is actively involved in #sschat, which has…
25 Years Ago Today (8th Nov 1986): Death of Vyacheslav Molotov, Russian statesman and diplomat
Death of Vyacheslav Molotov, Russian statesman and diplomat Share this:
150 Years Ago Today (7th Nov. 1861): American Civil War: Battle of Belmont, Missouri
American Civil War: Battle of Belmont, Missouri. A minor battle with an inconclusive outcome, but notable as it was Ulysses S. Grant’s first experience of battlefield command. (He would later become commander of the Union Army, and U.S. President) Share this:
25 Years Ago Today (6th Nov 1986): Alex Ferguson was appointed manager of Manchester United FC
Alex Ferguson was appointed manager of Manchester United FC Share this:
The Causes and Events of the French Revolution: Condensed Study Unit
The full study unit covering the causes and the events of the French Revolution takes up to 15 hours. However, in this condensed study unit, designed to last about 7 hours, students will learn about the main causes of the French Revolution. The Three Estates System, the mistakes of King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, the…
Source Analysis Skills in History: #historychat
#historychat is a live one-hour “chat” on Twitter inviting history teachers from all over the world to share ideas and resources which help to develop source analysis skills in the history classroom. #historychat is currently moderated by Russel Tarr in Europe and Bill Chapman in the USA. Bill is actively involved in #sschat, which has…
100 Years Ago Today (1st Nov 1911): The first aerial bombing raid
The first aerial bombing raid. In the Italo-Turkish War, Italian pilot Giulio Gavotti dropped 4 small bombs on Turkish troops in Libya Share this:
400 Years Ago Today: (1st Nov 1611): ‘The Tempest’ was first performed
William Shakespeare’s play ‘The Tempest’ was first performed, at Whitehall Palace, London, UK Share this:
50 Years ago Today (31 Oct 1961) – Stalin’s body removed from Lenin’s Mausoleum
De-Stalinisation: former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin’s body was removed from Lenin’s mausoleum in Red Square, Moscow and reburied within the Kremlin walls, out of public view. Share this:
The French Revolution: A New Condensed Study Unit
The full study unit covering the causes and the events of the French Revolution takes up to 15 hours. However, in this condensed study unit, designed to last about 7 hours, students will learn about the main causes of the French Revolution. The Three Estates System, the mistakes of King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, the…
Cross-Curricular Projects through History – #historychat
#historychat is a live one-hour “chat” on Twitter inviting history teachers from all over the world to share ideas and resources which help to develop source analysis skills in the history classroom. #historychat is currently moderated by Russel Tarr in Europe and Bill Chapman in the USA. Bill is actively involved in #sschat, which has…
50 Years Ago Today (25 Oct 1961): The British satirical magazine ‘Private Eye’ was first published
Private Eye is a fortnightly British satirical and current affairs magazine, edited by Ian Hislop. Since its first publication in 1961, Private Eye has been a prominent critic and lampooner of public figures and entities that it deemed guilty of any of the sins of incompetence, inefficiency, corruption, pomposity or self-importance and it has become…
20 Years Ago Today (24 Oct 1991): Death of Gene Roddenberry
Death of Gene Roddenberry, American screenwriter and producer, creator of ‘Star Trek’ Share this:
10 Years Ago Today (23 Oct 2001): Apple Computer released the first iPod digital music player
Apple Computer released the first iPod digital music player Share this:
#historychat on Twitter – Technology in the History Classroom
#historychat is a live one-hour “chat” on Twitter inviting history teachers from all over the world to share ideas and resources which help to develop source analysis skills in the history classroom. #historychat is currently moderated by Russel Tarr in Europe and Bill Chapman in the USA. Bill is actively involved in #sschat, which has…
Hitler’s Foreign Policy Simulation – Now with a live leaderboard
I’ve developed the ‘Hitler’s Foreign Policy’ simulation to incorporate a live high score board. In this way teachers can easily monitor the performance of students playing the game and focus on those whose factual test score declines during the game. Share this:
50 Years ago today (17 Oct 1961): Algerian War – Paris massacre
Algerian War – Paris massacre: French police attacked Algerian protesters who were staging a peaceful demonstration in Paris. (The exact number of Algerians killed is unknown – at least 40, but possibly more than 200) Share this:
10 Years Ago Today (16 Oct 2001): Galileo visits Jupiter’s moon Io
NASA’s Galileo spacecraft flew within 112 miles (181 km) of Jupiter’s moon Io, sending back images and data Share this:
How to set up a QR Code Treasure Hunt
A QR-Code Treasure Hunt is a fun, simple way to get students using their mobile devices to continue learning outside of lesson time. Here’s how we set one up at the International School of Toulouse with some guidance on how to do the same with your own students using the QR Treasure Hunt Generator at…
Keyword Checker: What caused the February Revolution?
30 keywords are provided. If a student CUTS and PASTES their essay into the tool, it will then proceed to tell them how many of these keywords are currently included in it and which need to be added. Share this:
25 Years Ago Today (12 Oct 1986): Cold War – Reykjavik summit
The Reykjavik summit in Iceland, aimed at reducing the nuclear arsenals of the USA and USSR, ended in failure. U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev failed to reach agreement on the USA’s Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI) – also known as ‘Star Wars’ Share this:
Classtools.net Quizzes: Events of the American Civil War
A range of interactive quizzes to test understanding. Share this:
QR Code Treasure Hunt: The Events of the American Civil War
Print off these 20 QR codes and put them up around your classroom / school. Students have to answer as many questions as they can in the time available. The completed answers can be used to develop their individual research project stemming from the interactive simulation. Share this:
What should we call the American Civil War?
Students are presented with a long list of alternative names that have been used for the American Civil War. They organise these into suggested categories, compare their ideas with a partner, and then choose what they feel is the best alternative title. Share this:
20 Years Ago Today (24th Sep. 1991): Death of Dr. Seuss
Death of Theodor Geisel, ‘Dr. Seuss’, popular American children’s writer, illustrator and film-maker (‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, ‘The Cat in the Hat’, ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, and many more) Share this:
20 Years Ago Today (24th Sep. 1991): Nirvana release ‘Nevermind’
The American rock band Nirvana released the album ‘Nevermind’. Share this:
What can we learn from the songs of the Civil War?
In this activity, students analyse the lyrics (and, if possible, listen to the music) of popular Confederate and Unionist songs from the civil war. They then have to produce their own civil war song to a civil-war era tune of their choice. Their objective is to produce a song which clearly explains the causes of…
20 Years Ago Today (19th Sep. 1991): Discovery of Otzi the Iceman
Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummified body, was discovered by a tourist in the Tirolean Alps on the Italian-Austrian border. Share this:
Timeline Challenge: The Causes of the American Civil War
For this activity, organise the class 5 teams. Display the first event by clicking the button. All the students should copy this information into their worksheet. The first team can play for up to 10 points depending on their confidence. They have to not only identify the mistake in the account, but correct it. If…
40 Years ago today (15th September 1971): Greenpeace Founded
Greenpeace, the international environmental group, was founded in Vancouver, Canada Share this:
Vikings to return to Stamford Bridge
Vikings to return to Stamford Bridge
War hits home on Downton Abbey – Scotsman.com News
War hits home on Downton Abbey
History Mystery: The Causes of the American Civil War
This unit is in the form of an ActiveHistory Mystery. Through a roleplay, stimulus images and information slips, students formulate questions, speculate answers, then research for themselves to produce a report which is then peer-assessed against a standard markscheme. The full investigation takes 2 hours of classroom time and at least another hour of individual…
30 Years Ago Today (10th Sep. 1981): Guernica returns to Spain
The USA returned Pablo Picasso’s painting ‘Guernica’ to Spain. Picasso had refused to allow it to return until democracy had been restored. It was put on display in Spain on 25th Oct – the centenary of Picasso’s birth. Share this:
Model Essay: Compare and contrast the rise to power of two single party state rulers
This short study unit should end with students writing an essay on the subject of “Compare and Contrast the Rise to Power of Two Single Party State Rulers” (focusing on Mao and Pinochet). I have written a model essay on this subject myself which is available in the teacher resources area. Share this:
Is This the Face of Jack The Ripper? : Discovery News
Is This the Face of Jack The Ripper?
Feedback: Comparing and Contrasting the Rise of Two Single Party State Rulers
Students then get into pairs and small groups to compare their approaches to the previous task. There is a lengthy list of “discussion points” provided too in this worksheet designed to get them thinking more (e.g. the USA opposed Mao, but failed to prevent his rise; but they favoured Pinochet, who succeeded. Why the difference?)….
David Starkey is a master of the past, not the present | Art and design | guardian.co.uk
David Starkey is a master of the past, not the present
BBC News – Medieval artefacts hidden in church’s secret room
Medieval artefacts hidden in church’s secret room
Black Death bug identified from medieval bones
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25 years ago today – 31 Aug 1986 Death of Henry Moore, British sculptor
25 years ago today – 31 Aug 1986 Death of Henry Moore, British sculptor Share this:
Compare and Contrast the Rise to Power of Two Single Party State Rulers
With the research on Pinochet completed, the students now move on to compare and contrast his rise to that of Mao in China. This worksheet provides them with structured guidance on how to go about this process. As a popular format of question in the IB examination, this is a very useful exercise. Share this:
Interactive Simulation Game: The Events of the American Civil War
In this multiplayer interactive simulation, you will take the role of an advisor to either President Davis, or President Lincoln. You will be given a series of military, economic and political problems to deal with. Your first objective is to choose the course of action which you think your President took in real life (his…
Factual Test: The Rise to power of Pinochet in Chile
A detailed analysis of the causes for Pinochet’s rise to power presented as a “Fill the Blanks” quiz. There is a completed teacher version available. Share this:
30 years ago today – 25 Aug 1981 The U.S. space probe Voyager 2 reached Saturn
30 years ago today – 25 Aug 1981 The U.S. space probe Voyager 2 reached Saturn and sent back images and data from the planet. (It travelled on to Uranus (1986) and Neptune (1989) before leaving the solar system) Share this:
30 years ago today – 24 Aug 1981 Mark Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of British rock musician John Lennon
30 years ago today – 24 Aug 1981 Mark Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the murder of British rock musician John Lennon Share this:
20 years ago today – 24 Aug 1991 Mikhail Gorbachev resigned
20 years ago today – 24 Aug 1991 Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union Share this:
Individual Research Task: The Rise to power of Pinochet in Chile
Students are given this worksheet framework to help structure their investigation about why Pinochet became leader of Chile. They should use any sources available to them (books, video, websites). A particularly good video is the 10-minute drama film by Ken Loach which can be found on YouTube. Share this:
150 years ago today – 22 Aug 1861 Birth of Mary Elizabeth Wood, American librarian and missionary
150 years ago today – 22 Aug 1861 Birth of Mary Elizabeth Wood, American librarian and missionary who established a network of libraries and a training programme for librarians in China Share this:
Connecticut firemen attacked by insects are tested for bubonic plague | Mail Online
Firefighters attacked by thousands of fleas at abandoned house are tested for bubonic plague
1st November 2011 – ActiveHistory Training Day, Bristol UK
I’ve just confirmed the date of my next CPD event for History Teachers – Tuesday 1st November 2011 in Bristol, UK. For full details and to book your place, follow this link! Share this:
100 years ago today – 21 Aug 1911 Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Mona Lisa was stolen
100 years ago today – 21 Aug 1911 Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in Paris by an employee. (Recovered in 1913) Share this:
David Starkey on Newsnight: BBC defends ‘white have become black’ debate | Mail Online
BBC defends Newsnight after David Starkey said 'white chavs have become black'
Stereoviews from the National Brunel Archive
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Letters: David Starkey’s down with the kids take on culture | UK news | The Guardian
David Starkey's down with the kids take on culture
BBC News – Horrible Histories author: ‘I don’t like historians’
Horrible Histories author: 'I don't like historians'
20 years ago today – 19 Aug 1991 Attempted coup in the Soviet Union.
20 years ago today – 19 Aug 1991 Attempted coup in the Soviet Union. Hard-line members of the Communist Party tried to seize control from President Mikhail Gorbachev. The coup failed after just 3 days, and eventually led to the collapse of communism and the disintegration of the USSR Share this:
75 years ago today – 19 Aug 1936 Death of Federico García Lorca, Spanish poet and playwright
75 years ago today – 19 Aug 1936 Death of Federico García Lorca, Spanish poet and playwright Share this:
Powerpoint Starter: The Rise to power of Pinochet in Chile, 1973
Students are presented with a series of images from which to draw their own initial deductions. They are then told what each one represents. A good introduction to the topic. Share this:
The Rise to power of Pinochet in Chile: New IB study unit
A brand new study unit. The IB History examination is very keen that students learn to compare and contrast the methods and conditions which led to the rise to power of single party state rulers – sometimes insisting that they are from different parts of the world, and / or that one is a right-wing…
50 years ago today – 13 Aug 1961 East Germany sealed off the border between East and West Berlin
50 years ago today – 13 Aug 1961 East Germany sealed off the border between East and West Berlin to prevent the exodus of refugees to the West. Initially barbed wire fences were erected; construction of the Berlin Wall began on 15th August Share this:
300 years ago today – 11 Aug 1711 The first horse race meeting at Ascot took place, initiated by Queen Anne
300 years ago today – 11 Aug 1711 The first horse race meeting at Ascot took place, initiated by Queen Anne Share this:
Musicians in the Civil Rights Movement – Design a Civil Rights Music Compilation CD
60 song titles are shared between the class. a. Locate the lyrics of the song titles you are given (e.g. using elyrics.net) and read them. b. Decide which one song you like best overall from its lyrics. c. Copy an extract from these lyrics into a shared Google Presentation like this one. d. Embed a…
100 years ago today – 10 Aug 1911 British Members of Parliament voted to receive salaries for the first time
100 years ago today – 10 Aug 1911 British Members of Parliament voted to receive salaries for the first time. Share this: