The aim of this lesson is to introduce the origins of the Cold War, explain the differences between capitalism and communist and examine how the USA and the Soviet Union went from allies during the Second World War to enemies after 1945.
Students use a map and video footage to explore the origins of the Cold War, with a writing frame provided where needed. They learn about the contrasting political and economic systems of capitalism and communism and complete a colour-coding activity to help them identify and understand these differences.
Students then analyse evidence to investigate how mutual suspicion and superpower rivalry developed between the USA and the Soviet Union. They plot their findings on a suspicion-o-meter and justify their decisions using historical evidence.
The plenary uses a mood board to explore the different attitudes and feelings of leaders and soldiers during this period, helping students reflect on the growing tension between the two superpowers.
The lesson is enquiry based, with a key question posed at the start and revisited throughout this and subsequent lessons to show the progress of learning.
The resource includes suggested teaching strategies, differentiated materials and retrieval opportunities.
It comes in PowerPoint format if there is a wish to adapt and change.
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