a type of nuclear weapon; a powerful and destructive bomb that gets it power from the energy released when atoms are split

a highly destructive explosive device that gets its power from nuclear reactions

secret activities, such as spying, carried out by one government or group to gather confidential information from another, typically for strategic advantage

a short written message sent via a telegraph line

special buildings where diplomats work to represent their country's interests in other countries around the world

The impact of the atomic bomb

History

In this unit, pupils studied the events that led to the outbreak of the Cold War. In 'Cold War development: how did the Cold War develop in Asia?', pupils will look at events in China, Korea and Vietnam and how they affected global relations.

In 'USA Civil Rights: how successful was the American civil rights movement?', pupils studied the efforts that different groups in American society made to gain equality. In 'Cold War origins: what led to the breakdown of the 'Grand Alliance'?', pupils will study the events that led to the outbreak of the Cold War.

In this unit, pupils examine the events that led to the breakdown of the Grand Alliance. They learn about the causes of early tension between the USA and the USSR such as the atomic bomb, Soviet influence in Eastern Europe, the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan and the Berlin Crisis of 1948-9.

Cold War origins: what led to the breakdown of the 'Grand Alliance'?

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Which keyword describes secret activities, such as spying, carried out by one government or group to gather confidential information from another, typically for strategic advantage?

Which keyword describes special buildings where diplomats work to represent their country's interests in other countries around the world?

Complete the sentence: The USA set up the secret __________ Project to develop the world's first atomic bomb by July 1945.

Telegrams are normally very short, but Kennan's was long and read like a book.

Telegrams are normally very long, but Kennan's was short and read like a letter.

Telegrams are normally very short, but Kennan's was long and read like a letter.

Why was George Kennan's February 1946 telegram known as the 'Long Telegram'? 

Complete the sentence: The Soviet response to the American atomic bomb was to develop their own atomic bomb, which they achieved by __________.

The USA wanted to use their immense military power to dominate the world.

The USSR wanted to use their immense military power to dominate the world.

The American people were no longer interested in working with the USSR.

The Soviet people were no longer interested in working with the USA.

What did Nikola Novikov claim in his telegram in September 1946?

a collection of states known as the Soviet Union

a system of government where all property is owned by the state

an economic system where businesses and resources are owned privately

Match the keyword to the correct definition.

They played such a dominant role in world politics.

They were the only political leaders involved in WW2.

Why are Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin often known as ‘the Big Three’?

The USA and Britain would attack Germany by invading Nazi-occupied France.

Countries that had been liberated from Germany would be allowed free elections.

The USSR could keep land it had taken from Poland in 1939.

The United Nations would be established to help ensure future peace.

Germany would pay reparations in the form of equipment and materials.

 Which of the following were agreed at the Tehran Conference (November-December 1943)?

Which of the following were agreed at the Yalta Conference (February 1945)?

Germany would be divided into four zones.

Which of the following were agreed at the Potsdam Conference (July 1945)?

Complete the sentences: {{}} wanted free elections in Eastern European countries occupied by Soviet troops; Stalin refused. {{}} was furious and resolved to pursue a tough policy towards the USSR.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The impact of the atomic bomb

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.