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Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91

Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91

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Why this why now

This unit uses and builds on all of the historical knowledge that pupils have built across key stages 1 to 4 up to this point. It makes particular use of any units in which pupils constructed or deconstructed historical narratives. This unit prepares pupils for their final key stage 4 unit where their knowledge of broad period events is complemented by a specific depth study.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • A thorough grounding in substantive concepts commonly found across key stages 1, 2 and 3. For example, 'communism', 'ideology, 'international relations', 'conflict' and 'tension'.'.

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Why this why now

This unit uses and builds on all of the historical knowledge that pupils have built across key stages 1 to 4 up to this point. It makes particular use of any units in which pupils constructed or deconstructed historical narratives. This unit prepares pupils for their final key stage 4 unit where their knowledge of broad period events is complemented by a specific depth study.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • A thorough grounding in substantive concepts commonly found across key stages 1, 2 and 3. For example, 'communism', 'ideology, 'international relations', 'conflict' and 'tension'.'.

Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91

In this unit pupils undergo a period study which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today: the Cold War. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the relationship between the USA and the USSR in this period.

23 lessons in unit

  1. 1

    Causes of tension between the USA and USSR by 1945

    I can explain why there was tension and disagreement between the USA and the USSR at the end of the Second World War.
  2. 2

    The impact of the atomic bomb on US-Soviet relations

    I can explain how the development of the atomic bomb increased tension between the USA and the USSR.
  3. 3

    Soviet influence over Eastern Europe by 1948

    I can explain how the USSR established satellite states to take control of eastern Europe between 1945 and 1948.
  4. 4

    The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan

    I can explain the significance of the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan.
  5. 5

    The Berlin Crisis (1948)

    I can analyse the events of the Berlin Crisis of 1948.
  6. 6

    The Cold War arms race

    I can explain how the arms race led to an increase in Cold War tension between the USA and the USSR.
  7. 7

    The Hungarian Uprising (1956)

    I can explain the causes, events and consequences of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956.
  8. 8

    The origins of the Cold War (1941-58)

    I can explain how the Cold War developed and then intensified between 1945 and 1958.
  9. 9

    Berlin, 1958-61: increased tensions

    I can explain why disagreements about Berlin led to an increase in tension between the USA and the USSR between 1958 and 1961.
  10. 10

    Berlin, 1961-63: the Berlin Wall

    I can explain the impact of the Berlin Wall on the city and people of Berlin and on US-Soviet relations.
  11. 11

    The Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion

    I can explain the consequences of the Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
  12. 12

    The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

    I can analyse the causes, key events and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
  13. 13

    The Prague Spring (1968)

    I can explain the consequences of the Prague Spring.
  14. 14

    The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968)

    I can explain the consequences of the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
  15. 15

    Cold War crises, 1958-70

    I can explain the causes and consequences of the Cold War crises that took place between 1958 and 1970.
  16. 16

    Détente and SALT I

    I can explain the significance of the SALT I treaty.
  17. 17

    The Helsinki Accords and SALT II

    I can explain why there was not a sustained improvement in US-Soviet relations after the Helsinki Accords.
  18. 18

    The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

    I can explain the causes and consequences of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
  19. 19

    Reagan and the 'Second Cold War'

    I can explain why there was a sharp increase in Cold War tensions after Reagan was elected as US President.
  20. 20

    Gorbachev's 'new thinking'

    I can explain Gorbachev's 'new thinking' and its impact on US-Soviet relations.
  21. 21

    The fall of the Berlin Wall

    I can explain the events that led to the end of Soviet control of Eastern Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
  22. 22

    The collapse of the Soviet Union

    I can explain the events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  23. 23

    The end of the Cold War, 1970-91

    I can explain the key events in the period 1970-91 that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

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A step-by-step guide to getting started

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