The story of Russia through maps (1914 - present)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse historical maps to understand how Russia's borders have changed since 1914.
Key learning points
- Russia's borders have changed over time.
- Russia lost territory during World War I, and instability led to the formation of the Soviet Union.
- After World War II, the Soviet Union expanded in Eastern Europe.
- The USSR collapsed in 1991, creating independent republics such as Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an attempt to redraw their western border.
Keywords
USSR - also called the Soviet Union, it was a large communist country led by Russia (1922–1991)
Border - a line that separates places like countries or regions
Identity - how someone sees themselves, shaped by culture, history, beliefs, language, and experiences
Communism - a system where the government owns property, and resources are shared equally
Democracy - a system where people vote to choose leaders, allowing them to shape laws and decisions
Common misconception
Russia and the USSR are the same.
Russia was the largest part of the USSR, but they are not the same. The USSR was a union of 15 republics, including Russia. It dissolved in 1991, and each republic, like Ukraine and Georgia, became independent.
Teacher tip
This lesson includes reference to the war in Ukraine, but it is important to assess the extent to which you want to discuss this with your class depending upon the context.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword with its correct definition:
permanently frozen ground
thick ice-covered landmass found in the Arctic
shared dividing line between countries
natural feature that makes movement difficult
Q2.What word describes Russia sharing land borders with many other countries?
Q3.Which of these is a physical feature that affects movement in Russia?
Q4.Which region of Russia is more economically developed and populated?
Q5.Why is transport across Russia sometimes difficult?
Q6.Which of the following is not an example of physical geography?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to its correct definition:
A union of 15 countries, led by Russia (1922–1991)
A line separating countries or regions
How people see themselves, shaped by culture and history
A country where property is shared and controlled by the state
A country where leaders are chosen by voting
Q2.Which word describes how someone sees themselves based on culture and history?
Q3.What change happened to Russia’s borders after World War I?
Q4.What is the misunderstanding some people have about Russia and the USSR?
To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: The story of Russia through maps (1914 - present), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: The story of Russia through maps (1914 - present), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the Russia: How does geography shape the country? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.