Berlin, 1958-61: increased tensions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why disagreements about Berlin led to an increase in tension between the USA and the USSR between 1958 and 1961.
Key learning points
- By 1958, over 3 million people had left East Germany via Berlin to live in West Germany.
- Khrushchev issued the Berlin Ultimatum to put pressure on the Western powers to abandon Berlin.
- Between 1958 and 1961, leaders from the USA and the USSR met four times to try and resolve disagreements over Berlin.
- The Paris Summit (May 1960) failed when an American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union.
- The Vienna Summit (June 1961) failed when Khrushchev unsuccessfully attempted to bully new US President, John F Kennedy.
Keywords
Prosperous - wealthy and successful
Refugee - someone who has been forced to leave their home country because of war, persecution, natural disaster, or violence, and seeks safety in another country
Ultimatum - a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action
Summit - a meeting between leaders to discuss significant issues or make important decisions
Common misconception
The Berlin Crisis was solely about the status of West Berlin.
While the status of West Berlin was a significant aspect of the Berlin Crisis, it was not the only factor. The crisis was also influenced by broader Cold War dynamics, including the arms race and competition for influence in Europe.
Teacher tip
Share a copy of the specification (or topic booklet) with students so they can see how the different topics fit together.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
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.Which keyword describes a period between c. 1945 and c. 1991 of intense rivalry and tension between the USA and the USSR?
Q2.Which keyword describes when countries compete with each other to build up their military strength?
Q3.Which of the following events increased tensions between East and West between 1945 and 1958?
Q4.Which of the following events led to the escalation of tensions between East and West in the 1950s?
Q5.Put the following events in chronological order.
Q6.Which US president committed the country to a policy of containment in 1947?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the sentence: By 1958, over people had left East Germany via Berlin to live in West Germany.
Q2.Which keyword describes a meeting between leaders to discuss significant issues or make important decisions?
Q3.What did Khrushchev issue on 27th November 1958?
Q4.How many times did leaders from the USA and the USSR meet to try and resolve disagreements over Berlin between 1958 and 1961?
Q5.Why did the meeting in Paris in May 1960 fail?
Q6.Complete the sentence: West Berlin acted as a ‘ to the West’, which meant that people in East Berlin could clearly see the differences in the quality of life between East and West.
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Berlin, 1958-61: increased tensions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: Berlin, 1958-61: increased tensions, 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 4 history lessons from the Period study: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.