The impact of the atomic bomb on US-Soviet relations
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the development of the atomic bomb increased tension between the USA and the USSR.
Key learning points
- The USA set up the secret Manhattan Project to develop the world's first atomic bomb by July 1945.
- The USSR used espionage to find out about the development of the atomic bomb before it was announced.
- The USA used atomic bombs to force Japan to surrender but also to demonstrate American power, especially to the USSR.
- The Soviet response to the American atomic bomb was to develop their own atomic bomb, which they achieved by 1949.
- The Long and Novikov Telegrams reveal that relations between the USA and the USSR had become very hostile by 1946.
Keywords
Atomic bomb - a type of nuclear weapon; a powerful and destructive bomb that gets it power from the energy released when atoms are split
Nuclear weapon - a highly destructive explosive device that gets its power from nuclear reactions
Espionage - secret activities, such as spying, carried out by one government or group to gather confidential information from another, typically for strategic advantage
Telegram - a short written message sent via a telegraph line
Embassies - special buildings where diplomats work to represent their country's interests in other countries around the world
Common misconception
There is agreement about why the USA dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The US decision to use atomic bombs at the end of WW2 remains deeply controversial and historians disagree about the motivation with some arguing that it was to force the Japanese to surrender while others arguing it was to intimidate the USSR.
Teacher tip
Analyse the text of the Long and Novikov Telegrams to gain deeper insight into US and Soviet attitudes in 1946.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
a collection of states known as the Soviet Union
a system of government where all property is owned by the state
sets of beliefs and ideas
an economic system where businesses and resources are owned privately
Q2.Why are Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin often known as ‘the Big Three’?
Q3. Which of the following were agreed at the Tehran Conference (November-December 1943)?
Q4.Which of the following were agreed at the Yalta Conference (February 1945)?
Q5.Which of the following were agreed at the Potsdam Conference (July 1945)?
Q6.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.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.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?
Q2.Which keyword describes special buildings where diplomats work to represent their country's interests in other countries around the world?
Q3.Complete the sentence: The USA set up the secret Project to develop the world's first atomic bomb by July 1945.
Q4.Why was George Kennan's February 1946 telegram known as the 'Long Telegram'?
Q5.Complete the sentence: The Soviet response to the American atomic bomb was to develop their own atomic bomb, which they achieved by .
Q6.What did Nikola Novikov claim in his telegram in September 1946?
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The impact of the atomic bomb on US-Soviet relations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The impact of the atomic bomb on US-Soviet relations, 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.