Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence
I can explain what nuclear weapons are and give different views on their use and disarmament.
Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence
I can explain what nuclear weapons are and give different views on their use and disarmament.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Nuclear weapons use nuclear reactions to unleash vast energy, leading to large-scale death and environmental damage.
- Countries like the UK keep them as a deterrent, using the threat of retaliation to discourage attacks.
- Ethical issues include civilian deaths and casualties, environmental impact and reliance on fear to maintain peace.
- Disarmament can be done together through multilateral agreements or independently through unilateral action.
- Opinions differ, with some supporting deterrence and others arguing for disarmament.
Keywords
Disarmament - reducing or eliminating weapons
Nuclear weapons - a weapon of mass destruction which uses a nuclear reaction to cause widespread damage and loss of life
Nuclear deterrence - having nuclear weapons with the aim of deterring/preventing other states attacking for fear of retaliation and nuclear war (possibly leading to Mutually Assured Destruction)
Common misconception
Nuclear weapons are designed to be used in war like other weapons.
Nuclear weapons are kept mainly for deterrence, not for use in battle. Their purpose is to prevent war, not to fight one. They have not been used since 1945.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion, peace and conflict unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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