The Origins of the Cold War
A comprehensive introductory lesson exploring the origins of the Cold War (1945-1991), focusing on ideological differences, the breakdown of the Grand Alliance, and the concept of containment.
Learning objectives
- Define the term 'Cold War' and identify the two main superpowers involved.
- Compare and contrast the ideologies of Capitalism and Communism.
- Explain at least three reasons for the breakdown of the US-Soviet alliance after World War Two.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Starter · 10 min
Do Now: Definitions of 'Hot' vs 'Cold' war on whiteboards. Introduction to the Big Question: Why did the world divide after 1945?
Direct Instruction · 15 min
Teacher-led explainer using the 'Origins' script. Direct instruction on Capitalism vs Communism.
Guided Practice · 10 min
Class discussion on the 'Iron Curtain' speech. Identifying the geography of the divide on a map.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Differentiated Worksheets: Students work independently on Support, Core, or Stretch tasks.
Plenary · 5 min
Multiple choice quiz and self-reflection on objectives.
Key vocabulary
- Superpower
- A country with great power and influence, especially one of the two dominant nations during the Cold War.
- Capitalism
- An economic system where property is privately owned and people compete for profit.
- Communism
- A political system where the state owns all property and wealth is shared equally.
- Containment
- The US policy of stopping the spread of communism to new countries.
- Iron Curtain
- The imaginary line dividing the democratic West from the communist East.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- Explain why the conflict was described as 'Cold'.
- Describe two differences between Capitalism and Communism.
- What was the Truman Doctrine and why was it important?
- What is a 'proxy war'? Give an example if you can.
Quiz (sample)
1. What is the best definition of a 'Cold War'?
- A. A war fought in extremely cold climates like Siberia.
- B. A state of political hostility between countries involving threats and propaganda but no direct fighting.
- C. A war where only naval and air forces are used.
- D. A brief conflict lasting less than a year.
2. Which two superpowers were the main rivals during the Cold War?
- A. UK and France
- B. USA and China
- C. USA and USSR
- D. Germany and Japan
3. What term did Winston Churchill use to describe the division of Europe?
- A. The Steel Fence
- B. The Great Wall
- C. The Iron Curtain
- D. The Velvet Divide
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Support and Stretch worksheets, every answer and model answer, the teaching explainer and common misconceptions, editable and ready to print as PDF or Word.
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