This lesson introduces students to the origins of the Cold War in post-war Europe and explores how tensions developed between the two emerging superpowers, the USA and the USSR, in 1945.

Students begin by examining the contrasting ideologies of capitalism and communism, gaining a clear understanding of the fundamental differences between the two systems and why they led to increasing rivalry and mistrust.

The lesson then focuses on the wartime conferences at Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. Although relations between the Allies initially appeared cordial, students investigate how decisions concerning the division of Germany and Berlin contributed to growing suspicion between East and West.

Through source analysis and discussion activities, students make informed judgements about why cooperation broke down so quickly after the Second World War.

At the heart of this lesson is the overarching enquiry question: Why did civilians fear for their lives during the Cold War?

Students begin an enquiry journey that can be revisited throughout the unit. They create a living mind map or enquiry record, adding ideas in different colours or dates as their understanding develops. This enables them to track the causes of fear, international responses and the impact of living in a world shaped by nuclear weapons and superpower tensions.
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Included in this lesson:
Fully editable PowerPoint lesson
Differentiated activities throughout
Investigation of the Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam Conferences
Analysis of the division of Germany and Berlin
Source-based and judgement-focused tasks
Enquiry-based learning centred on civilian fears during the Cold War
Student mind-mapping activity to track progress across the unit
Suggested teaching strategies and lesson guidance
Suitable for KS3 and GCSE students studying the origins of the Cold War

Please review this resource if you find it useful. It is greatly appreciated