1. Why did the USSR become a super power after WWII?
Objective:
To analyse the reasons why the USSR became a superpower after WWII
Consider the origins of the Cold War

2. Task 1: What can you learn?
Core: Describe: What can you see?
Stretch: Explain: What learn from this cartoon? What is the deeper meaning?
Above and Beyond: Evaluate: What does this cartoon suggest about the cold war? How useful is it?

4. What can you learn from this cartoon?
Starter:
What can you learn from this cartoon?
Character: strong, powerful, big, scary?
Character:
Influential, determined
Staring at each other
Bear
Uncle Sam
Represents the USSR
Represents the USA
Geographically USSR is in the East
Geographically USSR is in the East
You can learn: the geographical position, the fact there is global tension/strain, the USA is involved, there are only two ‘main’ powers, etc
Geographical position
Geographical position
Shown
on the left (West)
Shown
on the right (East)
Globe/World

5. Which character is the ‘scariest’? Why? Who ‘weighs’ the most?
What makes something powerful?
Is this a game?
If so
How do you win?
Using one word, describe the relationship.
Cartoon suggest: that there is a tension, a balance, the two are comparable and there is no clear ‘winner’ however the USA seems to hold more influence/power, etc.
What’s happening to the globe?
Starter:
What does this cartoon suggest about the cold war?

6. What was the Cold War? Write down a definition of
Superpower’ and one for
‘Cold War’.
Use page 110/1 to help.

7. Who were the Superpowers?
Before WW2 there were several ‘Great Powers’ including Britain, France, Germany, America and the Soviet Union. WW2 changed this situation:
Germany and Japan were defeated and seriously weakened
France had been defeated and occupied by Germany during the war and lost its status as a great power
Britain was victorious but almost bankrupt
Two countries, however, emerged stronger and were clearly far more economically and militarily powerful that the rest of the world
USA and the Soviet Union

8. Background to the Cold War The Cold War is the name given to the rivalry and tension between the two superpowers. There was never any direct fighting although there remained an atmosphere of distrust and hostility between the two countries. By 1950 both the USA and Soviet Union had nuclear weapons. This meant a ‘hot’ war between them was less likely, as it would result in total destruction for both sides. Therefore a Cold War of words, propaganda and threats developed.

9. The ‘Iron Curtain’

10. Communism vs Capitalism
The Cold War started in 1945 following the end of WW2 but there had been ideological rivalry since 1917…

11. We should make as many products as we can and sell them for profits

12. There should be one political party

13. Fairness and equality for all

14. Freedom and opportunity for all

15. People should be free to start their own businesses and make profit

16. There should be a variety of political parties for people to choose between

17. Everyone must work for the state

18. We should only make as many products as we need

19. We will enforce strict censorship- no one should criticise the state

20. We believe in people having freedom of speech on political matters

23. Tree of Superpower
Read p110 – 114 and make notes on your tree. Use the following headings for your 3 main branches: Global Superpower; Economic Superpower; Military Superpower. Add sub branches to the main branches for sub headings e.g. Spheres of influence etc. Drawings can also be added.

24. To what extent was military strength the key factor in making the USSR into a superpower after World War Two?

25. Sphere of Political Influence
To what extent was military strength the key factor in making the USSR into a superpower after World War Two?
Military Strength
Sphere of Political Influence
We are going to agree with the question that this was the most important
Economic Power

26. Start by identifying the factor named in the question
To what extent was military strength the key factor in making the USSR into a superpower after World War Two?
Introduction
Go on to outline the other factors that are not mentioned in the question but that you know are relevant to this topic
Start by identifying the factor named in the question
The USSR emerged as a superpower after World War Two due to a number of interrelated factors. Some suggest that it was due to their military strength by the start of the 1950s, which had been partly demonstrated by their victory over the Nazis in World War Two. Others argue that the main factor in giving them superpower status was their economic strength or the geographical influence they had, particularly over Eastern Europe. It will be argued that to a large extent that military strength was the key factor in making the USSR a superpower, since it underpinned their geographical influence.
Finish by setting out your thesis statement WITH a brief explanation of why you think this!

27. PEQ
Look at the question on the left.
How would you go about answering it?
Discuss in pairs for three minutes.
Now write the introduction and a conclusion to this question.
“How far was Russia’s Victory in the Second World War the major reason for the USSR’s emergence as a super power? (30 marks)”

28. The start of the Cold war
TASK: Comprehension
Read pages
Look at the bullet points on the right.
Write BRIEF notes (2-3 sentences ) on each one.
You have 15 mins so work fast.
Spheres of influence.
Stalinisation of Eastern Europe.
Start of the Cold War.
Economic superpower
Fourth Five Year Plan
Economic Boom
Military Superpower.