20th Century History

Unit 2 Outcome 1
Part 2
Students investigate significant events and developments and the consequences for nations and people in the period
1945–1991. While the USA and the USSR never engaged in direct armed conflict, they opposed each other in a range
of international conflicts such as those in Berlin, Korea, Cuba and Vietnam. They both tried to exert their influence
through aid and propaganda in Africa, Asia and the Americas and engaged in an arms race and a space race with
competition also extending to sport and the arts.

Historical inquiry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl_wYN9wqyQ

What was the impact of the Cold War on nations and people?

You are to conduct a historical inquiry centred on one example of wars and conflicts that reflected the tensions and
divisions of the Cold War. You are to choose from one of the following: –

1. the Korean War including the background to the conflict and the outcome for people

2. the building of the Berlin Wall, the Stasi and the consequences for those who lived with the division for 28
years

3. dissent among Soviet Satellites, including the uprisings in Poland and Hungary in 1956 and the Prague Spring
in 1968, and Soviet responses to dissent

4. the Vietnam War, including the background to the conflict, the domino theory, reasons for international
involvement, the anti-war movement, outcomes and consequences

5. events in Cuba such as the Cuban Revolution, the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cuban missile crisis, and
outcomes and consequences for Cuba and for superpower relationships

6. the arms race, the space race, propaganda and sport

Date due 15th September

Historical Assessment Rubric
Topic:
Name:
Context/Background
You have outlined and described the
circumstances that form the setting of an
event.
Hypothesis (historical interpretation)
Using the information you have gathered
you created a hypothesis.
Significant events
You have described and analysed the
significant events and explained their
relevance to your hypothesis.
Sources/Bibliography
You have listed all primary (original
documents from the time of the historical
event), and secondary sources,
(information from other historians).
Presentation
Written Document– report/ essay
Multimodal – PowerPoint, Prezi, Wix,
Sway
Feedback:
6 High 5 4
Highly detailed, accurate and comprehensive
coverage of the context of the event,
including historical background, ideological
and geopolitical situation of the time.
Hypothesis is highly reflective of depth and
understanding of the events and information
collected. Contains strong analytical focus
and examination of causal links.
Strong and accurate use of details of events
that provide an effective and sophisticated
evidence to support hypothesis. Inclusion of
correct and appropriate terminology and
metalanguage.
Extensive use of a comprehensive range of
both primary and secondary sources
Highly appropriate use of presentation mode
for purpose and hypothesis. Accurate
presentation of information and analysis.
Satisfactory 3 2
Basic accurate and essential description of the
context of the event. Some reference to
ideology and geopolitical factors.
Hypothesis is reflective of understanding of the
events and information collected. Contains a
focus for making causal links.
Contains use of details of events that provide
an evidence to support hypothesis. Some
inclusion of correct terminology and
metalanguage.
Evidence of some use of different sources, both
primary and secondary sources.
Presentation mode is appropriately used and
information is presented clearly.
Low 1/0
Basic and limited description of context.
Little or no attempt has been made to
formulate a hypothesis.
Little to no detail of events provided to
substantiate a position. Little or no use of
metalanguage and terminology.
Bibliography no submitted or limited to less
than 3 sources.
Presentation mode basic and limited.