Construction of the Berlin Wall
I can explain the causes, events and consequences of the construction of the Berlin Wall.
Construction of the Berlin Wall
I can explain the causes, events and consequences of the construction of the Berlin Wall.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- East Germany suffered from a 'brain drain'.
- Khrushchev produced the Berlin Ultimatum in 1958.
- The USSR constructed the Berlin Wall in 1961.
- The USA did not attempt to block the construction of the Berlin Wall.
- The USA used the Berlin Wall as a symbol in its propaganda.
Keywords
Refugee - someone who has been forced to leave their home country because of war, persecution, natural disaster, or violence, and seeks safety in another country
Propaganda - information, especially of a biased nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view
Espionage - acts related to spying
Ultimatum - a demand that if rejected will bring about an end of peaceful talks and could lead to forceful action
Unilaterally - a way of acting or making important decisions alone and without waiting for others to agree
Common misconception
The USA fought to prevent the construction of the Berlin Wall.
The USA believed that the construction of the wall meant they would no longer be threatened in West Berlin and used it as a valuable propaganda symbol.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Construction of the Berlin Wall, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Construction of the Berlin Wall, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Cold War transformation: was the world on the brink of a nuclear war? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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