The fall of the Berlin Wall
I can explain the events that led to the end of Soviet control of Eastern Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The fall of the Berlin Wall
I can explain the events that led to the end of Soviet control of Eastern Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Under Gorbachev, the USSR gave its satellite states in Eastern Europe the freedom to choose how they were governed.
- Between 1989 and 1991, the USSR lost control of its Eastern European satellite states.
- In East Germany, there were widespread popular protests demanding democracy and the destruction of the Berlin Wall.
- On the 9th November 1989, the East German government were forced to open the border with West Germany.
- On 9th November 1989, people from East Berlin and West Berlin crossed the border and began to destroy the Berlin Wall.
Keywords
Doctrine - a set of beliefs or principles
Satellite state - a country that is dominated by another country
Reform - a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law
Reunification - bringing things or people back together after they have been separated
Common misconception
Gorbachev's reforms were intended to bring an end to communism and end Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
Gorbachev intended his reforms to strengthen communism both within the Soviet Union and its satellite states in Eastern Europe, however, once reform started in Eastern Europe, Gorbachev was unable to contain it.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The fall 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: The fall 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 The end of the Cold War, 1970-91 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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