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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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.

The ‘Iron Curtain’

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

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

There should be one political party

Fairness and equality for all

Freedom and opportunity for all

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

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

Everyone must work for the state

We should only make as many products as we need

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

We believe in people having freedom of speech on political matters

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.

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

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

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!

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)”

The start of the Cold war TASK: Comprehension Read pages 110-114. 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.