Cold War

How concerned were the British in the early stages of the Cold War?

What to expect in the onsite workshop:

In this onsite workshop,  students explore Britain’s transition from the end of the Second World War to the early stages of the Cold War (1945-51), with a particular focus on analysing the nature and extent of British preoccupations.

The two-hour workshop is led by an experienced history educator in an inspiring learning space at The National Archives in Kew. Students will handle and work with a range of original documents, including ‘Top Secret’ prime ministerial and cabinet papers and telegrams, which offer a unique insight into British concerns at this time.

 

What to expect in the online workshop:

In the online workshop in your classroom students will explore Britain’s transition from the end of the Second World War to the early stages of the Cold War (1945-51), with a particular focus on analysing the nature and extent of British preoccupations during this uncertain period.

The one-hour online session in your classroom is led by an experienced history educator, you only need a microphone, large screen and webcam to take part. Interactive activities encourage students to discuss their ideas and work in groups using high-quality materials provided in advance by the Education team.

 

Connections to the curriculum:

  • AQA: GCE History, Unit 2R: The Cold War, c1945-1991
  • OCR: GCE History, Unit Y113: Britain 1930-1997: British Period Study: Britain’s position in the world 1951-1997 (Enquiry topic: Churchill 1930-1951)
  • OCR: GCE History, Unit Y223: Non-British Period Study: The Cold War in Europe, 1941-1995
  • Edexcel: GCE History, Paper 3, Option 37.1: The changing nature of warfare, 1859–1991: perception and reality
  • Edexcel: GCSE History, Period Study 4: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91
  • AQA: GCSE History, BC Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972

Available as: Onsite workshop, Online workshop. Find out more about the types of session we offer.

Session options

This session is delivered as a:

Onsite Workshop

at The National Archives

2 hours

Online Workshop

in your classroom

1 hour

Available: All year

Cost: Free to UK schools

Suitability: Key stages 4 and 5

Request a booking

Contact us

All activities must be booked in advance.

Tel: +44 (0)20 3908 9162

Email: education@nationalarchives.gov.uk