Mr B's History Blog

The Second World War

2012-01-08T17:38:00.000+01:00

There are probably more books written about the Second World War than about any other topic in History, so it is often difficult to find a new angle on this epic conflict. Journalist and military historian Max Hastings has tried to look at some lesser studied aspects of the war in his new book "All Hell Let Loose: The World at War 1939-45". For a taster of the book, listen to the excellent BBC History Extra podcast that can be heard via this link (just look for the podcast dated Oct 21st to listen or download).

1848 and 2011 - Revolutionary parallels

2011-11-01T20:24:00.000+01:00

In 1848, a wave of revolutions engulfed the continent of Europe, apparently signalling the death knell of a string of despotic regimes and heralding the arrival of a new dawn of freedom and liberty. Events didn't quite play out that way in the end as the revolutionary movements ran out of steam and the old order made a comeback in many states. Now in 2011 a string of popular uprisings have spread like wild fire across North Africa and the Middle East triggering the collapse of a series of authoritarian regimes.

Will these revolts follow the same course as in 1848? Will they bring about long lasting changes in the area? Or will the revolutions fail to realise their objectives? How far can we draw parallels between these two periods? Here are a series of links to articles comparing 1848 and 2011.

1. Foreign Affairs.com

2. The Breaking Time

3. Mondediplo

4. History for Everyone

5. Common Dreams

Also have a look at the excellent BBC microsite on the Middle East revolts

The League of Nations in 1920

2011-10-22T10:08:00.006+02:00

The League of Nations was set up after the First World War in an attempt to avoid future conflcit by encouraging nations to resolved their differences peacefully. But what obstacles did this new organisation face in its first decade of existence. Look at the Wallwisher and the video and add your own ideas based on your knowledge of the period.

9/11 - The 10th Anniversary

2011-09-12T00:33:00.011+02:00

It's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 when nearly 3,000 people died after hijacked airliners were crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. Although it is still too early to judge the full effects of these horrific events, there is little doubt that they changed the world.

The attacks, for which al-Qaeda claimed responsibility, helped spur the USA and her allies into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, led to increased tension between Muslim and non-Muslim worlds, inspired devastating terror attacks in Bali, Madrid, London and Mumbai, prompted governments to restrict their citizens' freedoms, and provided the backdrop for torture and abuse following the abduction or arrest of suspects.

The attacks remain an emotive and controversial subject and arguments continue to rage about the the explanations for them and the ways in which they have shaped the world in which we live. A good place to start examining the subject is through the BBC's pages on the 10th anniversary, while the special coverage from other news organisations such as Al-Jazeera is also worth investigating. There is also an impressive new educational site on 9/11 which has been set up recently.

Napoleon

2011-07-15T17:54:00.009+02:00

Here is an entertaining video on Napoleon that raises some interesting questions about his life and career with a nice dose of humour too!

If you want a bit more information about the French leader then you could check out the BBC website profile or try the website run by the Napoleon Foundation

The English Civil War

2011-05-07T01:12:00.004+02:00

The English Civil War between King Charles I and Parliament, which broke out in 1642, played a pivotal role in shaping the subsequent development of the British Isles. For a brief introduction into this complex conflict take a look at this Timelines TV video clip. If you want a look at what happened after Charles' execution and during the Cromwellian era, then the next video in the series will give you a preview.

Last First World War combat veteran dies

2011-05-05T20:24:00.008+02:00

Claude Stanley Choules, the last known combat veteran of the First World War, died on Thursday in Perth, Western Australia. He was 110. Choules was born on 3 March, 1901, in Pershore, Worcestershire, one of seven children. In 1917, he joined the battleship HMS Revenge, from which he watched the 1918 surrender of the German high seas fleet, the main battle fleet of the German navy during the war.
You can see a short video of him here.
Take a look at this post on Harry Patch, the last soldier living in Europe to have fought in the trenches of the First World War, who died in July 2009.

The Decision to drop the Atomic Bomb

2011-03-06T10:57:00.005+01:00

The decision to use the atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaski in August 1945 is one of the most controversial and emotive issues in modern history. Truman's decision to use the weapons has been a matter of fierce debate ever since the Second World War. Did it save hundreds of thousands of Allied and Japanese lives by bringing the war to a rapid conclusion or was it a cynical demonstration of American power designed to intimidate the Soviet Union with an eye on the post war world?

Take a look at some of the original documents in the Harry S. Truman Library and an excellent series of film clips from the History Channel on the debate before reaching your own conclusions.
Here is one side of the argument from Professor Richard Overy:

And here is the other side from Dr Duncan Anderson:

The End of the Cold War

2011-03-02T22:43:00.015+01:00

The Cold War finally came to an end at the end of the 1980s with the collapse of the Soviet Empire in Eastern Europe and the subsequent disintegration of the USSR. Mikhail Gorbachev played a key role in events, but although he was the catalyst to many of the changes, there were many other contributory elements. The long term problems of economic inefficiency and corruption were compounded by the pressures of the arms race and the intervention in Afghanistan, while the bankruptcy of the system was highlighted by events such as the Chernobyl nuclear accident and the environmental crises in places like Lake Baikal and the Aral Sea.

Take a look at this video on Gorbachev and the websites below.

The Cold War Files
How 1989 brought and end to the Cold War.

You can see how quickly things changed when you look at this video featuring the former Soviet leader made in 1997.

World War Two

2011-02-27T21:38:00.008+01:00

Although most exam courses focus on the causes of the Second World War and then its aftermath, an understanding of what happened during the waris vital if you are to make sense of the post war world. The National Archives has an excellent interactive overview of the different theatres in the war, while the BBC has a comprehensive site dedicated to the war. The British Pathé news site has a host of preview videos from the wartime newsreels which are also well worth looking at.

The Reformation

2011-01-22T11:07:00.006+01:00

The Reformation was to have momentous consequences for the History of Europe, dividing the Christian church into two rival camps made up of Catholics and Protestants. In England, the Reformation received its first major boost when Henry VIII broke with Rome but its roots went much deeper. Have a look at these two Timelines TV videos: The first on Henry VIII's split from Rome and the second on some of the background to the Reformation. The BBC also gives a valuable outline of this relgious revolution.

The Holocaust

2010-12-15T21:29:00.003+01:00

Holocaust memorial day is next month on January 27th. It is a time to reflect on the horrific events that led to the deaths of over 6 million Jews and other minorities as a result of the Nazi extermination campaign during the Second World War. Unfortunately similar atrocities have continued to occur. This hard-hitting video looks at the issue and provides us with plenty of food for thought.

For more information on the Holocaust take a look at this series of animated maps by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Domesday Book

2010-11-30T20:40:00.003+01:00

The Domesday Book is the name given to the Great Survey carried out on the orders of William the Conqueror after he became King of England. The survey contained a vast array of information on who owned what throughout the country and helped him raise money through taxation of his new subjects. The Domesday Book is one of the earliest public records in English history.

Take a look at the national archive site for extra information, games and videos on the Domesday Book. Look at the section on Interpreting the Domesday Book to understand how to decipher the language.

The Congress of Vienna

2010-11-15T23:54:00.005+01:00

Europe's leading statesmen assembled at Vienna between 1814-1815 to decide upon the fate of the continent after over 20 years of conflict caused by the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Settlement aimed to maintain peace and security for Europe.

Take a look at this excellent animated map for an overview of the changes that took place during this period.

Remembrance Day

2010-11-05T00:20:00.006+01:00

The First World War came to an end 92 years ago. Traditionally the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of each year is the time we remember all those who died in wars. Have a look at this video in memory of the soldiers who died in the conflict. it is accompanied by the Last Post. You'll also find a link explaining why the poppy is used as a symbol of remembrance and some poetry from the First World War.

Why the poppy?

For more information look at these links to previous posts on the Blog and an article on the BBC.
Harry Patch
Special Remembrance Day Service

Also worth looking at is the dramatised BBC clip on Wilfred Owen's famous war poem Dulce et Decorum est and John McCrae's In Flanders Fields.

20th Anniversary of German Reunification

2010-10-03T17:23:00.013+02:00

October 3rd, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of German reunification with the merging of the capitalist West and the Communist East. It is also the day on which Germany made her final reparations payment imposed after the First World War.

Take a look at the following articles from the BBC which examine the story in more depth:
Anniversary of Reunification
Reparations payments

While this video takes a brief look at the events from the Fall of the Wall to Reunification.

The Blitz

2010-09-23T22:56:00.006+02:00

On the 70th anniversary of The Blitz, it is worth taking a look at the marvellous American propaganda film "London Can Take It" designed to garner support for Britain in the USA.

The French Revolution

2010-09-23T22:31:00.007+02:00

One of the most momentous events in modern history, the French Revolution was caused by the interaction of long-term, structural problems associated with the Ancien Regime, new Enlightment ideas that challenged the old order and a short term financial and economic crisis that were exacerbated by an hesitant and politically inept king (Louis XVI.

For a good introduction to the topic try looking at the following videos from a History Channel documentary on the subject on You Tube. Parts 2, 3 and 4 are the ones to watch for events up to the storming of the Bastille.

And for an outline of events try looking at the Spark Notes site on the Revolution.

The Vietnam War

2010-08-22T20:23:00.005+02:00

The Vietnam War was one of the most important conflicts of the Cold War era. Take a look at the following sites for an overview of the war and some thoughts on its significance.

Overview and index of key figures and events from Spartacus

The History Learning Site

BBC Web pages on the war

The Vietnam War in pictures

The National Archives
Was Vietnam a turning point in the Cold War?

Battle of Britain 70th anniversary

2010-08-21T16:33:00.020+02:00

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain when the German Luftwaffe began a campaign to gain air superiority over Britain in order to mount an invasion of the British Isles. The Battle, which began in the summer of 1940, is remembered for the clashes between the British Spitfires and Hurricanes and the German fighters and bombers over southern England and the channel. Here are some resources which will help you find out more about the conflict and enable you to distinguish the myths from the realities.

A handy introduction is provided by Dr Chris Bellamy for the BBC and in the lengthy American wartime propaganda film shown below:

You can listen to Churchill's pre Battle of Britain speech here:

And you can hear his famous "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" speech here.

Follow these links for further information on the Battle of Britain:

The BBC Archive (an excellent resource)
The Cost
Why Germany Lost
The Few

And finally here is a nice video of BBC Radio presenter Evan Davis experiencing what it is like to fly in a Spitfire.

The Normans

2010-08-21T16:26:00.008+02:00

To mark the BBC series on the legacy of the Normans, they have set up a new web page on the Norman Conquest. Click on the link to find some great material that will be really useful for Year 7 students and anyone else interested in the Medieval period.

The English Civil War

2010-06-06T11:27:00.007+02:00

Take a look at this great Prezi produced by one of our Year 8 students. It gives a very nice summary of the events of the English Civil War.

History: The English Civil War on Prezi

The Cuban Missile Crisis

2010-06-01T21:29:00.018+02:00

The world was brought to the brink of nuclear war as the two superpowers stared each other out during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Take a look at some of these resources to get a more in-depth view of this Cold War showdown.

John Clare provides a good introduction to the Crisis on his site, while the BBC looks at events in a bit more depth.
Also worth trying out is this BBC Podcast on the Crisis, while if you want to do some real historical research, take a look at the National Security Archive documents.

You can see Kennedy's address to the nation after the discovery of the missiles below:

Here is an introduction to the Crisis from an American documentary about the Crisis:

For a Soviet perspective on the Crisis from Khrushchev's son Sergei, follow this link on You Tube.

Revision
Finally, you might want to try out this date-matching exercise from School History for a bit of revision or the Bitesize section on Cuba from the BBC. The National Archive has its usual high quality take on events.

Weapons of the First World War

2010-05-03T18:09:00.009+02:00

There were a number of new weapons that came into use in the First World War including the first tanks.

Take a look at this video to get an idea of what these early tanks were really like.

And here is one on the use of U-boats in the First World War:

The First World War website has an excellent section on weaponry and this article on Zeppelins, while History on the Net is also worth checking out.

The Early Cold War

2010-04-09T20:41:00.017+02:00

Here are a range of resources which might help you understand the early Cold War period.

A good introduction is School History’s page on the Origins of the Cold War.

You can gain a similar overview from the History Learning site and its comprehensive index page that covers almost every event in the Cold War.

The BBC has a good page examining the role of Truman in the early Cold War, while its Bitesize section is perfect for revision. Give the podcast on this page a listen to as well.

It is also worth taking the time to listen to Winston Churchill's famous "Iron Curtain" speech made in Fulton, Missouri in the United States in March 1946:

More on the Causes of World War Two

2010-03-21T20:50:00.004+01:00

One final post on the Causes of World War Two.
Take a look at this tongue-in-cheek Summary of the Causes of the Second World War from the BBC Bitesize revision site.

You could then try out the revision activities on the same site to check your knowledge and understanding of the topic.

The Causes of the Second World War

2010-03-08T19:59:00.002+01:00

What were the causes of the Second World War? Start sorting out your ideas by adding some comments on the Wall below:

Hitler's Foreign Policy

2010-03-04T19:17:00.006+01:00

Here are a selection of videos that will help you revise Hitler's foreign policy.

First a videocast by History teacher Mr Portman:

And now a series of fun animations by pupil Laura and her teacher Russel Tarr at the International School of Toulouse:

1. Rearmament part 1:

2. Rearmament part 2:

3. The Anschluss part 1:

4. The Anschluss part 2:

5. Czechoslovakia:

6. The Road to War:

Appeasement

2010-02-07T20:59:00.012+01:00

Appeasement - the policy of settling international quarrels by negotiation and compromise rather than force which has become particularly identified with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain - is one of the most fiercely debated issues in the history of international relations between the two world wars. Take a look at these two video clips from the classic BBC Schools programe "Why Appeasement?" for an introduction to the topic.

Part 1

Part 2

For a quick revision of the topic look at the BBC Bitesize site. John Clare has good pages on Appeasement and Who started it.
The I Love History Website has a good podcast, while the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography has a sophisticated analysis of the issue.

And here you can listen to Chamberlain himself on the Munich Crisis.

Finally, take a look at another classic video clip, this time from the World at War series and then make a comment on the Wallwisher on Appeasement.

The Spanish Civil War

2010-01-31T19:32:00.003+01:00

Not only did it tear Spain apart, but the Civil War also exposed deep divisions in Europe, thus providing a sad prelude to the events of the Second World War. Take a look at the following resources to gain some valuable background information on the conflict.

Take a look at the following websites too. They provide a wealth of information on the Spanish Civil War and its consequences: Active History, BBC Bitesize, The Imperial War Museum, The History Learning Site, Spartacus International

The Tudors

2010-01-24T16:25:00.007+01:00

A good introduction to the religious changes that took place during Tudor times can be found on the website for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. You will also find plenty of other interesting information on the Tudor period on this site. As usual the Woodlands School website has a lot of good resources on this topic. Look at their section on the Dissolution of the Monasteries to help out.

This video also acts as a brief introduction, while the one below that gives some detail on the religious changes that took place during the brief reign of Edward VI.

Why Study History?

2010-01-22T14:50:00.008+01:00

Quite soon you will be asked to make your options for the subjects you want to study at GCSE and, of course, History is one of the choices open to you. Apart from being one of the most interesting and enjoyable subjects to study at this level, it is also one of the most useful and will provide you with many of the skills in demand from top employers. Whether it be business, politics, law, the media, marketing, education and even science, studying History will be of invaluable help.

Why not take a look at some of these History teacher videos to get a a taste of the course?

Mr Allsop's video

Miss Hawthorne's take on GCSE History

Another video by Mr Allsop, this time to accompany the Billy Joel Song "We didn´t start the Fire" which deals with a succession of events in American History:

The Slave Trade

2010-01-16T17:16:00.009+01:00

The slave trade was a highly lucrative trade for Britain and other European nations during the 18th and 19th centuries. Slaves were taken from Africa across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas in appalling conditions in a journey known as "the middle passage".

Take a look at this excellent website developed by the National Maritime Museum which examines the Triangular Trade, resistance to it, the reasons why it was abolished and its impact. Try the exhibition activity as a way of testing your understanding of the topic.

Other useful information can be found at the Channel Four site, and the Amistad site.
You can listen to Olaudah Equiano's famous account of his life, his enslavement, freedom and campaign to abolish slavery here.

League of Nations - topic revision

2010-01-16T01:05:00.007+01:00

Here are some more videos that will help you understand the the League of Nations topic and the events that led to the organisation's eventual demise. Watch the extracts and take notes.

The Manchurian Crisis

The League, Disarmament and the Abyssinian Crisis

The League and the 1930s (Spain, Sudentenland, Munich and Poland)

The League of Nations - the 1930s

2010-01-09T14:36:00.004+01:00

After the calamatous events of the 1929 Wall Street Crash and its effects on the world economy, the League of Nations faced an uphill task as it tried to deal with a succession of crises in the 1930s. Take a look at the following video clips to help give you an overview of the period.

An informative school videocast from St Patrick´s High School

An extract from the documentary series World at War on the Japanese invasion of Manchuria

Information from the Britannica website on the Manchurian invasion

Having looked at the video clips and using your own information on the topic why not add your own comments as to why the League failed to the Wallwisher below:

Castles

2009-12-15T19:42:00.006+01:00

William the Conqueror built castles to control his new kingdom of England after defeating Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Over the next 500 years castles evolved from the simple Motte and Bailey into highly complex, and impressive, fortresses equipped with a vast array of defensive features. Take a look at the excellent Woodland School website for more information on how castles changed and developed during this period. Look at this link for information on castle features.

The League of Nations - the 1920s

2009-12-09T22:01:00.006+01:00

The League of Nations was established after the First World War with the aim of preventing armed conflict, bringing about disarmament, encouraging international co-operation and improving living and working conditions. Have a look at the following video for a interesting introduction to the work of the organisation.

Evaluating the success of the League of Nations is one of the most popular questions at GCSE level. Have a look at this video for some clear, concise and very valuable advice on how to answer part c) questions at IGCSE.

Domesday Book

2009-12-09T21:37:00.004+01:00

Remembrance Day

2009-11-10T18:37:00.004+01:00

The First World War came to an end 91 years ago. Traditionally the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of each year is the time we remember all those who died in wars. Have a look at this video in memory of the soldiers who died in the conflict. it is accompanied by the Last Post.

For more information look at these links to previous posts on the Blog and a new article on the BBC.
Remembrance Day
Harry Patch
Special Remembrance Day Service

Life in Tudor England

2009-11-05T20:18:00.001+01:00

To find out about life in Tudor England why not begin with a look at Woodland’s Junior School’s outstanding website on the Tudors. Use the menu on their home page to find out about Tudor houses, children, clothes, entertainment and daily life.

Nettlesworth school also has some interesting information on life in Tudor times, while this interactive site even gives you a chance to listen to some Tudor-style music. The History Learning site has a good page about Tudor entertainments, while if you want to go into more depth try the activities on the National Archives webpage.

If you fancy testing out your knowledge of Tudor England try this quiz on the Channel Four website.

The Bayeux Tapestry

2009-11-03T20:15:00.004+01:00

The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most famous sources of information about the Norman Conquest. Probably ordered by William's half-brother Bishop Odo, many historians believe the tapestry was likely to have been made by English women in the 1070s. This great video really brings the tapestry to life.

Industrial Entrepreneurs

2009-11-01T19:59:00.006+01:00

Entrepreneurs such as Josiah Wedgwood (pictured left), Abraham Darby and Richard Arkwright played an important part in the Industrial Revolution, harnessing the new technologies, sources of power and demand for materials to set up factories and profitable businesses.

For a profile of Wedgwood, take a look at the BBC History website. Also check out the Wedgwood museum for more information and a virtual tour of Etruria.

For information on the Darbys at Coalbrookdale try looking at the website for all the museums at Ironbridge, while for textile entrepreneur and inventor Richard Arkwright try another informative site at Cromford Mill.

Hyperinflation

2009-10-26T20:07:00.003+01:00

As you know we have been looking at the impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany and the events surrounding the occupation of the Ruhr in 1923. Here is an informative video that does a good job in explaining the causes of Hyperinflation.

Now have a look at the second part of the Make Germany Pay video which also covers this topic:

The Treaty of Versailles

2009-10-01T19:40:00.004+02:00

You can look back at this post to get an overview of the Treaty of Versailles, but it is also worth checking out John Clare's webpage and having a listen to this podcast if you want to become an expert on the Treaty and its effects.
Cast your eye over this powerpoint to revise the key terms of the Treaty:

Huge haul of Anglo-Saxon gold found in Staffordshire

2009-09-27T23:42:00.007+02:00

A huge haul of Anglo-Saxon treasure has been found by a man with a metal detector in a field in the county of Staffordshire in England. Around 1,500 gold and silver pieces, including helmets, decorations, jewellery, coins and crossed which date from the 7th century were found by Tony Herbert.

For more on the find check out the BBC and the Guardian websites.

Harry Patch (1898-2009) - The last surviving soldier from the Western Front

2009-09-13T17:57:00.013+02:00

Harry Patch was the last surviving soldier living in Europe to have fought in the trenches of the First World War. He died in July this year. At the time of his death, aged 111. He fought at Battle of Passchendaele (also known as the Third Battle of Ypres) and was injured by a shell explosion on 22 September 1917 in an incident in which three of his comrades were killed.

Patch had refused to discuss his war experiences, but the realisation that he was part of a fast dwindling group of veterans of the Great War persuaded him to speak.

A fierce critic of war, Patch once said "...if any man tells you he went over the top and he wasn't scared, he's a damn liar."

The group Radiohead marked his death by releasing a song about Patch.

Here are the lyrics and Thom from Radiohead's comments about the song:

Harry Patch (In Memory Of)
"I am the only one that got through
the others died where ever they fell
it was an ambush
they came up from all sides
give your leaders each a gun and then let them fight it out themselves
I've seen devils coming up from the ground
I've seen hell upon this earth
the next will be chemical but they will never learn"

Recently the last remaining UK veteran of the 1st world war Harry Patch died at the age of 111.

I had heard a very emotional interview with him a few years ago on the Today programme on Radio 4. The way he talked about war had a profound effect on me.

It became the inspiration for a song that we happened to record a few weeks before his death. It was done live in an abbey. The strings were arranged by Jonny.
I very much hope the song does justice to his memory as the last survivor.

It would be very easy for our generation to forget the true horror of war, without the likes of Harry to remind us. I hope we do not forget.

As Harry himself said:
"Irrespective of the uniforms we wore, we were all victims".

Thom

The impact of the First World War

2009-09-13T17:47:00.009+02:00

In order to understand the atmosphere at the Paris Peace Conference after the First World War you need to be aware of the way the war had affected the continent.

Have a look at these three sites to help you do this:
BBC World War One site
Channel Four site
First World War.com

The 70th Anniversary of the start of the Second World War

2009-09-01T17:02:00.001+02:00

Germany invaded Poland 70 years ago, an event that is usually seen as marking the start of the Second World War. Check out the BBC and the Guardian websites for a stack of information on these events.

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain responded to Hitler's decision to invade Poland by declaring war on Germany on September 3rd, 1939. Here is an extract of the broadcast he made at the time:

Treaty of Versailles

2009-05-31T18:16:00.006+02:00

The Treaty of Versailles has been much criticised. Was it a brave attempt to remodel Europe after the First World War or was it a short-sighted and vengeful document designed to punish Germany. Take a look at the History Learning site for some good background and information on the treaty.

The old BBC History video "Make Germany Pay" gives a neat summary of the terms of the treaty.

Here is a more opinionated judgement on the peace treaties which is also worth examining.

Elizabeth I

2009-05-11T20:39:00.004+02:00

For some biographical information on Elizabeth I for your obituary, try out the BBC website and the History Learning site.

The Spanish Armada

2009-04-23T23:27:00.003+02:00

The Spanish Armada remains one of the most dramatic and memorable events in British history, but how much truth is there in the traditional English version that sees it as a victory for the heroic underdogs. Take a look at the Channel 4 website for some of the latest research and check back on the blog to see an earlier post on the subject which might help you make up your own mind.

Elizabethan Portraits

2009-04-17T12:34:00.006+02:00

As you know we are looking at how Elizabeth I used portraits as a means of propaganda. Here is a challenging and informative online lesson which you will be asked to do for homework. You will need to do some research to do the first section.

The Battle of the Somme

2009-04-11T10:56:00.007+02:00

Here is a powerpoint on the Battle of the Somme that took place during the First World War. It looks at the plans for the battle and what went wrong:

The Battle of the Somme

View more presentations from russeltarr.

You can find some interesting background information on Haig on the History Learning site and on the excellent firstworldwar.com

The Trial of Charles I

2009-03-15T19:41:00.003+01:00

Charles I was the first English king to put on trial. He was accused of being a
"tyrant, traitor and murderer to the Commonwealth." Here is a link to one of the original documents from the trial. You can also find a concise biography of Charles I on the BBC History site, while the History on the Net has a useful timeline of events in the Civil War.

First World War propaganda posters

2009-03-09T20:48:00.004+01:00

All participants in the First World War made use of propaganda posters to encourage recruitment to the armed forces, boost morale and attack their opponents.

At First World War.com they have a great collection of posters from many of the countries that were involved.

Medieval Towns

2009-03-08T23:50:00.007+01:00

To get a good idea of what a Medieval town looked like and how it was laid out, take a look at this site, while if you want to understand how the sites for new towns were chosen, try this page.

The Peasants' Revolt

2009-03-08T14:34:00.004+01:00

Almost half a century after the Black Death, the Peasants' Revolt took place. There are arguments about what precisely happened, but the History Learning Site gives a clear outline of the main events.

And here is a description, from a chronicle of the time, of the final meeting between king Richard II and the leader of the Revolt, Wat Tyler.

World War One - The Schlieffen Plan

2009-02-18T08:57:00.003+01:00

As all you Year 9 students should know by now, the Schlieffen Plan - designed by General Von Schlieffen in 1905 - formed the basis of German military plans at the start of the First World War. The School History site gives a concise overview of the plan.

The Spartacus Web and the History Learning site have similar information on its site and here is a handy revision quiz to test your understanding.

Here is a video on the reality of the plan when it was put into action at the start of the First World War.

The Black Death

2009-02-18T08:28:00.005+01:00

The Black Death killed between a third and a half of the population of Europe in the 14th century. This website provides a host of information on the Black Death including the low-down on the oriental flea that transmitted the deadly disease.

The Eyewitness to History site has a nice summary of the disease, as has this general site on the Middle Ages, while the BBC site has got plenty of in-depth information including a nice section on the impact.

The History Learning web has got good links with other aspects of Medieval life and a handy section on treatments used at the time. You can also find some really good background on Medieval medicine on the same site.

For an entertaining take on Plague cures have a look at the Terry Deary (of Horrible History fame) video below:

The Tudor and Stuart Family trees

2009-02-10T19:50:00.003+01:00

As you know in Year 8 we are studying the 16th and 17th centuries. A quick look at the Tudor and Stuart Family trees might help you get a clear idea of who's who during this period.

The Causes of the First World War

2009-02-09T23:51:00.003+01:00

If you want to recap or revise the Causes of the First World War go to the BBC Website and follow the Road to War.

For a short film on the spark that set off the war take a look at the following video on the assassination of Franz Ferdinand.

Medieval Farming glossary

2009-02-01T18:28:00.004+01:00

Some Medieval Farming terms for your glossary:

Bailiff – The bailiff helped oversee the villeins’ work, the profits and expenses of the manor and farm.

Villein – a peasant who was not free. They worked on the lord’s land and did certain jobs for him in return for the use of some land for himself. A villein was bound to work on a certain manor.

Manor – all the land owned by the lord in a medieval village which included the fields, the common land and the woodland.

The Manor house – the main house owned by the lord of the manor

Demesne (pronounced “domain”) – the best land in the manor for the Lord to farm.

Freeman – Those peasants who paid the lord to farm their land. They did not have to work for the lord every week like the villains, but did have to help out at busy times of the year and pay to use the lord’s oven and his mill.

Reeve – The reeve made sure the villeins worked for the lord, started their work on time and did not cheat the lord out of any money.

The Hayward – The peasant who looked after the cows

The Shepherd – The peasant who looked after the sheep

The swineherd – The peasant who looked after the pigs

Crops – the plants grown by the farmers which commonly included wheat and barley

Harvest – Gathering in the crops from the fields when they are ready. Reaping is the cutting of the grain for harvest, using a scythe or sickle.

Ploughing – This is when the top layers of soil are cut open, and turned over to bring nutrients to the surface and to allow air to enter.

Harrowing – Used to break up the earth even more than ploughing and also used to cover the seeds after sowing.

Sowing – The process of planting the seeds in the fields

Fallow - the land that is left to rest and not farmed for a year so the nutrients can be replaced.

Furrow – long lines made in the fields after ploughing.

Open field system – the system by which the manor was split into three or four big unfenced fields which were in turn divided up into strips farmed by the peasants

The Spanish Armada

2009-01-28T23:39:00.005+01:00

Was it, as old-fashioned British textbooks would have you believe, the story of heroism against the odds as the plucky English underdogs beat off the mighty Spanish thanks to their superior sailing skills and daring tactics? Was it, as many Spanish textbooks - and King Philip II - claimed, merely a question of some freakish weather coming to the aid of the fortunate English? Or was the failure of the Armada due to a more complicated combination of military, climatological and political factors?

Try and shake off your national bias and take a look at some of the following websites so that you can make up your own mind.

The History Learning Site offers a pretty objective analysis of events. Spot the interesting differences in the versions given on the Spanish and English versions of Wikipedia. Or take a look at this very detailed webpage and its sister site that attempt to destroy some of the myths surrounding one of the most famous events in English and Spanish history.

Take a look at this David Starkey video for his take on events and decide if you think it gives a fair verdict. Use your own research to decide if Spain really was weakened by the defeat of the Armada.

Holocaust Memorial Day

2009-01-25T13:42:00.001+01:00

Tuesday is Holocaust memorial day, a time to reflect on the horrific events that led to the deaths of over 6 million Jews and other minorities as a result of the Nazi extermination campaign during the Second World War. Unfortunately similar atrocities have continued to occur. This hard-hitting video looks at the issue and provides us with plenty of food for thought.

Elizabeth I portraits

2009-01-25T13:10:00.003+01:00

In Year 8 we will be looking at some portraits of Elizabeth I. Here is a short presentation showing some of the most famous representations of the Tudor monarch.

Martin Luther King

2009-01-23T10:22:00.003+01:00

Monday 19 Jan was Martin Luther King day. He was one of the most important figures in the fight for equal civil rights for black people in the United States in the 1950s and 60s. King, a baptist minister, led a famous march on the capital Washington DC in 1963 where he made his “I Have a Dream” speech - an impassioned call for human justice that helped earn him a reputation as one of the greatest orators of modern times.

You can take a look at this video of the whole speech here.

King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. This was the last speech he made shortly before dying.

King's work is particularly relevant given that this week Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first black president of the United States.

The Middle Ages

2009-01-19T22:15:00.005+01:00

Here are a selection of websites that contain a host of interesting information on the Middle Ages.

This interactive site has a stack of information on all aspects of medieval life. Here is the British Library site on the period and it has a great section on the role of women.

As you know, we looked at some images from the Luttrell Psalter in class. Click here and you can see the book itself. Click on the section entitled "glimpses of medieval life".

Here is an atmospheric video on peasant food.

And finally another video showing a 13th century harp dance.

Greensleeves

2009-01-13T18:58:00.003+01:00

Legend has it that Henry VIII composed Greensleeves for his lover and future wife Anne Boleyn, but the song was probably written towards the end of the 16th Century in the Elizabethan era. The video below gives a taste of what the original would have sounded like.

You can find the lyrics of the song on this webpage.

Elizabeth I

2009-01-11T21:19:00.010+01:00

Elizabeth I reigned for 45 years between 1558 and 1603, becoming one of the most famous of all British monarchs. She is renowned for her moderate religious policy, her refusal to marry, her carefully measured foreign policy, her order to execute her cousin and rival Mary Queen of Scots and for rallying her troops in the face of the threat of Spanish invasion at the time of the Armada.

She was also an expert at propaganda and carefully cultivated her image as the "virgin queen" prepared to sacrifice everything for the good of her country. Look at this website for a comprehensive selection of portraits of Elizabeth and check out this video which has a slide show of some of the most famous ones.

For an explanation of the reasons behind her refusal to marry take a look at this short extract from a documentary series on the Tudors.

For a re-enactment of her famous speech to the troops at Tilbury at the time of the Spanish Armada watch this video:

For more on the Armada take a look at the BBC website and this section on the British Library website.

The Slave trade

2009-01-03T15:16:00.007+01:00

"I'm Henry VIII, I am"

2008-12-01T19:47:00.004+01:00

A humorous introduction to Henry VIII with great musical accompaniment from classic British 1960s group Herman's Hermits.

On a more serious note, here is a excellent site which will fill you in about life during Tudor times. You can see real documents and objects from the times and you can play a series of games related to the period.

The Battle of Hastings

2008-11-18T22:46:00.007+01:00

William Conqueror and his Norman army defeated Harold and the Saxons at Hastings in 1066 in one of the most significant battles in British history. This timeline traces the sequence of events surrounding the battle.

Here is a chance to play a game re-enacting the events of that famous day and here is a video of the 2006 re-enactment of the battle.

Entrepreneurs in the Industrial Revolution

2008-11-11T23:27:00.003+01:00

Entrepreneurs (people who set up businesses during the Industrial Revolution) played an important part in making Britain an important industrial power. Play the Victorian business game to see if you have got what it takes to become an industrial enterpreneur.

The Domestic System

2008-10-30T16:14:00.006+01:00

The domestic (or cottage) system was the traditional method of producing goods prior to the Industrial Revolution. This article looks at how the system worked.

The causes of the Industrial Revolution

2008-10-30T16:06:00.006+01:00

Here is a short video on what caused the Industrial Revolution

The History Channel also has a webpage looking at the causes of the Industrial Revolution.

Here is an interesting article on the causes

The Tudors

2008-10-21T11:51:00.000+02:00

Woodland Junior School has got a great website with some invaluable information on the Tudors. Check it out and learn all about Tudor kings and queens, the way people lived and what they believed.

The Middle East Conflict

2008-10-16T21:23:00.000+02:00

A timeline of important dates in the Middle East conflict. This timeline is a great starter for the Year 11 IGCSE topic.

A series of useful maps tracing the history of Israel and Palestine.

More background on the Middle East including profiles, documents and information on the key players.

Emily Davison and the Suffragettes

2008-10-15T16:40:00.001+02:00

A film of Emily Davison when she tried to stop the King's horse in the 1913 Derby - this was the incident we examined in the evidence exercise in Year 9

The Bayeux Tapestry

2008-10-14T23:15:00.001+02:00

A great animated video on the Bayeux Tapestry

William the Conqueror

2008-10-14T23:10:00.000+02:00

William the Conqueror was the first Norman king of England. He took power in England after winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Click here to find out more about him.

The Terrible Tudors

2008-10-14T23:01:00.000+02:00

Every wanted to find out some foul facts about the Terrible Tudors? Have a look at this site.
Terrible Tudors

History Words

2008-10-12T11:39:00.000+02:00

Chronology: putting people, periods and events in the order in which they happened. You could do this as a timeline for example.

A period of History – a chunk or section of the past, e.g The Medieval period lasted from approximately 1066 to 1500.

BC – “Before Christ” – the time in the past before Jesus Christ is estimated to have been born.

AD – “Anno Domini” (“The Year of Our Lord”). The years after the birth of Christ.

A decade – a period of 10 years.

A century – a period of 100 years. We often refer to events as taking place in a certain century, for example Henry VIII was King of England between 1509 and 1547, but we often say he reigned in the 16th century. Remember that the first century started in the year 1.

A millennium – a period of 1000 years.

An anachronism is something that is out of place. It is in the wrong place or period.

Sources are the things that are left over from the past. Historians use sources to find evidence about the past.

A primary source is one that comes from the time a historian is studying.

A secondary source is one that comes from after the time a historian is studying.

A fact is something we know happened for sure, for example that the first man walked on the moon in 1969.

An opinion is someone’s view about something, eg that Henry VIII was a bad king.

Bias is when something is one-sided. The verb is “to be biased”. Biased sources can still be very useful to historians because they tell us about people’s opinions.

Hypothesis – a possible explanation of something that happened.

Interpretation – A particular version of explaining what happened in the past.