, How to use the pack
1. Learn the sequence. Use the timeline to connect decisions and reactions, not just memorise dates.
2. Compare motives with actions. A government’s stated reason is important, but it is not the only evidence of its motives.
3. Practise explaining. Build paragraphs with a claim, accurate evidence and explanation.
4. Evaluate. Consider what each source reveals and what it leaves out.
Inside the pack
Section What you will practise
1. Essential terms Define key ideas accurately and in your own words.
2. Timeline Place major events in order and explain their significance.
3. Causes and responsibility Compare Soviet security aims and actions with US policy and actions.
4. Turning-point case study Explain the Berlin Blockade and Airlift, 1948–49.
5. Exam practice Answer seven questions with suggested answers and paragraph guidance.
6. Source skills Assess purpose, perspective, usefulness and limitations.
7. Final checklist Check recall and prepare a balanced judgement.
Scope note: This pack focuses on the origins of the Cold War through 1949. It is designed for general secondary-school
revision and is not tied to one national syllabus or official mark scheme.
COLD WAR ORIGINS • INDEPENDENT REVISION RESOURCE 2
1. Learn the sequence. Use the timeline to connect decisions and reactions, not just memorise dates.
2. Compare motives with actions. A government’s stated reason is important, but it is not the only evidence of its motives.
3. Practise explaining. Build paragraphs with a claim, accurate evidence and explanation.
4. Evaluate. Consider what each source reveals and what it leaves out.
Inside the pack
Section What you will practise
1. Essential terms Define key ideas accurately and in your own words.
2. Timeline Place major events in order and explain their significance.
3. Causes and responsibility Compare Soviet security aims and actions with US policy and actions.
4. Turning-point case study Explain the Berlin Blockade and Airlift, 1948–49.
5. Exam practice Answer seven questions with suggested answers and paragraph guidance.
6. Source skills Assess purpose, perspective, usefulness and limitations.
7. Final checklist Check recall and prepare a balanced judgement.
Scope note: This pack focuses on the origins of the Cold War through 1949. It is designed for general secondary-school
revision and is not tied to one national syllabus or official mark scheme.
COLD WAR ORIGINS • INDEPENDENT REVISION RESOURCE 2
