Post-WWII Europe Primary Source Stations Activity (PDF and Google Docs)

The intent of this NO PREP lesson is to expose students to a variety of topics in a short amount of time using fun and engaging methods. The resource is available in PDF and Google Docs! After completing this lesson, students will understand the efforts made to rebuild Europe following WWII and the political division caused by the efforts, which developed into the Cold War. Students will examine each of the following topics:

1. Europe in Ruins

2. Germany Divided

3. The Marshall Plan

4. The Truman Doctrine

5. Europe Divided

6. The United Nations

Each station contains a brief description, along with historic photosets. The lesson is easily adaptable to fit your teaching style. The following methods have proven to be the most successful in my classroom:

1. Go Virtual! Included directions for teachers make implementing the digital activity a breeze.

- Students individually examine all station passages and complete the corresponding Google Docs worksheet (with pre-inserted text answer boxes for increased ease of use) and submit through Google Classroom. You can also assign the worksheet to a group of students and allow them to work together virtually to complete the assignment.

2. Hang the information sheets around the class and have students rotate to each sheet.

- This is my favorite because it gets students up and moving. You can assign the worksheet that accompanies this activity, or simply have them summarize each topic as they rotate.

3. Split the students into groups and assign one sheet per group. Have the students read the information sheet and prepare to present the information to the rest of the class.

- I assign a number to each group member (number the first group, then start back at 1 for the next group, so that you have multiple 1’s, 2’s, etc. throughout the class) and after students have had adequate time to prepare I tell them all the 2’s are presenting. This method motivates students because they don’t know which group member is presenting until it is time to present.

4. Form groups of 6 and have the students pass around the information sheets.

- I’ve found the best approach for this method is to give students a set amount of time and then have all students pass their sheets to the right when told.

The versatility of this activity allows for several culminating assessments. Typically, once students have completed one of the methods above, I have them write a response to the following question: Do you believe the Marshall Plan was an appropriate policy for America to enforce following the war? Why or why not? Then, I conduct a debate in which students can defend their choice. I encourage them to include as much information from the stations as possible.