| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: History |
| Lesson Topic: 2.3 Why had international peace collapsed by 1939? |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the main political, economic and ideological factors that led to the collapse of international peace by 1939.
- Analyse how the Treaty of Versailles, the Great Depression and the rise of totalitarian regimes undermined the League of Nations.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of appeasement and re‑armament policies in the lead‑up to World War II.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen for slides
- Printed handout of the summary table
- Timeline diagram (digital or printed)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Student worksheets for source analysis
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Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of the 1939 declaration of war and ask students what events might have led to this moment. Recall previous lessons on the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, linking them to today’s focus. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify and evaluate the key reasons the inter‑war peace collapsed.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5’) – Quick quiz on Treaty of Versailles terms.
- Mini‑lecture (10’) – Overview of economic instability and the Great Depression.
- Group analysis (15’) – Examine the summary table; each group explains one factor’s impact on peace.
- Whole‑class discussion (10’) – Debate the policy of appeasement and its consequences.
- Timeline activity (10’) – Students place key events on a timeline diagram.
- Check for understanding (5’) – Exit ticket: one sentence stating the most decisive factor.
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Conclusion:
Summarise how multiple inter‑linked factors eroded the fragile post‑war settlement, leading to war in 1939. Prompt students to write an exit ticket identifying the factor they consider most pivotal. Assign a short homework: research one 1930s diplomatic crisis and prepare a brief report.
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