Full lesson	Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle}
Which subject	History
What topic	The Bolshevik power struggle and Stalin's victory
What length (min)	60
What age group	Year or Grade 11
Class size	1
What curriculum	NSW HSC Modern History
Include full script
Check previous homework
Ask some students to presents their homework
Add a physical break
Add group activities
Include homework
Show correct answers
Prepare slide templates
Number of slides	10
Create fill-in cards for students
Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments

Lesson plan

Lesson Plan

Topic

The Bolshevik Power Struggle and Stalin's Victory

Objectives

• Understand the key events and figures involved in the Bolshevik power struggle.
• Analyze the strategies employed by Stalin to secure his position.
• Develop critical thinking skills by discussing historical impacts and interpretations.

Materials

• Printed cards for student activity
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector (if needed for presentations)
• Access to digital resources (if required)

Grade/Age Group

Year 11

Subject

History

Length of Lesson

60 minutes

Class Size

1 student

Curriculum Alignment

NSW HSC Modern History

Lesson Structure

Step Number	Step Title	Length (mins)	Details
1	Introduction	10	Briefly introduce the topic. Outline the significance of the Bolshevik power struggle and Stalin's rise to power. Explain the session's objectives.
2	Discussion of Key Figures	15	Examine key figures in the Bolshevik power struggle (e.g., Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin). Discuss their roles and contributions. Engage the student in dialogue.
3	Activity: Card Distribution	5	Hand out printed cards to the student. Explain that they need to fill in these cards with key information throughout the lesson.
4	Overview of the Power Struggle	10	Present a brief overview of the Bolshevik revolution and the subsequent power struggles. Use visual aids if needed.
5	Stalin's Strategies	10	Discuss the strategies Stalin used to eliminate rivals and secure power, such as political maneuvering and propaganda.
6	Activity: Fill Cards	5	Give the student time to fill in the cards based on the discussions and content presented. Offer support and clarification as needed.
7	Review and Check Cards	5	Collect or randomly check the filled cards for understanding without requiring a formal presentation. Provide feedback on the information gathered.

Homework

Assign a short reflective essay (1-2 pages) on the impact of Stalin’s rise to power on Soviet history. The essay will be due in the next class.

Assessment

Assess the filled cards for comprehension and the reflective essay for critical analysis and insights.

Conclusion

Wrap up the lesson by summarizing the main points discussed and reiterating the importance of understanding historical power dynamics. Encourage the student to think critically about the implications of historical events on modern society.

Lesson script

Introduction

"Good morning! Today, we’re going to delve into a fascinating and crucial period in history: the Bolshevik power struggle and Stalin's ascent to power. This topic is significant because it not only shaped the future of Russia but also influenced global politics for decades.

By the end of our session, we aim to achieve three objectives:

1. Understand the key events and figures involved in the Bolshevik power struggle.
2. Analyze the strategies that Stalin employed to secure his position.
3. Develop our critical thinking skills by discussing the historical impacts and interpretations of these events.

Let’s get started!"

Discussion of Key Figures

"To understand this power struggle, we first need to examine some of the key figures involved. Can you name any individuals who played significant roles during this period?

[Wait for the student’s response.]

Absolutely! Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, and Joseph Stalin are pivotal characters.

• Lenin led the Bolshevik Revolution and was instrumental in establishing the Soviet government.
• Trotsky was a key military leader and also played a vital role in the revolution.
• Stalin, initially a supporter of Lenin, later maneuvered his way to become the leader of the Soviet Union.

Let’s discuss each of their contributions in more detail.

[Engage in dialogue, allowing the student to express thoughts and deepen understanding.]

Now, how do you think these figures influenced the outcome of the power struggle?"

Activity: Card Distribution

"Next, I have an activity for you. I’m going to hand out these printed cards.

[Distribute cards to the student.]

I want you to fill in these cards with key information throughout our lesson. Each card corresponds to important individuals, events, or strategies we discuss.

Make sure to jot down any insights or thoughts that resonate with you. Are you ready?"

Overview of the Power Struggle

"Let’s take a moment to overview the Bolshevik revolution and the subsequent power struggles.

After the October Revolution in 1917, the new Bolshevik government faced immediate challenges from both external and internal enemies. The civil war that ensued was brutal, and it was during this time that the struggle for power among Bolshevik leaders escalated.

[Use the whiteboard or projector to display relevant timelines or figures.]

As we move forward, keep in mind how these events relate to the power dynamics we see today."

Stalin's Strategies

"Now, let’s focus on Stalin's strategies for eliminating his rivals and securing his position.

Stalin employed various tactics, including political maneuvering, creating alliances, and using propaganda effectively.

For instance:

• He portrayed Trotsky as an enemy of the state.
• Stalin centralized power, which allowed him to implement his policies and suppress dissent.

How do you think these strategies affected his consolidation of power?

[Encourage a discussion on the implications and effectiveness of these strategies.]"

Activity: Fill Cards

"Let’s take a moment for you to fill in your cards based on what we’ve discussed so far.

Remember to note down the key figures, their roles, and the strategies we explored.

[Allow 5 minutes for this task, providing support and answering questions as needed.]"

Review and Check Cards

"To review what we’ve covered today, I'd like to check your cards for comprehension.

Please show me your filled cards so I can see what you’ve noted down.

[Review the information without requiring a formal presentation; provide feedback on clarity and understanding.]

Great job! It’s important that you grasp these key points, as they will form the foundation for our discussions in the future."

Conclusion

"To wrap up our lesson, let’s summarize the main points we discussed:

• The major figures in the Bolshevik power struggle and their roles,
• Stalin’s strategies for achieving and maintaining power,
• And the overall significance of these events in historical context.

Understanding these historical power dynamics allows us to reflect on their implications in today’s society.

For homework, I’d like you to write a short reflective essay—1 to 2 pages—on the impact of Stalin’s rise to power on Soviet history. This will be due in our next class.

Thank you for your thoughtful participation today! I look forward to our next discussion."

Slides

Slide Number	Image	Slide Content
1	{Image: A classroom with students}	Introduction Overview of the Bolshevik power struggle. Significance of the topic. Objectives: 1. Key events and figures. 2. Analyzing Stalin's strategies. 3. Developing critical thinking skills.
2	{Image: Portraits of Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin}	Discussion of Key Figures Key figures: Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin. Lenin: Led the Bolshevik Revolution. Trotsky: Key military leader. Stalin: Initial supporter of Lenin, later became the leader.
3	{Image: Printed cards}	Activity: Card Distribution Hand out printed cards for key information. Encourage students to fill cards with insights. Focus on individuals, events, and strategies discussed.
4	{Image: Timeline of the Bolshevik Revolution}	Overview of the Power Struggle Post-October Revolution challenges. Brutal civil war and power struggles among leaders. Relate events to current power dynamics.
5	{Image: Propaganda poster from Stalin's era}	Stalin's Strategies Stalin's tactics for eliminating rivals: - Political maneuvering. - Creating alliances. - Effective propaganda. Portrayed Trotsky as an enemy. Centralized power.
6	{Image: Students writing on cards}	Activity: Fill Cards Time for students to fill in details on cards. Encourage noting key figures, their roles, and strategies discussed.
7	{Image: Teacher reviewing student cards}	Review and Check Cards Review filled cards for comprehension. Provide feedback on clarity and understanding. Reinforce importance of key points for future discussions.
8	{Image: Summary notes on a board}	Conclusion Summarize main points discussed: - Major figures and roles in the power struggle. - Stalin’s strategies. - Historical significance.
9	{Image: Student writing essay}	Homework Assignment Write a short reflective essay (1-2 pages). Discuss Stalin’s rise to power’s impact on Soviet history. Due in the next class.
10	{Image: Thank you note}	Thank You Appreciation for participation. Looking forward to the next discussion.

Printables

| Question                                                                                          | Answer |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| Who were the key figures involved in the Bolshevik power struggle?                               |        |
| Describe the role of Vladimir Lenin in establishing the Soviet government.                       |        |
| What strategies did Stalin use to eliminate his rivals during his rise to power?                 |        |
| How did Trotsky contribute to the Bolshevik Revolution and what was his fate during Stalin's rule?|        |
| Can you explain the significance of the October Revolution in the context of the power struggle?  |        |
| What were some of the internal and external challenges faced by the Bolshevik government?        |        |
| How did Stalin centralise power and what impact did it have on governance?                        |        |
| In what ways did propaganda play a role in Stalin's consolidation of power?                      |        |
| How did the power dynamics during the Bolshevik revolution influence current political structures? |        |
| What is the historical significance of the civil war that followed the October Revolution?        |        |
| Reflect on the consequences of Stalin's rise to power for the future of the Soviet Union.        |        |
| How does understanding the Bolshevik power struggle help us assess modern political conflicts?    |        |

Backup questions

• How did Lenin’s leadership style differ from that of Stalin during the Bolshevik Revolution, and what impact did this have on their followers?

• In what ways did Trotsky's military strategies contribute to the success of the Bolshevik Revolution, and how might they have influenced later events?

• Considering Stalin's use of propaganda, can you think of a modern example where similar strategies are used in politics today?

• How might the outcome of the Bolshevik power struggle have differed if Trotsky had been successful in maintaining his influence over the party?

• Reflect on the ethical implications of the methods Stalin used to eliminate his rivals. What lessons can we take from this regarding leadership and power today?