BBC
Bbc News: Soviet Union Timeline
A timeline covering the history of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991.
Marxists Internet Archive
Marxists Internet Archive: Communism
Taken directly from the writing of Marx, Engels and Lenin, this entry from the Marxists Internet Archive also includes explanation of the quotations. Very detailed, it will require some sophistication on the part of the reader. Gives an...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Hungary 1956 Statement From Soviets
A brief response from the Soviet Union in reaction to the Hungarian Revolution. Describes their regret and their decision to pull their military from army units from Budapest. Also includes a message from Imre Nagy (Hungarian leader).
BBC
Bbc: Three Days That Shook the World
In 1991, communist hardliners attempted to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev for his reforms leading to the break-up of the Soviet Union. The coup lasted for three days. Article dated August 15, 2001.
Other
St. Martin: Iron Curtain 1945 1947
This article discusses the development of the Soviet Union's Communist buffer zone after World War II and its evolution into the Iron Curtain of the Cold War.
Digital History
Digital History: The Dealth of Stalin and the Cold War
In March 1953, Joseph Stalin, who had ruled the Soviet Union since 1928, died at the age of 73. His feared minister of internal affairs, Lavrenti Pavlovich Beria, was subsequently shot for treason. Nikita Khrushchev then became first...
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Woodrow Wilson Center: Digital Archive: Chinese Foreign Policy
Documents on China's foreign relations, focusing on its relationship with the Soviet Union and the United States.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Cold War Erupts
World War II ended in 1945 and the Cold War began immediately. Read about the mistrust Western Europe and the United States felt towards the Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin. Learn how the Soviets expanded their realm of influence and...
BBC
Bbc: News: Collapse of the Ussr 10 Years On
Extensive information about the collapse of the USSR. Includes an interactive timeline from 1985 through 1991, an interactive map of the countries of the USSR with country profiles and timelines, eyewitness accounts of the collapse of...
Other
Hellenic Resources Network: Helsinki Final Act 1975
This primary document is a copy of the Helsinki Agreements of 1975 which recognized the borders in central and Eastern Europe that were set up since the end of WWII. They show the acceptance of the Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. and...
Central Intelligence Agency
Cia: World Factbook: Belarus
This site from the CIA World Factbook connects to "The World Factbook" page of the country Belarus, former Soviet state. Students must first click on "Country Listing" and then scroll down to Belarus.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: 1989 the Walls Came Tumbling Down
Explains and details the events that led up to and followed the downfall of Communism in Eastern Europe. Very thorough and detailed, including information about leaders, movements, and historical information.
PBS
Pbs: Red Flag
Read two eyewitness accounts of life under Stalin. They explain how Communism became "an all-consuming, all-explaining ideology that appealed to their deepest hopes and dreams."
Smithsonian Institution
National Portrait Gallery: The Presidency and the Cold War: Richard M. Nixon
The National Portrait Gallery explores the actions of presidents in regard to the Cold War. Read about the so-called anti-Communist warrior, Richard M. Nixon, and his opening of relations with Communist China. Watch Nixon's speech about...
Other
Cvce: Demonstration Against the Dismantling of Industry
This image and short description illustrate the German peoples' reactions to the dismantling of their industries by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
BBC
Bbc: 1989: Czech Police Crush Protest Rally
The people of Czechoslovakia reached a boiling point in 1989 with citizens clamoring for political economic, and social reforms. This article by the BBC portrays how demonstrations for such reforms ended with tragedy when the police...
BBC
Bbc News: Remembering the Prague Spring
A look back at the Prague Spring of 1968. Examines the reforms prompting the Russian invasion. Article is brief but engaging. Includes great details of this very important historical event.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: Korean War
The Korean War is discussed in full in the course of the site. It discusses the causes of the war, air and naval activity, the land war, and more.
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke College: Links to Stalin
This site from the Mount Holyoke College provides a list of numerous links to sources covering a broad range of topics on Stalin.
George Washington University
National Security Administration: Cuban Missile Crisis
This is from the National Security Administration's Website. It has information on the operations involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Difficult for an Elementary student to understand, but a great resource for Elementary teachers.
Curated OER
Cbc.ca: Comfort and Fear Cold War Canada
Following the end of WW11, relations between the Soviet Union and the USA turned hostile and negative. Canada quickly became involved in the Cold War. An overview of this period of spying, propaganda, communist paranoia, and even...
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: World History: Fall of Communism
Students develop and express claims through discussions and writing which examine tensions during the Cold War and actions taken as a result.
Other
Bucknell University: A Chronology of Russian History
An abridged timeline that details the history of Russia from 860 to present day.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Berlin Airlift
A comprehensive overview of the Berlin Airlift provides links to maps, timelines, and other resources. The entire film is not available at this time, however, a short clip can be viewed. Coverage of the Chocolate Pilot and the support by...