Help Your Students Crack the Secret Reasons Behind the Nazi–Soviet Pact

This high-quality resource heads and tails activity has been thoughtfully designed by experienced History teachers to support students in understanding why both Germany and the USSR agreed to the Nazi–Soviet Pact in 1939. Versatile and easy to use, it works brilliantly as a starter, plenary, revision activity or even a short assessment task.

If you’re looking to stretch your higher-ability students further, you may also be interested in my Diamond 9 or Card Sort activities on the same topic. Just search for them on my TES Shop - History Academy.

When you download this resource, you will receive a customisable, single-page Microsoft Word document. It includes clear aims, step-by-step instructions, and nine key terms with corresponding statements that explain the motivations behind the pact from both German and Soviet perspectives. Once they have matched the statements correctly, students can extend their learning by coding each point as relating to Germany, the USSR, or both.

Aims and Objectives

Theme: How far was Hitler responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939?
Know: The key terms and agreements within the Nazi–Soviet Pact
Analyse: The reasons why both Stalin and Hitler signed the pact
Skills: Cause and consequence, evaluation, and making historical judgements

WILF – What Am I Looking For?

Identify and describe: The terms of the Nazi–Soviet Pact
Explain: Why Germany and the USSR signed the agreement
Analyse: How far Hitler was responsible for the outbreak of the Second World War

If you find this resource useful, please take a look at the full range of related materials available in my TES shop. You can also follow The History Academy on X (Twitter), YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for updates, ideas and support.

I’m committed to creating engaging and affordable resources — all produced by educators who are paid the living wage — so you can spend more time doing what matters most - inspiring your students!

Enjoy this free resource, and stay connected on social media for the latest updates.

Kind regards,
Roy