"Enemy at the Gates" Questions

Student Learning Objective #1- Students will develop an understanding of what lengths the Soviet Union had to go to to win the Battle of Stalingrad.

Student Learning Objective #2- Students will judge Communism in at least one situation (The USSR).  They are free to use outside knowledge as well.

Scene 2

1. How are Soviet troops brought to the battle of Stalingrad?
2. Why do Soviet officers shoot those who retreat?
3. What problems do the Soviets have to overcome at this battle?
4. What are the different type of soldiers that help the USSR win the battle?

Scene 5

5.Who takes leadership at the battle of Stalingrad?  What do you know his name from?
6. What idea do the Soviets use to try to win the battle?

Scene 8

7. Whose picture is on the wall? What's the purpose and importance of that?
8. Does this quote surprise you with what you know about the USSR? "Caviar is a luxury we have...Vodka is a luxury we have...Time is not!"  Why or why not?

Scenes 9-10, 12, 16

9. As also viewed in the courtyard scene earlier in the film, what was the battle inside the battle of Stalingrad?

10. Why was it important?

Scene 18

11. Based on Danninov's comments, can Communism work?  Feel free to include Koulikov's comments from earlier in the film or your knowledge.

After the film scenes are completed, the class will discuss the questions.  Then, students are expected to submit a reflection to the google classroom that follows the following parameters.

• The US won WWII partially because of the resilience and success of their allies, the Soviet Union.  What lengths did the Soviet Union have to go to to win the Battle of Stalingrad?
• Based on what you know and what you saw in the movie, Enemy at the Gates, why does Communism succeed or fail?