Instructional Video

The Godfather of Modern Espionage - Sidney Reilly

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

So shadowy a figure that photographs do not even exist, Sidney Reilly is known as the Godfather of Modern Espionage. While historians do not have a photo of him, reports of his secretive adventures influenced the creator of the James Bond character. Part of the Who Did What in WW1? series, the intriguing video biography shows scholars how Reilly's exploits shaped modern espionage and considers how his actions influenced world history.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Engage scholars by asking them to speculate on several what ifs presented in the video biography
  • Use the video to prompt discussion on the role of espionage in various conflicts previously studied
Classroom Considerations
  • Learners may need contextual background on World War I to fully understand the video
  • This video is hosted on YouTube
Pros
  • Engaging narrator prompts viewers' inquiry into the broader context of Reilly's influence
  • Larger themes are well connected to Reilly's biography
Cons
  • None
Common Core