The Document-Based

Question

Chris IriarteVeronica De Armas

AP U.S. History

A DBQ is similar to a Free Response in that it is composed of:

- An introduction- Body Paragraphs - A Conclusion

The only difference is the addition of documents that must be used in order to answer the question

In fact, the documents provide you with information about the time period that may help you remember facts about the era.

A document may be in the form of a literary text, a political cartoon, a picture, or a graph

A majority of the documents must be used! A majority is generally two documents less than the total number of documents (ex: if there are 9, use at least 7 documents)

BEWARE! You must include outside information for every document.. Citing the document only is not enough!

Literary Text Document

Political Cartoon

Document A

Source: The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

“Congress shall make no law respecting an

establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free

exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or

the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”

Document B

Source: New Hampshire on Hilary Clinton 2008

Historical Picture or Map Graph or other Data Document C

Source: Map of the United States in 1803

Document D

Source: U.S. Unemployment Rate from 1890-1923

An Example of a DBQ

Use this sample question to guide you through the steps of writing a Document-Based Question.

“To what extent did the American Revolution fundamentally change American society? In your answer, be sure to address the political, social, and economic effects of the Revolution in the period from 1775 to 1800.”

Similar to a Free-Response question, a great introduction should contain the following in this order:

A 1-2 Sentence Historical Background

A concise and well-developed thesis no longer than one sentence

A final introductory sentence that introduces the supporting topics or arguments that will support your thesis in each paragraph

You should NOT include any specific information or documents in your introduction

The purpose of the historical background is to introduce the time period, setting, and the events of the era in question

The background should be broad and emphasize the overall aim of the essay, while at the same time guiding the reader towards the point of view you will express in the thesis

Example:

“In the late 18th century, the United States officially declared its independence from Great Britain after a series of tumultuous and often violent battles. Following the end of the American Revolution in 1781, the former colonists were confronted with the difficulties of cooperating to create a newly distinct American society.”

The thesis is the brain of the DBQ that states what you will prove in the rest of your essay

It must provide your personal point of view on the essay question

For example, if the question asks you to assess the validity of an event, then you would describe how effective/ineffective it was in your thesis

The thesis should include the four W’s: who, what, where, who, what, where, and when and when did the event occur

The topic sentence of every paragraph, and all of your supporting details must correlate to the opinion expressed in your thesis.

Although the thesis does express an opinion, the remainder of the essay should include FACTS that SUPPORT the opinion from your thesis

The thesis should be strong and completely represent your opinion; do not use possibly, maybe, or perhaps; DO NOT EXPRESS DOUBT!

Example:

“In the aftermath of the American Revolution from 1775-1800, American society experienced numerous significant changes that fundamentally contributed to a newly established country.”

WHEN WHO

WHAT and the POV

*WHERE is not that important considering that this is AP U.S. History, it should happen in the U.S.!

* The POV (point of view) is your personal opinion on the essay question; the question asked to what extent did the American Revolution affect American society. This thesis clearly states that it had a large impact on American society.

Choosing the Topics

Following the thesis, the topic sentence should include the main points that will support your argument or opinion

Each topic must be discussed in one complete body paragraph; you should generally have at least 2-3 topics

You can choose any topics that are pertinent to the essay; however, you should choose broad topics that can be discussed in great detail

You may often find it difficult to choose topics; when in doubt, use this helpful acronym: PERSIA

Political Economic Religious Social Intellectual Aesthetic (Arts)

P,E, and S are the most commonly used topics in the DBQ

Some essay questions will already provide you with the topics (such as the one we are using); in this case, do not spend time thinking of topics, but use the ones given to you

The topic sentence should include the topics you choose for the essay question, and should reinforce the opinion in your thesis by demonstrating that these topics provide evidence or proof for your opinion

Example:

“Evidence that the Revolution caused profound changes in American society throughout the post-Revolutionary period is demonstrated by the political, social, and economic reforms that swept the nation.”

The Complete Introduction

In the late 18th century, the United States officially declared its independence from Great Britain after a series of tumultuous and often violent battles. Following the end of the American Revolution in 1781, the former colonists were confronted with the difficulties of cooperating to create a newly distinct American society. In the aftermath of the American Revolution from 1775-1800, American society experienced numerous significant changes that fundamentally contributed to a newly established country. Evidence that the Revolution caused profound changes in American society throughout the post-Revolutionary period is demonstrated by the political, social, and economic reforms that swept the nation.

Historical background

Topic Sentence

Thesis

-A Topic Sentence

-Supporting Details and the analysis of documents

-A Clincher Sentence

The body paragraphs should all be formatted and structured in the same manner as a free response; however, now is when the interpretation of documents plays a role; The body paragraphs should all include:

** Since we mentioned it four times, you should OBVIOUSLY support your thesis EVERYWHERE!

This sentence introduces the main topic (taken from the introduction) that will be discussed in the remainder of the paragraph, while simultaneously supporting the thesis

These sentences include facts that support your thesis and pertain to the specific topic of the paragraph; Both documents and outside information will be used as supporting details in these sentences; moreover, defining the terms is not enough, but interpret and analyze the events to demonstrate how they support your thesis

This sentence concludes the paragraph and restates how the particular topic reinforces your thesis; moreover, this sentence finalizes the paragraph without leaving the reader with any doubts

-Separation of church and state (Virginia Statue of Religious Freedom)-Declaration of Independence; Thomas Paine and “Common Sense”-Termination of the Loyalist Party; emergence of state governments and the Presidency -Treaty of Paris 1783-Creation of New Government- Political parties (Federalists and Antifederalists)-Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution; Bill of Rights-Checks and balances and separation of powers-Loose and strict interpretation- The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions-Annapolis and Philadelphia Conventions-Great Compromise, New Jersey Compromise and Virginia Compromise; 3/5 Compromise

-Agricultural society of small farmers (Agrarian Republicanism)-Termination of the mercantilist policy and Navigation Acts-Cotton Gin and agriculture development in South-Abundance of land for expansion and cultivating-Hamilton’s economic plan (assumption, funding at par)-Bank of the United States -Tariffs and excise taxes on foreign and domestic products -Decline in value of currency, or continentals -Economic weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation (no taxing power)

-Women’s Rights (“Republican Motherhood”, Molly Pitcher, Daughters of Liberty)-Native American treatment (Battle of Fallen Timbers and Treaty of Grenville 1795)-Northwest Ordinance (prohibit slavery; create new states)-Rebellions and Revolts (Shay’s Rebellion, Whiskey Rebellion, and Gabriel Prosser’s Rebellion)-Cult of domesticity-Educational reform (more colleges, The Enlightenment, etc.)-Egalitarianism (belief that all people are equal) -Virtual elimination of the aristocratic hierarchy (Alexis de Tocqueville: “Democracy in America”)

WHERE?-NOT in the introduction, conclusion, topic sentences, or clincher sentences-Use them in the body paragraphs as supporting details -Use them at the start of a sentence (when using the title) or at the end of a sentence (when using the letter of the document)

HOW?-There are two ways to reference the documents:

-By source/title-By abbreviation (ex: Doc.A)

REFERENCING

-Correct: Following the American Revolution, the establishment of the Northwest Ordinance in 1787 was the first major legislation that challenged the status of slavery in the states.

-Correct: Following the American Revolution, the government under the Articles of Confederation had a strong success in promoting the termination of slavery in future states. (Document H)

-Incorrect: According to Document H, the Northwest Ordinance provided the foundation for prohibiting slavery in newly established states.

-Information provided within the document itself DOES NOT count as outside information; for example, the document on the previous slide- stating the Northwest Ordinance would award you ZERO BROWNIE POINTS as outside information!

-Example: The document above states the text of the 1786 Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom; however, since this title is displayed in the document itself, then it would not count as outside information

- What would count as outside information includes the mentioning of: separation of church and state, the rise of new denominations such as Baptists and Methodists, the first amendment, and the disestablishment of the Anglican Church

-Analyzing the documents -Analyzing the documents themselves (although the themselves (although the purpose of the DBQ) will not purpose of the DBQ) will not result in full credit without result in full credit without providing outside information providing outside information that somehow relates to the that somehow relates to the documentdocument

-The beliefs of your grandmother -The beliefs of your grandmother do not count as outside do not count as outside information!information!

•When using documents you must do three things with them, two of which have already been mentioned:

• Reference the document• Provide outside information• Analyze the document and

outside information to support your thesis

•When analyzing a document, you must make inferences that help support your thesis and develop a better understanding of how the particular topic supports your point of view (POV)•Analysis is the most crucial part of your essay because it reflects both your understanding of American history and your ability to defend your POV

•Example: “In 1786, the passage of the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom served as the precedent of both separation of church and state and the foundation of religious toleration. This eventually had a major impact on the society of the U.S. by ending the domination of Puritanism in the United States and creating a plethora of other religious denominations, such as the Baptists, Methodists, and Evangelists.

Analysis

Reference/Outside information

We will now apply the principles we have learned about We will now apply the principles we have learned about using the documents to construct your body paragraphsusing the documents to construct your body paragraphs

There are three body paragraphs for this particular DBQ There are three body paragraphs for this particular DBQ (political, social, and economic); however, we will focus (political, social, and economic); however, we will focus on the social paragraph only on the social paragraph only

Follow the same format of writing you would on a regular Follow the same format of writing you would on a regular Free-Response question, but now add what you have Free-Response question, but now add what you have learned about documentslearned about documents

All of the documents that follow are those that relate to All of the documents that follow are those that relate to socialsocial changes that occurred as a result of the American changes that occurred as a result of the American Revolution Revolution

“One significant effect of the American Revolution was its role in increasing the status of women. Patriotic women were generally viewed as sympathetic to the American cause, and were often admired in works of art. (Document A). For example, the concept of “Republican Motherhood” changed the former view of women by enhancing their status as the proprietor of the home, whose duty was to raise the children to be virtuous citizens. Moreover, women began to enjoy larger political roles, in forming organizations such as the Daughters of Liberty. Some women, such as Molly Pitcher and Deborah Sampson, even joined the military throughout the war.”

**Underlined Statements are analysis. They serve to support the thesis and PROVE that the Revolution did greatly impact American society .

“Due to the fact that the Native Americans supported the British throughout the war, the U.S. and the Indians desired a mutual peace that would end hostilities in North America. (Document C). In the post-revolutionary era, the U.S. government attempted to resolve conflicts with the natives through the Treaty of Grenville in 1795, and by assimilating the Northwestern tribes.”

“Following the American Revolution, the establishment of the Northwest Ordinance in 1787 was the first major legislation that challenged the status of slavery in the states. This banning of slavery serves as evidence of a fundamental social change in American society, which would eventually culminate in Civil War in the next century.”

“Educational opportunities for women became prominent after the Revolutionary period, which was strengthened by Molly Wallace’s valedictorian speech in 1792. After the Enlightenment, and the teachings of Mary Wollstonecraft, women were urged to break apart the “separate spheres” and challenge the cult of domesticity that restrained them.”

The American Revolution had a profound impact on the social developments of the United States’ transition from a coalition of independent colonies to a federal nation. One significant effect of the American Revolution was its role in increasing the status of women. Patriotic women were generally viewed as sympathetic to the American cause, and were often admired in works of art. (Document A) For example, the concept of “Republican Motherhood” changed the former view of women by enhancing their status as the proprietor of the home, whose duty was to raise the children to be virtuous citizens. Moreover, women began to enjoy larger political roles, in forming organizations such as the Daughters of Liberty. Some women, such as Molly Pitcher and Deborah Sampson, even joined the military throughout the war. Educational opportunities for women became prominent after the Revolutionary period, which was strengthened by Molly Wallace’s valedictorian speech in 1792. After the Enlightenment, and the teachings of Mary Wollstonecraft, women were urged to break apart the “separate spheres” and challenge the cult of domesticity that restrained them. Due to the fact that the Native Americans supported the British throughout the war, the U.S. and the Indians desired a mutual peace that would end hostilities in North America. (Document C) In the post-revolutionary era, the U.S. government attempted to resolve conflicts with the natives by the Treaty of Grenville in 1795, and by assimilating the Northwestern tribes. Following the American Revolution, the establishment of the Northwest Ordinance in 1787 was the first major legislation that challenged the status of slavery in the states. This banning of slavery serves as evidence of a fundamental social change in American society, which would eventually culminate in Civil War in the next century. Following the separation of the U.S. from Great Britain’s monarchy, the United States experienced major social transitions from a materialistic and aristocratic society to a society that aided minorities and eventually the “common man.”

Topic Sentence

Clincher Sentence **Red words denote a reference to documents.

**Green words denote outside information for the documents.

The Conclusion (Finally!) As Aguilar has already probably told you,

the conclusion is the least important part of the DBQ as well as the free-response

The conclusion should be concise and should restate your thesis

Moreover, the conclusion should summarize all of your topics and demonstrate one final time why your particular point of view is correct

DO NOT use documents in the conclusion and DO NOT leave the reader with any doubts or questions

The Complete Conclusion

The emergence of the United States as a nation, rather than as a mass of extremely diverse colonies, in itself displays the major transition American society underwent as a result of the American Revolution. With the institutions of a new political democracy, agrarian economy, and greater social stability, the United States grew further isolated from it’s previous political monarchy, mercantilist economy, and aristocratic society. Overall, the American Revolution had an impact of utmost importance on American society from 1775-1800.

The DO NOT DO THIS list NO documents in the introduction, conclusion, topic sentences, or

clincher sentences! Do not leave the reader with any doubts, or imply any subliminal

messages (this is not mystery history!) Do not say “I, me, we” or any other personal pronouns; unlike your

grandmother (or Aguilar), we were not there during the time periods Do not try to connect the past to the present, because it usually

sounds like something Bill Clinton would say in his “I did not sleep with Monica” speech; basically, it makes no sense and is probably irrelevant

Do not place all of the documents into ONE paragraph; divide them evenly for maximum points; do not place 6 documents in one paragraph, and only 2 in the other paragraphs

Do not write I believe, In my opinion, My grandmother says, etc. because the essay readers do not care about your opinion; rather, make your opinion a strong fact that you are going to prove

Do not refer to historical figures by their first names; always include the last name alone or the first and last names together

Do not write in the present tense, because if you are writing history, it probably already happened

Good luck to all of you, and we hope we have helped you write awesome DBQs!