DBQ - Euro Up to Imperialism

What is a DBQ?

A Document-Based Question (DBQ) is an essay that answers a specific question using facts and evidence from primary and secondary sources. It involves analyzing and critically interpreting the documents and connecting them to the essay question.

What is the difference between a summary and analysis in a DBQ?

In a DBQ, you are not required to summarize what a document says but to explain its meaning, how it connects to the question, and its significance in supporting your argument.

What is the importance of context in a DBQ?

Context provides background information about events leading up to or occurring during the time of the DBQ. It can include political, economic, social, and cultural factors to help frame the documents and support the thesis.

What does "POV-CAP" stand for and why is it important?

POV-CAP stands for: POV - Point of View, C - Context, A - Audience, P - Purpose,

What are the steps to writing a DBQ?

Focus on the question and brainstorm context.

Rewrite the question in your own words.

Consider how you would answer without the documents.

Analyze the documents using graphic organizers (e.g., T-bar).

Write a persuasive thesis statement.

Use documents to support your argument with topic sentences and POV-CAP analysis.

Write your DBQ essay.

What are "command words" in a DBQ prompt, and why are they important?

Command words like “analyze,” “compare,” “contrast,” “describe,” “explain,” and “contextualize” indicate how you should approach answering the question. They help guide your focus and approach to the documents.

What is Romanticism in the 19th century?

Romanticism was a reaction against Enlightenment rationalism. It emphasized emotion, individualism, the sublime, and nature. Romantic thinkers and artists rejected the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, instead focusing on intuition and feeling.

What were the characteristics of the 19th-century nation-state?

Centralized government with a unified national identity

Citizens shared common language, culture, and history.

Nationalism led to the unification of states like Germany and Italy and the decline of multi-ethnic empires.

What were the goals of liberalism and conservatism in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?

Liberalism aimed to promote individual freedoms, constitutional governance, and social reform, while conservatism sought to preserve traditional institutions, maintain social order, and resist radical change.

Liberalism

Focused on individual freedoms, constitutional government, and democracy, aiming to limit monarchy and expand suffrage.

Conservatism

Emphasized tradition, social hierarchy, and stability, aiming to preserve monarchy and aristocratic privileges.

How did industrialization impact European society in the 19th century?

Economic changes

Shift from agrarian to industrial economies, increased manufacturing, and the rise of new social classes (bourgeoisie and proletariat).

Social changes

Urbanization, poor working conditions, rise of labor movements, and socialism.

Environmental changes

Pollution, overcrowded cities, and factory towns.

What were the competing economic theories in 19th-century Europe?

Classical Liberalism (Adam Smith)

Advocated for free markets, minimal government interference, and the “invisible hand” guiding the economy.

Socialism (Karl Marx)

Criticized capitalism and advocated for the collective ownership of production to ensure equality and address worker exploitation.

What were the causes of the Revolutions of 1848 in Europe?

The revolutions were driven by demands for liberal reforms, national independence, and better working conditions. While the uprisings were crushed in many places, they laid the groundwork for later political changes, including the unification of Germany and Italy.

What is "New Imperialism" in the 19th century?

"New Imperialism" refers to the aggressive expansion of European powers from 1870 to 1914, marked by direct colonial rule, advanced military technologies, and racial ideologies like Social Darwinism. Unlike earlier imperialism, this era involved rapid territorial acquisition and integration of colonies into the global economy.

What were the motivations for 19th-century European imperialism?

Economic

Access to raw materials and new markets for manufactured goods.

Political/Strategic

National rivalries, prestige, and control of military bases.

Cultural/Ideological

Social Darwinism and the "civilizing mission," believing it was Europe's duty to "civilize" non-European peoples.

How did early modern views of "savages" persist during New Imperialism?

19th-century Europeans continued to view indigenous peoples as "savages" needing European governance and cultural imposition. This belief was justified through the "civilizing mission" and reinforced by racism and Social Darwinism.

How did Enlightenment thought justify 19th-century imperialism?

Enlightenment ideals of progress, civilization, and rational governance were used to justify imperialism. Europeans saw themselves as bringing education, Christianity, and modern government to "uncivilized" regions, despite the exploitation involved.

What were the causes of World War I?

Long-term causes

Nationalism, militarism, imperial rivalries, and complex alliances (Triple Entente vs. Triple Alliance).

Short-term cause

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Diplomatic failures and an arms race also contributed.

How did the French and Russian Revolutions compare?

Similarities

Both were driven by discontent with absolute monarchy, economic inequality, and social injustice. Both resulted in the overthrow of monarchies.

Differences

The French Revolution led to a republic and political instability, while the Russian Revolution led to the rise of communism under Lenin and the Bolsheviks.

Did the peace settlement after WWI address the causes of the war?

No, the Treaty of Versailles did not resolve key causes like nationalism, militarism, or imperial rivalries. It imposed harsh reparations on Germany, which led to resentment and contributed to the rise of Hitler. The League of Nations failed to prevent future conflicts.

How did the revolutions of 1848 impact Europe, and what was Great Britain’s experience?

The revolutions were mostly unsuccessful but paved the way for later reforms (e.g., unification of Italy and Germany). In Britain, the Chartist movement pushed for electoral reforms, though major changes were not achieved until later.