Mrsmorganshistoryclasses



A.P. U.S. History - Construction of D.B.Q. essays1. IntroductionA. Write 2 – 3 sentences which introduce the subject. Describe the historical time period. B. Claim – Your answer to the question – what you will prove in your paper.1. A claim must address all parts of the question.2. Define what you will prove.3. Explain in general terms how you will prove it.*** Your claim is NOT one sentence. Example: The question is this: To what extent had the colonists developed a sense of their identity and unity as Americans by the eve of the Revolution? Use the documents and your knowledge of the period 1750 to 1776 to answer the question.Introductory sentences:“What is this American, this new man?” This question held a shocking truth for the English colonies on the eve of the Revolution. The colonists had, in the course of many years of salutary neglect, developed their own culture and beliefs while still holding the British government in utmost respect. The colonies had slowly begun to unify their efforts and reject British rule, emphasizing their newfound identity as a country removed from the British isle. **** These sentences describe the historical time period that leads up to the problems between England and the colonies.Claim:Through years of flourishing under salutary neglect, followed by the emergence of British oppression and the realization of the diversity of culture, Americans had achieved a new sense of unity and identity to some extent. However, there were colonists who desired to maintain ties with the British Empire. 2. Support ParagraphsA. Write a topic sentence for each supporting paragraph. This sentence should define what the paragraph is about. What is the main point? B. Evidence – Use the documents and outside information that you have compiled to support the topic sentence of the paragraph. What are the historical facts that support your claim? Explain in detail what this information means. D. At the end of your paragraph, explain how these historical details support your claim. You should have answered the question, “So what”?Example:The thirteen original colonies had spent many prosperous years under the English policy of salutary neglect. These years were characterized by limited British regulation over the colonies social and economic activities. However, after the French and Indian War, England emerged as the oppressor imposing taxes upon the Americans to pay for war debts and British troops in America. With these laws came a surge of colonial identity and unity, as the colonists sought to hold on to their liberties with every power they had. The colonists united to oppose such taxes as the Stamp Act through the Stamp Act Congress, the Tea Act through the Boston Tea Party and the Townshend Act through embargoes and non importation agreements. These examples illustrated the power of the colonies when they united against the British policies. The colonists slowly began to realize that without unification, they would die. With this knowledge, colonists began to cooperate with one another as observed in their aid to Boston after the passage of the Intolerable Acts. So what? statement:Such inter-colonial cooperation exhibited the unity of the colonists and their idea as a nation separate from the oppressive British Empire. Other sample paragraphs:As the colonists grew in unity, they began to realize their new identity. The calling of the First Continental Congress in 1775 resulted in a reassertion of colonial rights. The colonies insisted that they had been “compelled by Britain” to fight and preserve their liberties. The colonists realized that they were no longer willing to subject themselves to British rule, thus enhancing their identity as a unified, solid nation founded on equality and individuality. The colonial unity was summed up at the Continental Congress which firmly stated that they were “with one mind resolved to die free men rather than live like slaves.” In addition to resistance to British oppression, the colonists formed a new identity based on the distinctive culture and characteristics. They slowly began to realize that Americans were no longer the identical twin of the British community. Edmund Burke clearly articulated the growing differences between the American colonies and the island of England. The British government was fundamentally out of touch with this new developing American identity. The culture of the Americans was a “strange mixture of blood” which united English, Dutch, French and others. As a “new race of man”, Americans felt less loyalty to the British government who sought to control them. The realization of the diversity of the American melting pot led to a new identity as a country less influenced by British rules. However, while the American identity and unity was forming on the eve of the Revolution, a good number of American colonists could not forget their loyal ties to Britain. Even at the Continental Congress, the founding fathers insisted that they had not raised an army with the intent of permanent separation from England. Many people felt very loyal to the British crown, even after the start of the Revolutionary war. Colonists still wanted to reunite with England and continue the old relationship once shared. These founders even penned the Olive Branch Petition, asking the British government to accept the colonists back and not to declare war. There were also a large number of Tories, or loyalists, such as Mather Byles who felt more loyalty to Britain than to America. Despite British sympathizers in America, a strong identity and unity were forming. Conclusion:An acceptable way to finish this type of essay is with the statement, “As a result of . . . .” and then briefly explain the summary of arguments.Then finish with your last sentence beginning with, “It can be proven that. . .” and restate your claim.As a result of the dramatic change from salutary neglect to British taxation, the colonists learned to unite and resent British rule. The diversity of American culture also helped colonists to form a new identity with a variety of people and cultures. While there was still loyalty to Britain in America, this time period planted seeds of discontent which would grow during the Revolution to reveal a strong American nation. It can be proven that the colonists were progressing toward closer unity and identity on the eve of the Revolution. ................
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