DBQ Writing Tips

Examples from Imperialism DBQ

1. Thesis must address ALL parts of Q

motives AND attitudes:• “The general attitude maintained by many political

figures was that imperialism was extremely beneficial to Europe; they justified this claim by talking about political, economic, and philanthropic benefits. At times, however, these benefits were questioned.”

• “While the leading politicians supported expansion, a minority group composed mainly of progressives viewed this acquisition with disgust. The motivations behind imperialism, a sense of duty to civilize the Africans, a search for an outlet to display national strength, and financial interests, prevailed and Europe kept a tight grip on Africa.”

2. Ways to analyze POV

a) Relate authorial POV to author’s place in society

b) Evaluate source’s reliability

c) Recognize that different kinds of docs. serve different purposes

d) Analyze tone

a) Relate authorial POV to author’s place in society

• “As the heir and future leader of Belgium, it is no wonder that Prince Leopold encouraged imperialism, for it strengthened both his image and his people.” (1)

b) Evaluate source’s reliability

• “Though Chamberlain might have exaggerated the unemployment problem at the time in Britain because he was an industrialist and would therefore benefit from colonialism …” (4)

c) Different kinds of docs. serve different purposes

• “This demonstrates Disraeli’s desire to strengthen Britain as a political entity. He also made sure to stress that the acquisition was not one intended for financial gain. Because he needed the vote of the House of Commons, which represented the interests of the common people, Disraeli appealed to their sense of national pride which could be better manipulated to convince them of the benefits of African territory.” (2)

d) Analyze tone

• “In describing his experiences with the explorer Henry Stanley, the minister describes in a pitiful way the manner in which whites tricked the Africans, capitalizing off of their ignorance of western technology. Williams, not a European leader at the time, could make a fair assessment of the situation, which he reported to Leopold.” (6)

This POV also evaluates reliability.

3. Use PAST tense• Present tense only in direct quotes

• CORRECT: “In a letter to King Leopold by George Washington Williams, Williams stated how a number of electric batteries were shown to the native Congolese, which, along with a few boxes of gin, convinced ‘whole villages’ to ‘sign away to [Leopold]’ (6).”

• INCORRECT: “In a letter to King Leopold by George Washington Williams, Williams states how a number of electric batteries are shown to the native Congolese, which, along with a few boxes of gin, convinces ‘whole villages’ to ‘sign away to [Leopold]’ (6).”

4. Use TRANSITIONS

• At start of body paragraphs 2 & 3

• Between docs. w/in paragraphs

5. Diction

• economic vs. economical

• political, economic, social = lack specificity (esp. social)

• exaggerate: don’t overuse!

• overexaggerate: don’t use at all!