AP US History Document-Based Question Answers for International Expansion

👋 Welcome to the AP US History Unit 7 DBQ (International Expansion). These are longer questions, so grab some paper and a pencil, or open up a blank page on your computer.

⏱ Remember, the AP US History exam has a mixture of free-response questions and allotted times. For these types of questions, there will be 1 DBQ, and you will be given 60 minutes to complete it. It is suggested that you spend 15 minutes reading the documents and spend 45 minutes drafting your response. 

Guidelines

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a historically defensible thesis or claim that establishes a line of reasoning.
• Describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt.
• Support an argument in response to the prompt using at least six documents.
• Use at least one additional piece of specific historical evidence (beyond that found in the documents) relevant to an argument about the prompt.
• For at least three documents, explain how or why the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to an argument.
• Use evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the prompt.

Adapted from College Board DBQ Instructions

Question with Answers & Rubric

Evaluate the extent to which international expansion fostered changes in the United States from 1890 to 1914.

1pt: Thesis must create a historically defensible argument and it must be located in the first or last paragraph.

• Although the United States had always had religious motives for westward expansion, between 1890 and 1914, the United States focused on overseas expansion and for the purpose of gaining territories for increased market access.
• The United States changed from having a sphere of influence within its continental borders to creating a world empire with vast coaling stations, access to Asian markets, and a dominant role in international diplomacy.
• Although the United States claimed new territories for naval coaling stations; expansion during the time period was still based on spreading democracy and promoting civilization in new lands.
• The expansion overseas changed American society by creating division in the United States. On one hand, there were anti-Imperialist organizations fearful of expanding, and on the other were those applying Social Darwinism to foreign conquest.

1pt: To earn the point, the response must accurately describe broader historical events or processes relevant to expansion from 1890 to 1914.

Examples might include the following with elaboration:

• Industrialization
• Mass Production and Technology
• Growing Nationalism in Europe
• Coming of World War I

1pt: The response must use the content of at least 3 documents to address the topic of the prompt.

The growth of United States trade required coaling stations for refueling and repairs. (Doc 1)

1pt: The response uses the content of at least 6 documents to SUPPORT an argument in response to the prompt.

The growth of United States trade required coaling stations for refueling and repairs. As a result, The United States acquired Hawaii in order to provide itself with a stepping stone into the Pacific trade markets. (Doc 1)

1pt: The response uses at least one additional piece of specific historical evidence (beyond that found in the documents) relevant to an argument about the prompt. 

The growth of United States trade required coaling stations for refueling and repairs. As a result, The United States acquired Hawaii in order to provide itself with a stepping stone into the Pacific trade markets. (Doc 1)

In addition, the United States added Guam as a result of the Spanish-American war giving it a further foothold and security in Asia.

1pt: For at least three documents, the author explains how or why the document’s point of view, purpose, historical situation, and/or audience is relevant to an argument. 

• Alfred Mahan, a United States Naval officer as well as historian explains the importance of a strong navy throughout history. (POV)
• The Purpose of Mahan’s piece is to explain the significance of expanding overseas to protect trade, encourage new markets and become more efficient on the sea. (Purpose)
• Mahan’s writings occur during the Industrial period in which America is mass-producing goods and realizing the need for overseas markets. (HS)
• Mahan’s writings appealed to congressmen and politicians to encourage the acquisition of territories to increase both our economic and political advantages worldwide. (Audience)

1pt: Response demonstrates a complex understanding of the historical development that is the focus of the prompt, using evidence to corroborate, qualify, or modify an argument that addresses the question. The response must explain and cannot make a fleeting reference.

Examples might include:

• Responses may compare the expansion overseas with that of manifest destiny being sure to show relevant examples.
• Responses may discuss the growing militarism and imperialism by foreign countries leading up to World War I.
• Responses may show sophisticated analysis of how expansion may not have really changed America’s methodology but simply changed the geographic location of acquisitions.
• Responses may demonstrate politicians, industrialists, and workers' support of overseas trade to ensure a steady need for workers.
• Responses may discuss worldwide territorial expansion and its importance.

Next Steps

• ⏭ Ready to move on to the next topic? Take a look at the collection of Unit 8 Resources.
• • 📚 Want to review multiple units? Check out all of the APUSH SAQs, LEQs, and DBQs.