Unit 7 DBQ (International Expansion) Answers

AP US History Document-Based Question Answers for International Expansion

Guidelines

• 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.

Question with Answers & Rubric

• 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.

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

• 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)

• 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.