Civil War

Document Based Question

Research paper (Writing Project)
(DBQ)
Directions:
The following question is based on documents throughout Goal 2 and 3. This question is
designed to test your ability to work with historical documents by analyzing and explaining
them, to create an argument in your research paper, and finally to use those documents as
evidence to support your thesis. There will be 2 parts to the research paper. Part A will be for
the documents and questions and Part B will be your research paper at the end of the unit.
(Minimum 2 pages maximum 4 pages)
Historical Background & Question:
Although the Civil War physically tore the nation apart from 1861-1865, the issues that caused
the war started long before the fighting began. When the war ended on April 9, 1865, the
Confederacy and Union were two countries that needed to become one again. However, if the
house divided was to stand again, changes to the country must be made. Many changes that
occurred were dramatic, others were insignificant, and yet many changes that were made are
still visible in our country today. Using FOUR (4) of the documents given throughout
the unit and your personal knowledge of the Pre and Post Civil War Era, respond
to the following question: What were the CAUSES of the Civil War, and how did
the War change the United States Economically, Politically, and Socially?
DBQ Setup:
1. Introductory Paragraph (5 sentences) (15 pts)
Attention Grabber. Briefly introduce the reader to the subject with some
background information.
o Set the Scene, Ask a Question, Use a Quote or Anecdote
Finish paragraph with a clear thesis statement that establishes the
purpose of the essay.
* "Therefore, the Civil War did / did not significantly changed the United States
because of __________, _________, _________ and
.
2. Body Paragraph (7-9 sentences) (10 pts)
Topic Sentence (subtopic 1 from Intro)
Evidence 1 with significance/explanation
Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Evidence 2 with significance/explanation
Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Use a transition word for next body paragraph
3. Body Paragraph (7-9 sentences) (10 pts)
Topic Sentence (subtopic 2 from Intro)

 Evidence 1 with significance/explanation

Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Evidence 2 with significance/explanation
Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Use a transition word for next body paragraph
4. Body Paragraph (7-9 sentences) (10)
Topic Sentence (subtopic 3 from Intro)
Evidence 1 with significance/explanation
Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Evidence 2 with significance/explanation
Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Use a transition word for next body paragraph
4. Body Paragraph (7-9 sentences) (10)
Topic Sentence (subtopic 4 from Intro)
Evidence 1 with significance/explanation
Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Evidence 2 with significance/explanation
Analysis (relate to thesis in your OWN WORDS)
Use a transition word for next body paragraph
5. Conclusion (5-7 sentences) (15)
Restate your main points from body paragraphs
Restate the thesis
Provide a concluding sentence
6. Neatness (10)
Typed or written
Binder
Name, Date, and Period
Spelling, Grammar
7. Organization (20)
Follow rubric
Make sure the paper is readable (not jumping all over the place)
P.S: THIS WILL BE A GREAT TIME TO ASK PARENTS OR FAMILY MEMEBRS
THEIR OPINON ON THE WAR TO HELP GIVE INSIGHT ON YOUR PAPER.