Name: _________________________________________________________
Class: ___________________________
DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTION (DBQ): Reform Movements
This question is based on the accompanying document (1-7). The question is designed to test your ability to
work with historical documents. Some of the documents have been edited for the purposes of the question.
As you analyze the documents, take into account the source of each document and any point of view that
may be presented in the document.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
In the mid 1800s, many Americans became concerned about growing societal issues and the
impact these issues had on the United States. To address these concerns, individuals, groups
and organizations used a variety of strategies to promote social and political reform.
TASK:
Using the information from the documents and your knowledge of social studies, answer the
questions that follow each document in Part A. Your answers to the questions will help you
write the Part B essay in which you will be asked to…
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Discuss at least two social or political problems reformers were concerned about in
American society during the mid 1800s.
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Explain at least two methods or strategies reformers used to address these problems.
DBQ Guidelines:
□ UNDERSTAND the question
□ BRAINSTORM your ideas
□ ANALYZE the documents
□ ORGANIZE your ideas and information
□ WRITE your organized essay
□ EDIT your essay- grammar! focus! organization!
Brainstorm [ ]
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Document #1
the Declaration of Sentiments 1848
He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice.
Having deprived her of this first right of a citizen, the elective franchise [the right to vote], thereby
leaving her without representation in the halls of legislation, he has oppressed her on all sides.
He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead.
He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns.
He has so framed the laws of divorce, as to what shall be the proper causes, and in case of
separation, to whom the guardianship of the children shall be given… and giving all power into his hands.
He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments,
He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education, all colleges being closed
against her.
(“He” in each sentence above refers to men, in general).
Excerpt from The Declaration of Sentiments – Seneca Falls Convention, 1848
1. According to the document, name two rights that were denied to women. [2]
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2. Which important document in American history was used as a model for The Declaration of
Sentiments? [1]
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3. How would a statement like this help women to obtain their rights? [1]
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Document #2
Illustrations of Slave Lives mid 1800s
working in cotton fields on a southern plantation
being whipped for punishment
4. Describe working conditions for slaves in the mid-1800s. [1]
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5. Identify one cause for plantation owners to punish slaves. [1]
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Document #3
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass 1845
[My master] would at times seem to take great pleasure in whipping a slave. I have
often been awakened at the dawn of day by the most heart-rending shrieks of an own
aunt of mine, whom he used to tie up to a joist, and whip upon her naked back till she
was literally covered with blood. No words, no tears, no prayers, from his gory victim,
seemed to move his iron heart from its bloody purpose. … It was the first of a long series of such outrages, of which I was doomed to be a witness and a participant. It
struck me with awful force. It was the blood-stained gate, the entrance to the hell of
slavery, through which I was about to pass. It was a most terrible spectacle. I wish I
could commit to paper the feelings with which I beheld [saw] it.
Excerpt from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave- 1845
6. Describe how Douglass’ master would treat his slaves. [1]
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7. What made Douglass’ autobiography so influential in the abolitionist movement? [1]
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Document #4
Illustrations of the Temperance Movement mid 1800s
The roots of the tree say “beer, whiskey, brandy, ale, gin,” etc. The branches say things like “immorality, diseases, ignorance, profanity, violence,” etc. The marchers are
carrying a banner that says “Hurray for the Maine Temperance Laws!” which were laws that limited or banned alcohol in many states in the mid 1800s.
Illustration of a scene from the play-The
Drunkard, a play written in 1844. This scene is
set in a saloon and is illustrating conflict that
has emerged as a result of alcohol.
8. Identify two problems identified in the illustrations. [2]
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9. Why would reformers in the 1800s believe that the use of alcohol should be limited or banned [1]
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Document #5
“Is it a Crime for a Citizen of the United States to Vote?”- a speech by Susan B. Anthony
[Because the Constitution and most laws refer only to men], “is that proof that only men
were meant to be included in their provisions? If you insist on this version of the letter of
the law, we shall insist that you be consistent, and accept the other [side]of the dilemma,
which would compel you to exempt women from taxation for the support of the
government, and from penalties for the violation of laws.”We represent fifteen million
people—one-half the entire population of the country—the Constitution classes us as “free people,” yet we are governed without our consent [/right to vote], compelled to pay taxes
without appeal, and punished for violations of law without choice of judge or juror.
Excerpt from a speech by Susan B. Anthony given while she awaited trial for attempting to vote in federal elections in 1872.
10. What argument does Susan B. Anthony use for women having suffrage in this speech? [1]
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11. What was a method women used to obtain their rights in the mid 1800s? [1]
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Document #6
Underground Railroad Map
12. According to the map, what were two ultimate destinations of slaves on the Underground Railroad? [2]
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13. Describe the Underground Railroad. [1]
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Document #7
Prohibition in the United States 1855
Prohibition simply means to prohibit alcohol. As part of the mid-1800s Temperance Movement, many
states passed prohibition laws. Maine was the first state to ban the manufacturing and selling of liquor
in 1851 as part of the Maine Laws.
In the map, the states that are colored white refer to the states that had passed a prohibition law by
1855. Those that are shaded had not.
14. Define prohibition. [1]
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15. According to the map, identify at least two states that successful passed prohibition laws. [2]
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Organize [
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