DISCLAIMER: This is NOT the only way to do this essay, don’t take any of this as gospel. We are people. If you disagree, go ahead and do it your way. That will work too. We are not responsible for your essay, that is your job. We are simply here to get a headstart. What is needed for a better DBQ
● more analysis beyond the basic information from the documents.
● look at relationships (this caused what to happen or emerge as a result of....) even if the DBQ doesn't ask you to.
● PRH Plausible Rival Hypothesis/Hypotheses
● Don't just say who did better, but WHY!
● “Documents are not the gospel”~ not necessarily true, bias included PROMPT: Assess the validity of the following generalization: "The chief obstacle to moral reform in the United States between 1825 and 1877 was the limited government, strict constructionism of the Democratic Party. To the extent that moral reforms were successful, they were generally guided by Federalists, Whigs or Republicans, against powerful opposition by the strict Jacksonian Democrats." *Paraphrase question in own words
*List of obstacles for moral progress within the time period: think about the S's slavery, sexism, sobriety, special peoples, etc. Also include other issues. (This is for preparing your essay) General Notes:
*** Prompts have 2 parts: a major part and a minor part (address both for a complete assessment of the DBQ)
Major: Main reason for not making moral progress is Strict Construction of Constitution
Minor: Political Parties (partisanship)
Southern Democrats (Calhoun, Jefferson, Jackson, Douglas) against prohibition,
Abolitionism/Feminism, Socialism (Democrats generally either against moral reforms, or neutral. Neutral is ok on a state level) Whigs: Generally for reform
New England Puritan based party
Win by nominating immoral people
~William Henry Harrison (Drunk Parties)
~Zachary Taylor (Famous for killing Mexicans, not naturally bad,