DBQ world war 2
Name_______________________________________ Date____________________________
DBQ 21: Causes of World War II
(Adapted from Document-Based Assessment for Global History, Walch Education)
Historical Context:
Even though the 1920’s began with a favorable outlook for peace, toward the end of the decade and throughout the 1930’s the clouds of war were forming. Dictators arose in countries that were dissatisfied with the results of World War I. Germany, Italy and Japan took aggressive actions, and neither the League of Nations nor the democratic countries were able or willing to stop them. British
Prime Minister Chamberlain suggested the best way to deal with Hitler was a policy of appeasement.
Actions were taken that moved Europe toward war. The debate over the causes of World War II provides different perspectives.
• Directions: The following question is based on the accompanying documents in Part A. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view. Be sure to:
1. Carefully read the document-based question. Consider what you already know about this topic.
How would you answer the question if you had no documents to examine?
2. Now, read each document carefully, underlining key phrases and words that address the document-based question. You may also wish to use the margin to make brief notes. Answer the questions which follow each document.
3. Based on your own knowledge and on the information found in the documents, formulate a thesis that directly answers the question.
4. Organize supportive and relevant information into a brief outline.
5. Write a well-organized essay proving your thesis. The essay should be logically presented and should include information both from the documents and from your own knowledge outside of the documents.
Question: Why was the world plunged into World War II in 1939? What is the most effective response to aggression—appeasement or collective security?
• Part A: The following
DBQ 21: Causes of World War II
(Adapted from Document-Based Assessment for Global History, Walch Education)
Historical Context:
Even though the 1920’s began with a favorable outlook for peace, toward the end of the decade and throughout the 1930’s the clouds of war were forming. Dictators arose in countries that were dissatisfied with the results of World War I. Germany, Italy and Japan took aggressive actions, and neither the League of Nations nor the democratic countries were able or willing to stop them. British
Prime Minister Chamberlain suggested the best way to deal with Hitler was a policy of appeasement.
Actions were taken that moved Europe toward war. The debate over the causes of World War II provides different perspectives.
• Directions: The following question is based on the accompanying documents in Part A. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view. Be sure to:
1. Carefully read the document-based question. Consider what you already know about this topic.
How would you answer the question if you had no documents to examine?
2. Now, read each document carefully, underlining key phrases and words that address the document-based question. You may also wish to use the margin to make brief notes. Answer the questions which follow each document.
3. Based on your own knowledge and on the information found in the documents, formulate a thesis that directly answers the question.
4. Organize supportive and relevant information into a brief outline.
5. Write a well-organized essay proving your thesis. The essay should be logically presented and should include information both from the documents and from your own knowledge outside of the documents.
Question: Why was the world plunged into World War II in 1939? What is the most effective response to aggression—appeasement or collective security?
• Part A: The following