Causes of Revolution
Document-Based Essay
This task is designed to test your ability to work with historical documents and is based on the accompanying documents (1–6). Some of the documents have been edited for the purposes of this question. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of each document and any point of view that may be presented in the document.
Directions: Read the documents in Part A and answer the questions after each document. Then, read the directions for Part B and write your essay.
Save your work often. You will upload your completed answers and essay when you complete this task.
Historical Context: The idea of revolution spread worldwide during the first global age.
Task: Using information from the documents and your knowledge of global history and geography, write an essay in which you discuss the political, economic, and social conditions that led to political revolutions in the first global age.
PART A: SHORT ANSWER
Document #1
"Simón Bolívar sent a joyous letter to a fellow general on January 8, 1822, displaying his belief in a unified America. He wrote, "America's greatest day has not yet dawned. We have indeed driven out our oppressor, smashed the tablets of their tyrannical laws, and established legitimate institutions; but we have yet to lay the foundation … that will make of this part of the world a nation of republics." Bolívar was confident that this unified America would impress Europe: "Who shall oppose an America united in heart, subject to one law, and guided by the torch of liberty?"
—adapted from Selected Writings of Bolívar, compiled by Vicente Lecuna and edited by Harold A. Bierck, Jr. (1951)
1. What is Bolívar's vision of the Americas?
Document #2
2. How was the relationship between population and land ownership one of the causes of the French Revolution?
Document #3
Use the graphs above to