Homeschool World History DBQs

Engage your students this Halloween with a unique set of five mini DBQs designed to explore how fear, superstition, and hysteria have shaped key moments in history. This DBQ bundle is perfect for high school history classes, connecting historical inquiry with a Halloween twist. Each mini DBQ focuses on a different event, allowing students to analyze primary sources and think critically about the impact of fear and belief on societies throughout history.

The bundle includes:

1. Salem Witch Trials (1692): Investigate how religious extremism and fear of witchcraft led to mass hysteria in colonial America.
2. The Spanish Inquisition (1478-1834): Analyze how fear and persecution were used to enforce religious conformity and political control in Spain.
3. The Black Death (1347-1351): Examine the social, religious, and economic impacts of the plague and the scapegoating of Jewish communities.
4. The Mummy’s Curse (1920s): Explore how media sensationalism and public superstition created widespread belief in the "curse" of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
5. The Panic of 1835: The Great Moon Hoax: Investigate how a series of fabricated newspaper articles stirred public hysteria about life on the moon.

Each DBQ includes 4 primary sources with analysis questions, a short answer prompt, and a final essay prompt connecting all five events. An answer key is also provided to make grading easier and support deeper discussions in class.
This resource is perfect for fostering critical thinking, historical analysis, and evidence-based writing. It can also serve as a great sub plan or engaging classroom activity around Halloween.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will critically analyze historical events shaped by fear, superstition, and hysteria.
• Students will develop historical thinking skills by examining primary sources and constructing evidence-based arguments.
• Students will connect past events to larger themes of how fear influences societal and political decisions.

Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Courses this product is great for:

• U.S. History
• World History
• AP European History
• AP U.S. History
• Social Studies

Why This Resource?

This Halloween-themed DBQ bundle offers a creative way to dive into historical analysis and critical thinking. It’s a versatile tool that promotes deeper learning and can also be used as an engaging, ready-to-go sub plan.

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded!
Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

W.H. History Lab- DBQ Style learning unit on Mesopotamia and Egypt Document Based Questioning through Language Arts and Reading Strategies Ms. Dunne's EOC Prep Course The World History Edition: World History Ancient Civilization Labs DBQ Analysis of SS.6.W.2.2 Describe how the developments of agriculture and metallurgy related to the settlement, population growth, and the emergence of civilization. Essential Question: How have the following agricultural resources and tools helped to further develop ancient Mesopotamia? Aimed at 6th Grade and labeled with a 6th Grade Florida Standard, but can be used in 5th grade and up. List of Sources: Source 1 Sickle, farming tool Source 2 Sumerian plowing farm with oxen Source 3 Early Mesopotamian City-States Source 4 Mesopotamian Pottery Wheel and pottery Marking the text: Strategies included to learn to mark a document! Options: -Packet -Gallery Walk -Print, put on a file folder, and laminate for students to mark up! Customer Tips: Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches: • Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. You will then receive email updates about this store. I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can email me at kaisha.dunne@gmail.com or follow/DM me on instagram (@msdunneseocprepcourse). How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases: • Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TPT gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases. This is such an awesome program. Like this product? • Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Industrial Revolution DBQ: A Comprehensive Inquiry into Its Impact

Engage your students in a deep dive into the Industrial Revolution with this comprehensive DBQ!
This meticulously crafted DBQ offers a rich exploration of the Industrial Revolution's profound impact on ordinary Americans in the 19th century. Through a carefully curated selection of primary sources, students will analyze the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that shaped the lives of people during this transformative era.

Key Features:

• Engaging Primary Sources: A diverse collection of primary sources, including excerpts from historical texts, images, and primary source documents, provide a firsthand glimpse into the Industrial Revolution.
• Thought-Provoking Questions: Each primary source is accompanied by carefully crafted questions that encourage critical thinking and analysis.
• Clear Directions and Rubric: Detailed instructions and a comprehensive rubric guide students through the DBQ process and help teachers assess their work effectively.
• Real-World Relevance: The DBQ connects historical concepts to contemporary issues, fostering a deeper understanding of the enduring impact of the Industrial Revolution.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for classroom instruction, independent study, or as a sub plan, this DBQ is adaptable to various teaching styles and learning needs.

Primary Sources

1. Excerpts from "The American System" by Henry Clay

• Description: Clay argues that the Industrial Revolution is beneficial for the United States and advocates for policies such as protective tariffs, internal improvements, and a national bank to promote economic growth and development.

2. Excerpt from "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith

• Description: Smith believes that the economy is governed by natural laws and that free trade and competition benefit society.

3. Text-Based Primary Source: Child Labor

• Description: The text describes the dangerous and exploitative working conditions faced by children during the Industrial Revolution, highlighting the negative impact on their health and education.

4. Excerpt from "The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

• Description: Marx and Engels criticize the Industrial Revolution and capitalism for creating a class system and exploiting the working class. They envision a future society without class divisions.

5. Excerpt from "The Gospel of Wealth" by Andrew Carnegie

• Description: Carnegie argues that wealthy individuals have a responsibility to use their wealth to benefit society and that the Industrial Revolution has created new opportunities for people.

6. Text-Based Primary Source: Tenement Buildings

• Description: The text describes the overcrowded, unsanitary conditions of tenement buildings, which were often the only affordable housing option for working-class families during the Industrial Revolution.

7. Excerpt from "Progress and Poverty" by Henry George

• Description: George argues that poverty in America is caused by the unequal distribution of land ownership and proposes a single tax on land values to address inequality.

8. Excerpt from "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair

• Description: Sinclair's novel reveals the unsanitary and dangerous conditions of the meatpacking industry, exposing the exploitation of workers and the risks to consumer health.

9. Excerpt from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain

• Description: Twain's novel portrays the Industrial Revolution as a disruptive force that disrupts traditional ways of life and values.

10. Excerpt from "The Promise of American Life" by Herbert Croly

• Description: Croly argues that the Industrial Revolution presents opportunities for social progress but also acknowledges the challenges of inequality and poverty. He believes that the government should play a role in addressing these issues.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the social, economic, and political impacts of the Industrial Revolution on ordinary Americans.
• Evaluate the positive and negative consequences of industrialization.
• Develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of primary sources.
• Understand the historical context of the Industrial Revolution and its enduring legacy.

Common Core Standards and Courses:
This DBQ aligns with the following Common Core Standards:

• History/Social Studies: Analyze primary sources to construct and support arguments.
• Language Arts: Analyze the author's purpose in a nonfiction text.
• English Language Arts: Produce clear, coherent, and focused writing.

Recommended Courses:

• American History
• World History
• AP U.S. History

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom! Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too

Related Product

Industrial Revolution Reading Comprehension Bundle

When in Rome....

BUNDLE:

ACTIVITIES, BELLWORK/ BELLRINGERS, GUIDED READINGS, DBQ’S, READING STRATEGIES, VOCAB, & MUCH MORE

Inside this complete Ancient Rome unit bundle you will find the items below and so much more:

*Reading Bellwork on Ancient Rome's Empire and Entertainment.

*Guided Readings with Close Read Strategies.

* 10 DBQ's on Roman Law - The Twelve Tables, Comparing Governments, Art, Language, Literatures, etc.

* Close Readings on Cesar, Romulus and Remus, Roman Baths, Roman Lifestyle, Republic to Empire, Augustus (Octavian), etc.

*Worksheets and organizers on the Roman Republic, Emperors, the hierarchy system, vocab, reading comprehension, and much more.

*Foldables on Vocab and lifestyles.

*I have, Who has? to check comprehension.

Standards:

SS.6.W.3.11

Explain the transition from Roman Republic to empire and Imperial Rome, and compare Roman life and culture under each one.

SS.6.W.3.8

Determine the impact of significant figures associated with ancient Rome.

SS.6.E.3.3

Describe traditional economies (Egypt, Greece, Rome, Kush) and elements of those economies that led to the rise of a merchant class and trading partners.

SS.6.W.3.15

Explain the reasons for the gradual decline of the Western Roman Empire after the Pax Romana

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

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DBQ Worksheet & Teacher Cheat Sheet: Why Did the U.S. Enter World War I in 1917? Analyzing Economic, Security, and Public Opinion Factors

Engage your students with a comprehensive DBQ worksheet and teacher cheat sheet that explore the complex factors behind the United States’ decision to enter World War I in 1917. This educational resource includes 10 primary sources, guiding analysis questions, and a sample answer key to help teachers facilitate critical discussions and streamline grading.

This DBQ package includes:

• 10 Primary Sources: Carefully selected sources offering different perspectives on U.S. motivations, such as economic ties, national security threats, and shifts in public opinion.

  • Economic Interests:
    • U.S. Trade Report (1915): Shows the economic importance of Allied markets as U.S. exports to the Allies grew, with American businesses increasingly reliant on these trade relationships.
    • Letter from J.P. Morgan & Co.: Highlights the financial stakes for American banks tied to Allied loans and the potential for economic collapse if the Allies lost the war.
  • National Security Concerns:
    • Zimmermann Telegram (1917): Uncovers Germany's proposal for an alliance with Mexico, posing a direct threat to U.S. national security.
    • Statement by President Woodrow Wilson: Frames the war as a defense of democratic values and security, supporting the argument for intervention.
  • Public Opinion:
    • New York Times Editorial (1917): Argues for action following German submarine attacks, reinforcing public sentiment for U.S. involvement.
    • Anti-War Pamphlet by the American Union Against Militarism: Represents the anti-war viewpoint, warning against sacrificing American lives in foreign conflicts.
    • Speech by Senator Robert La Follette: Critiques the economic motivations behind the war, emphasizing the divide between wealthy interests and public welfare.

• Analysis Questions and Cheat Sheet: Each source includes guiding questions for students and a complete teacher cheat sheet with sample answers, designed to help teachers facilitate analysis and understanding, while supporting grading consistency.

• Essay Prompt & Rubric: After analyzing the sources, students are prompted to answer, “What factors influenced the United States’ decision to enter World War I in 1917?” An included rubric helps teachers evaluate thesis development, evidence use, analysis, organization, writing style, historical context, and synthesis.

Learning Objectives:

• Interpret and analyze primary sources in historical context.
• Evaluate differing perspectives on U.S. foreign policy decisions.
• Develop a thesis-driven argument supported by historical evidence.
• Practice critical thinking and historical analysis through document-based questioning.

Common Core Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.1: Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7: Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media.

Suggested Courses:
Ideal for U.S. History, AP U.S. History, Government, and World History classes, this DBQ is also a great tool for deeper learning and can be used as sub plans on American foreign policy and WWI topics.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of readings, worksheets, and DBQs that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there’s something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any resource on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

Related Readings

U.S. Entry into WWI Reading Comprehension

WWI Reading Comprehension Bundle (27 different readings!)

King Tut!

The Discovery of the Tomb of Tukankhamen by Howard Carter Close Read

Learning Goal: Students will understand why scholars study the people, events, and ideas of long ago.

Essential Question:

1. Why do scholars study the people, events, and ideas of long ago? 2. How do historians improve our understanding of world?

Benchmarks:

SS.6.W.1.2 Identify terms (decade, century, epoch, era, millennium, BC/BCE, AD/CE) and designations of time periods

SS.6.W.1.4 Describe the methods of historical inquiry and how history relates to the other social sciences

SS.6.W.1.5 Describe the roles of historians and recognize varying historical interpretations

SS.6.W.1.6 Describe how history transmits culture and heritage and provides models of human character Common Core:

LACC.68.RH.1.2 Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions

LACC.68.RH.2.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies

LACC.68.WHST.2.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

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Let’s face it, close reading isn’t often a skill that comes naturally. When our students get a new reading assignment, their first instinct is often to race to the finish line rather than engage deeply with a text. Getting students to slow down, engage with the text in different ways, and reflect as they read are challenges for every teacher, and are the goals of close reading. They’re also at the heart of the Common Core English Language Arts standards. There’s no magic way to turn your class into top-notch readers overnight, but there are specific close reading skills you can teach that will help your students now and down the line. This Close Reading includes a Primary Resource excerpt from Woodrow Wilson's "Fourteen Points" Speech, January 8th, 1918. It breaks down the vocab used and gives teacher lead questions, student creation of questions, as well as a summary. We all know that it’s not enough to just understand what a text says. Close readers not only grasp an author’s message, but they also take a look under the hood, so to speak.

This is a Google Slide with interactive tabs. This would be distributed to each student via your Distance Learning or Classroom platform per student. This can easily be printed, downladed as a pdf, or downloaded as a PowerPoint to meet your learning needs in this crazy teacher world that we teach in. This unit has a huge variety of styles to make learning needs and to achieve learning goals! It has Readings, Document Based Questioning, and Video Q&A's. Check this out and click to follow to stay informed as more pop up in my store.

Bundle in the digital interactive notebook:

ACTIVITIES, BELLWORK/ BELLRINGERS, GUIDED READINGS, LEARNING GOAL CHART, DBQ’S, READING STRATEGIES, VOCAB, & MUCH MORE

Standards:

SS.6.W.2.10 Emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America;

SS.6.W.2.3 Identify the characteristics of civilization.

Civilizations:

-Inca

-Maya

-Aztecs

Readings on:

-MesoAmerica

-Human Sacrifice

-Farming

-Culture

-Pyramids

-Explorers

-Etc.

Activities on:

-Religion

-Games

-Calendars

-Explorers

-Etc.

DBQ's on:

-Farming

-Lifestyle

-Explorers

-Human Sacrifice

-Etc

Learning Goal: Students will be able to describe the emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America.

Essential Question: How were the civilizations in Meso and South America similar to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China?

Unit: Objectives:

A. I can define absolute monarchy. (SS.6.W.2.10)

B. I can define isthmus. (SS.6.W.2.10)

C. I can define maize. (SS.6.W.2.10)

D. I can describe how were the civilizations in Meso and South America similar to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China? (SS.6.W.2.10)

E. I can describe the Emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America. (SS.6.W.2.10)

F. I can connect the relationship of physical geography to ancient river valley civilizations to MesoAmerica. (SS.6.G.2.3)

G. I can Compare the Aztecs and Incan civilizations. (SS.6.W.2.10)

H. I can Analyze the impact European colonization in the Americas had on the indigenous populations in the Americas and West Africa. (SS.6.W.2.10)

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies, and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Ancient Mesopotamia

World History Mini DBQ- DBQ Style learning unit

Document Based Questioning through Language Arts and Reading Strategies

SS.6.W.2.2 Describe how the developments of agriculture and metallurgy related to settlement, population growth, and the emergence of civilization.

Essential Question: How have the following agricultural resources and tools helped to further develop ancient Mesopotamia?

Sources:

Source 1

Sickle, farming tool

Source 2

Sumerian plowing farm with oxen

Source 3

Early Mesopotamian City-States

Source 4

Mesopotamian Pottery Wheel and pottery

Marking the text:

Strategies included to learn to mark a document!

Options:

-Packet

-Gallery Walk

-Print, put on a file folder, and laminate for students to mark up!

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Bundle:

ACTIVITIES, BELLWORK/ BELLRINGERS, GUIDED READINGS, LEARNING GOAL CHART, DBQ’S, READING STRATEGIES, VOCAB, & MUCH MORE

Standards:

SS.6.W.2.10 Emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America;

SS.6.W.2.3 Identify the characteristics of civilization.

Civilizations:

-Inca

-Maya

-Aztecs

Readings on:

-MesoAmerica

-Human Sacrifice

-Farming

-Culture

-Pyramids

-Explorers

-Etc.

Activities on:

-Religion

-Games

-Calendars

-Explorers

-Etc.

DBQ's on:

-Farming

-Lifestyle

-Explorers

-Human Sacrifice

-Etc

Learning Goal: Students will be able to describe the emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America.

Essential Question: How were the civilizations in Meso and South America similar to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China?

Unit: Objectives:

A. I can define absolute monarchy. (SS.6.W.2.10)

B. I can define isthmus. (SS.6.W.2.10)

C. I can define maize. (SS.6.W.2.10)

D. I can describe how were the civilizations in Meso and South America similar to Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China? (SS.6.W.2.10)

E. I can describe the Emergence of advanced civilizations in Meso and South America. (SS.6.W.2.10)

F. I can connect the relationship of physical geography to ancient river valley civilizations to MesoAmerica. (SS.6.G.2.3)

G. I can Compare the Aztecs and Incan civilizations. (SS.6.W.2.10)

H. I can Analyze the impact European colonization in the Americas had on the indigenous populations in the Americas and West Africa. (SS.6.W.2.10)

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare