Less than $5 Higher Education DBQs (by date, oldest first)

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.

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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!

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Freedom's Journey: A DBQ on African American Liberty After the Civil War

Delve into the complex journey of African American freedom with this engaging DBQ!
This meticulously crafted DBQ offers a comprehensive exploration of the extent to which African Americans achieved freedom following the Civil War. Through a carefully curated selection of primary sources, students will analyze the challenges, triumphs, and enduring struggles faced by African Americans in their pursuit of liberty.

Key Features:

• Engaging Primary Sources: A diverse collection of primary sources, including excerpts from historical texts, images, and personal accounts, provide a firsthand glimpse into the experiences of African Americans during this transformative era.
• 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 struggles for racial equality.
• 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. Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
2. Thirteenth Amendment (1865)
3. Black Codes (1865-1867)
4. Fourteenth Amendment (1868)
5. Fifteenth Amendment (1870)
6. Ku Klux Klan (1865-Present)
7. Jim Crow Laws (1877-1960s)
8. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
9. The Experiences of a Sharecropper (Personal Account)
10. Hiram Rhodes Revels (1827-1901)

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the challenges and triumphs faced by African Americans in the pursuit of freedom after the Civil War.
• Evaluate the extent to which African Americans achieved freedom during this period.
• Develop critical thinking skills through the analysis of primary sources.
• Understand the historical context of the Civil Rights Movement 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!

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

DBQ: Prohibition - A Critical Thinking Adventure

Engage your students in a deep dive into the complex history of Prohibition with this engaging DBQ!
This resource provides students with a rich collection of primary sources, including speeches, newspaper articles, and historical documents, that allow them to explore the multifaceted impacts of Prohibition on American society. By analyzing these sources, students will develop critical thinking skills, historical understanding, and a nuanced perspective on this pivotal era.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive DBQ: The DBQ includes a thought-provoking prompt, a variety of primary sources, and guiding questions to help students analyze and interpret the evidence.
• Real-world connections: The documents offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Americans during Prohibition, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical context.
• Critical thinking skills: Students will develop essential skills such as analyzing sources, evaluating arguments, and synthesizing information.
• Differentiated learning: The DBQ can be adapted to suit various learning styles and abilities, making it a valuable resource for all students.
• Sub-plan friendly: Use this DBQ as a standalone activity or incorporate it into your unit on the Progressive Era or American history.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to analyze primary sources to identify key arguments and perspectives.
• Students will be able to evaluate the impact of Prohibition on American society, including its economic, social, and political consequences.
• Students will be able to develop a well-supported argument based on historical evidence.

Common Core Standards:

• History/Social Studies: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.8, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.9, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.10, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.3, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.4, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.6, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.7, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.8, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.9, CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.11-12.10

Recommended Courses:

• American History
• Progressive Era
• 20th Century American 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:

Progressive Era Reading Comprehension Bundle

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!)

This 20-page Primary Source Analysis and DBQ activity gives students a chance to learn about the contributions and changing roles of women during the Revolutionary Era between 1763 and 1783. There are two Document-Based Questions (DBQs). Included at the beginning is a one-page sheet that explains what primary sources are and how to analyze them using specific questions through a process called HAPPY (Historical Context, Audience, Purpose, Point of View, Why Significant). There is also a page of Teacher Notes. Primary sources include essays, letters, journal entries, images and cartoons. Each page of primary sources includes questions. There is also a page at the end for students to apply the HAPPY process to one source. An Answer Key to all the questions and the HAPPY process is available at the end of the packet. This is excellent practice for all high school students, particularly Honors and AP students, but all students will find these resources engaging.

Students can read this on their own as a homework assignment or it can be a group activity in a classroom. It is also ideally suited for home-schoolers, college students or independent learners who want to learn more. Teachers can assign just a few sources to analyze or the entire packet. Student time will vary. Each page includes questions based on the primary sources, along with an Answer Key. There is also an answer key for the DBQ prompts.

There is also an Easel Activity which allows students to answer the questions at the end of each primary source online. For homework purposes, Home Schoolers or for asynchronous learning, this is an especially valuable digital option .

This is part of the Women in American History Series which includes PowerPoint lessons as well as Reading Assignments and Worksheets, Analyzing Primary Sources and DBQ's and Activities about women's experiences in other eras.

Provide Feedback

Also, don’t forget that you can earn credit towards future purchases when you give feedback!

For each purchase that you make, you can leave feedback which earns you credit for future purchases. Easy and financially-savvy too! Feedback helps me to know what teachers want for their students.

Interested in Free Resources?

Sign up for my mailing list to receive the FREE resource: Nurses during the Civil War: Mini-DBQ and Primary Source Analysis (also included in Women in the Civil War DBQ and Primary Source Analysis resource).

Sign up for my mailing list to receive the FREE resource: World War II Oral Histories from the Homefront.

To receive information about podcasts, offers for freebies, and more, join my mailing list here.

Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns or comments about this resource at christa@historyprisms.com.

Thank you for your interest in this resource!

If you like World War II historical fiction, I have written a book called Hearts of War about a Nisei soldier who served in the Military Intelligence Service and a woman who served in the Women Army Corps. In writing this book, I wanted to bring an unknown aspect of history to light. Available on Amazon or Kindle Unlimited and I appreciate any reviews!

Thank you!

Christa Nonnemaker

This 25-page resource with 15 primary sources plus a DBQ question gives students a chance to delve deeper into the experiences of Japanese-Americans during World War II, both in internment camps and outside of internment camps. Many students know that Japanese-Americans from the West Coast were interned. Here’s a chance to read documents that shed light on how the decision was made, whether the racial prejudices were shared among all Americans, how Japanese-Americans contributed outside the camps, and how re-integration was perceived. The Japanese-American experience went far beyond their internment in the camps.

Assign just one, a few or all of the sources depending on time constraints and student interest.

Primary Sources include:
*Customer Complaint and Restaurant Owner’s Response
*Transcript from a Meeting in General DeWitt’s Office, January 1942
* Excerpt from Executive Order 9066, February 1942
*Evacuation Notice Number 9, April 1942
*Images from Evacuation and Assembly Center
*Letter from Internee to Former Middle School Teacher, September 1942
*Excerpt of Congressional Report of Dies Committee, August 1943
*Photographs of Life inside the Internment Camp
*Resolution by the Native Sons of the Golden West, Santa Cruz Parlor, April 1944
*Photographs of Contributions by Japanese-Americans
*Letter Insert by Assistant Director of War Relocation Authority, January 1946

Included is a one-page sheet that explains what primary sources are and how to analyze them using specific questions through a process called HAPPY. Primary sources include letters, photos, reports and other documents. Each page of primary sources includes questions. There is also a page at the end for students to apply the HAPPY process to one source. Two DBQ prompts are included at the end. An Answer Key to all the questions and the DBQ prompts are available at the end of the packet.

This is excellent practice for all high school students, particularly Honors and AP students, but all students will find these resources engaging.

This is also available as a digital resource through Easel so students may complete it online.

Please check out my other Teaching Resources about World War II:

*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: PowerPoint Presentation
*The Japanese-American Experience in World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Women in the US Military during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*Victory Gardens of World War II: PowerPoint Mini-Lesson
*Victory Gardens during World War II: Analyzing Primary Sources
*Victory Gardens during World War II: Classroom Activities
*The Home Front in World War II: Crossword Puzzle and Word Search
*The Home Front during World War II: Reading Assignment and Worksheet
*The Home Front in the United States During World War II: PowerPoint Lesson

More are always being added so check back frequently!

If you like World War II historical fiction, I have written a book called Hearts of War about a Nisei soldier who served in the Military Intelligence Service and a woman who served in the Women Army Corps. In writing this book, I wanted to bring an unknown aspect of history to light. Available on Amazon or Kindle and I appreciate any reviews!

Thank you!

Christa Nonnemaker

This 22 page Primary Source Analysis and DBQ activity gives students a chance to delve deeper into life of colonial women from 1607 to 1763. They will be able to determine what issues were important to women and how they contributed to society.

The first three pages provide background on the Colonial Era, notes on primary sources and Teacher Notes.

Included is a one-page sheet that explains what primary sources are and how to analyze them using specific questions through a process called HAPPY (Historical Context, Audience, Purpose, Point of View and Why Significant).

Primary sources include pamphlet excerpts, photographs and posters. Each page of primary sources includes questions.

There are also two DBQ prompts. DBQ questions are an excellent way for students to identify point of view, consider intended audience and context. DBQ practice helps students prepare for AP and IB exams.

There is also a page at the end for students to apply the HAPPY process to one source. An Answer Key to all the questions and the HAPPY process is available at the end of the packet. This is excellent practice for all high school students, particularly Honors and AP students, but all students will find these resources engaging.

Students can read this on their own as a homework assignment or it can be a group activity in a classroom. It is also ideally suited for home-schoolers or independent learners who want to learn more. Teachers can assign just a few sources to analyze or the entire packet. Student time will vary. A Worksheet with questions based on the reading is included, along with an Answer Key.

There is also an Easel Activity which allows students to answer the questions at the end of each primary source online. For homework purposes, Home Schoolers or for asynchronous learning, this is an especially valuable digital option .

This is part of the Women in American History Series which includes PowerPoint lessons as well as Reading Assignments and Worksheets, Analyzing Primary Sources and Activities for other eras.

Provide Feedback

Also, don’t forget that you can earn credit towards future purchases when you give feedback!

For each purchase that you make, you can leave feedback which earns you credit for future purchases. Easy and financially-savvy too! Feedback helps me to know what teachers want for their students.

Interested in Free Resources?

Sign up for my mailing list to receive the FREE resource: Nurses during the Civil War: Mini-DBQ and Primary Source Analysis (also included in Women in the Civil War DBQ and Primary Source Analysis resource).

Sign up for my mailing list to receive the FREE resource: World War II Oral Histories from the Homefront.

To receive information about podcasts, offers for freebies, and more, join my mailing list here.

Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns or comments about this resource at christa@historyprisms.com.

Thank you for your interest in this resource!

Do you or your students love WWII historical fiction? My novel, Hearts at War, features a white girl and a Japanese-American boy who come of age in Southern California only to have their lives severed by war, family and social pressures once they enter college. Coincidence will throw them together again in the Pacific theater of war as they both serve in the military. Will they be able face the challenges of war and find a way to one another? Available on Amazon or Kindle/Kindle Unlimited. Young Adults/Adults/Interracial Romance. I appreciate any reviews!

Thank you!

Christa Nonnemaker