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

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