2004 Essay Questions

To see the documents, and all the questions in a PDF, click here.

The solutions/grading keys can be found right here.

UNITED STATES HISTORY 

SECTION II 

Part A 

(Suggested writing time—45 minutes) 

Percent of Section II score—45 

Directions:  The following question requires you to construct a coherent essay that integrates your interpretation  

of Documents A-I and your knowledge of the period referred to in the question. High scores will be earned only  

by essays that both cite key pieces of evidence from the documents and draw on outside knowledge of the period. 

 1. In what ways did the French and Indian War (1754-63) alter the political, economic, and ideological relations between Britain and its American colonies?

    Use the documents and your knowledge of the period 1740-1765 in constructing your response.

UNITED STATES HISTORY 

SECTION II 

Part B and Part C 

(Suggested total planning and writing time—70 minutes) 

Percent of Section II score—55 

Part B 

Directions:  Choose ONE question from this part. You are advised to spend 5 minutes planning and 30 minutes 

writing your answer. Cite relevant historical evidence in support of your generalizations and present your arguments 

clearly and logically. 

 2. Analyze the impact of the American Revolution on both slavery and the status of women in the period from 1775-1800.

 3. Analyze the effectiveness of political compromise in reducing sectional tensions in the period 1820 to 1861.

Part C 

Directions:  Choose ONE question from this part. You are advised to spend 5 minutes planning and 30 minutes 

writing your answer. Cite relevant historical evidence in support of your generalizations and present your arguments 

clearly and logically. 

 4. Compare and contrast the programs and policies designed by reformers of the Progressive era to those designed by reformers of the New Deal period. Confine your answer to programs and policies that addressed the needs of those living in poverty.

 5. Analyze the successes and failures of the United States Cold War policy of containment as it developed in of the following regions of the world during the period 1945 to 1975.

        East and Southeast Asia

        Europe

        Latin America

        Middle East