An End-of-Year Review Activity that Makes Use of Various Attempts to Earn the APUSH Thesis Point

But Only for Prompts Beginning with the Words “Evaluate the Extent to Which”

Below are ten attempts to earn the APUSH LEQ/DBQ Thesis Point, with each attempt consisting of one or more lines of reasoning.

In the days leading up to the annual APUSH exam, I present these attempts to my students and ask them in small groups to name and briefly identify ONE piece of evidence to support a line of reasoning associated with some bolded text.

This exercise provides them with a wonderful opportunity to refresh their understanding of the material. Also, my “evaluate the extent to which thesis point writing formula.”

P1. Evaluate the extent to which the Watergate Scandal impacted America from 1972 to 1980.

To a great extent, the Watergate Scandal impacted America from 1972 to 1980. During this period, the Watergate Scandal led to (1) a loss of trust in government institutions, (2) the resignation of a sitting president, and (3) the implementation of new laws and reforms to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the political system.

P2. Evaluate the extent to which the rise of the environmental movement impacted US politics in the period from 1962 to 1982.

To a great extent, the rise of the environmental movement impacted US politics in the period from 1962 to 1982. During this period, the environmental movement led to (1) the creation of significant “protect the environment” legislation, (2) the establishment of a new government agency designed to ensure the protection of the environment, and (3) the increased prominence of environmental issues in political discourse and campaigns.

P3. Evaluate the extent to which World War II impacted American society from 1939 to 1945.

To a great extent, World War II impacted American society from 1939 to 1945. During this period, the war led to (1) the mobilization of the American economy for wartime production, (2) significant social and demographic shifts as a result of the war effort, and (3) changes in the roles of women and minorities within the workforce and society.

P4. Evaluate the extent to which the fear of communism impacted America from 1917 to 1980.

To a great extent, the fear of communism impacted America from 1917 to 1980. During this period, the fear of communism led to (1) the implementation of domestic policies targeting perceived communist threats, (2) the shaping of foreign policy and involvement in international conflicts, and (3) the creation of a pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia that affected various aspects of American society.

P5. Evaluate the extent to which the Columbian Exchange fostered change in the Americas from 1491 to 1700.

To a great extent, the Columbian Exchange fostered change in the Americas from 1491 to 1700. During this period, the Columbian Exchange led to (1) the introduction of new plants, and animals to the Americas, (2) the demise of the Native American population due to disease brought to North America from Europe, and (3) the reshaping of social, economic, and political structures as a result of the interactions between Indigenous peoples, Europeans, and Africans.

P6. Evaluate the extent to which the post-World War II African American Civil Rights movement influenced other social justice movements in the United States in the period from 1960 to 1980.

To a great extent, the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s influenced other social justice movements in the United States. During this period, the Civil Rights Movement influenced (1) the Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights Movement, (2) the Native American Civil Rights Movement, and (3) the Hispanic Civil Rights Movement.

P7. Evaluate the extent to which the Civil Rights movement fostered political change in the United States from 1954 to 1968.

To a great extent, the Civil Rights Movement fostered political change in the United States from 1954 to 1968. During this period of time, the Civil Rights movement resulted in (1) a Supreme Court decision that called for the integration of public schools, (2) a law of Congress that prohibited the implementation of poll taxes and literacy tests, and (3) a law of Congress that prohibit racial segregation in all public places

P8. Evaluate the extent to which the lives of women in the United States changed politically from 1920–1980.

To a great extent, the lives of women in the United States changed politically from 1920–1980. During this period of time, women gained (1) the right to vote, (2) the right to an abortion, and (3) the right to be treated equally and fairly in educational settings.

P9. Evaluate the extent to which the New Deal attempted to end the Great Depression.

To a great extent, the New Deal attempted to end the Great Depression. During this period of time, the New Deal attempted to end the Great Depression by (1) stimulating the economy, (2) creating jobs, and (3) providing relief for those who were too old to work but had little or no money.

P10. Evaluate the extent to which the Industrial Revolution fostered economic change in the United States from 1865–1900.

To a great extent, the Industrial Revolution fostered economic change in the United States from 1865 to 1900. During this period, the Industrial Revolution led to (1) rapid growth in manufacturing and urbanization, (2) the expansion of the transportation and communication infrastructure, and (3) the emergence of large-scale corporations and the transformation of labor relations.