AP World History
Final Project: National History Day
Theme: Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, and Consequences
National History Day Website: http://www.nhd.org/
We will NOT be participating in the national competition. However, we will follow the same format, have the same
options and use the same grading rubrics. Please read through all materials at the National History Day website listed
above.
Because the upcoming SOL exams, we will not have in-class access to computers or the library. You must bring your
resources with you to class and be prepared to use your time productively on scheduled work days. You should plan to
access library resources before school, during lunch, or after school.
What is a debate? - A debate is defined as an argument or a dispute due to a difference of opinion. Your debate could
be about ideas, policies, the role of people, laws, and rights-anything that people can argue over.
What is diplomacy? – Diplomacy is defined as international affairs. When nations collide in ideological differences or
conflict over resources the result may demand a diplomatic solution. An international conference, a treaty or a summit of
historical significance are examples of research topics related to diplomacy in history.
Topic Selection: The National History Day web site provides some possible topics as well as the attached list. Your own
interests should be your ultimate guide. Please observe the following
:
 There may not be duplicate projects.
 Your topic must be of WORLD SIGNIFICANCE. It may not be an issue that pertains to the United States
alone.
 It must be a topic from before 1990.
 Avoid topics that are too broad.
Questions to guide your topic selection:




Is this an example of Debate or Diplomacy or both?
What was the topic of debate and/or diplomacy? What caused the conflict/disagreement?
Who was involved in the debate or diplomacy, and what were their positions on the matter?
When and where did this debate/diplomacy take place?
Impact-Historical Significance: – These are meant to help you examine your topic in further detail. They will help you
analyze your topic by raising questions about the impact and significance of your topic that you will need to explore as
you research.



What were some successes of the debate/diplomacy? For whom?
What were some failures of the debate/diplomacy? For whom?
What were the consequences of this debate/diplomacy? Why is this debate/diplomacy of historical significance
and importance?
Historical Context: Historians examine the impact of Cause and Effect and how societies change over time. In order to
do that, you need to put the impact of this debate/diplomacy in its historical context-the intellectual, physical, social, and
cultural setting in which events take place. In other words, what happened before, during and after the debate/diplomacy
in history? Use the following questions to guide your research:

Before: What were things like before this debate/diplomacy happened? What previous actions, ideas, objects, or
event sled to this debate/diplomacy? Why did the debate/diplomacy happen at this particular time and place in
history?

During: What was the debate/diplomacy about? What problem did it solve? Who was involved in the
debate/diplomacy? What beliefs did each side have, and what goals did each side want to get out of the
debate/diplomacy? What were the solutions provided by the debate/diplomacy?

After: What were things like after the debate/diplomacy was resolved? How as the debate/diplomacy solution
seen by the world- what were the successes and consequences of the debate/diplomacy in the short-term and the
long-term? What were the consequences on world history? What further conflicts or debates happened afterward
as a result of the debate/diplomacy?
The Project: You may work alone, in a pair or in a group of no more than three. The culmination of your
research will produce one of the following options:





Historical Exhibit
Historical Documentary
Historical Performance
Historical Paper
Historical Website
Each option has a rubric specific to that project. You will be provided with that rubric when you determine
what your project will be. Your project should focus on the Success, Failures and Consequences of your
debate or diplomacy. You will have 10-15 minutes on your final exam day to present your project to the class.
Your presentation is your final exam.
Due Dates:
Monday, May 23 - Topic Selection
Friday, May 27 – 40 Note cards (minimum)
Friday, June 3 – Rough Draft
 Historical Context
 Before
 During
 After
Friday, June 10 - Annotated Bibliography
June, 17-22 – Presentations
Criteria/ Requirements:
Historical Quality






Historical accuracy
Historical context
Analysis and interpretation
Use of available primary sources
Wide research
Balanced research
1. Historical Accuracy


2. Historical Context

Relation to Theme


Clearly relates to theme
Demonstrates significance of topic in
history and draws conclusions
Clarity of Presentation


Presentation, written materials are
original, clear, appropriate, organized
and articulate
Entry is organized; visual impact is
appropriate to topic
Determines that sources are viable and
reputable
Explains cross check of sources
Illustrates how historical event
influenced and was influenced by the
social, cultural, political and economics
of the time period
3. Analysis and Interpretation




Demonstrates critical thinking
Asks historical questions
Develops and defends an historical
interpretation
Identifies bias
4. Use of available primary sources


Compares and critiques sources-documents, images, oral interviews, etc.
Evidence of the use of bibliographies to
locate primary sources
5. Wide research

Reflects wide reading in multiple
sources, including primary and secondary
materials
6. Balanced Research


Represents competing perspectives /bias
Identifies biases