This question is based on the accompanying documents (1-6). This question is designed to
test your ability to work with historical documents. Some of these documents have been
edited for the purposes of this task. As you analyze the documents, take into account both
the source of each document and any point of view that may be presented in the document.
Directions :Read the documents in Part A and answer the questions after each document. Then
read the directions for Part B and write your essay.
Historical Context:
After WWII, the western colonial regions of Africa and Asia gradually became
independent. The effects of their colonial domination, however, could be felt long after these
regions were freed from the colonial yoke.
Task: Using information from the documents and your knowledge of global history, answer the
questions that follow each document in Part A. Your answers to the questions will help you
write the Part B essay, in which you will be asked to:
Chose TWO former colonies of Africa or the Indian Subcontinent
(ex. India, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, etc.)
For EACH of the former colonies:
- Explain how that colony got its independence.
- Identify and discuss one lasting positive and/or negative
effect of imperialism on that colony
GENERIC SCORING RUBRIC
DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTION
Score of 5:
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Thoroughly addresses all aspects of the Task by accurately analyzing and interpreting all of the least 3
documents
Incorporates information from the documents in the body of the essay
incorporates relevant outside information
Richly supports the theme or problem with relevant facts, examples, and details
is a well-developed essay, consistently demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization
Introduces the theme or problem by establishing a framework that is beyond a simple restatement of the Task
or Historical Context and concludes with a summation of the theme or problem
Score of 4:
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Addresses all aspects of the Task by accurately analyzing and interpreting at least 3 documents
Incorporates information from the documents in the body of the essay
incorporates relevant outside information
Includes relevant facts, examples, and details, but discussion may be more descriptive than analytical
Is a well-developed essay, demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization
Introduces the theme or problem by establishing a framework that is beyond a simple restatement of the Task
or Historical Context and concludes with a summation of the theme or problem
Score of 3:
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Addresses most aspects of the Task or addresses all aspects of the Task in a limited way, using some of the
documents
Incorporates some information from the documents in the body of the essay
Incorporates limited outside information
Includes some facts, examples, and details. but discussion is more descriptive than analytical
Is a satisfactorily developed essay, demonstrating a general plan of organization
introduces the theme or problem by repeating the Task or Historical Context and concludes by simply
repeating the theme or problem
Score of 2:
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Attempts to address some aspects of the Task, making limited use of the documents
Presents no relevant outside information
Includes few facts, examples, and details; discussion restates contents of the documents
Is a poorly organized essay, lacking focus
Fails to introduce or summarize the theme or problem
Score of 1:
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Shows limited understanding of the Task with vague, unclear references to the documents
Presents no relevant outside information
Includes little or no accurate or relevant facts, details, or examples
Attempts to complete the Task, but demonstrates a major weakness in organization
Fails to introduce or summarize the theme or problem
Score of 0:
Fails to address the Task, is illegible, or is a blank paper.
Part A.
Short-Answer Questions
Directions: Analyze the documents and the short-answer questions that follow each document in
the space provided.
Document 1
…it was Indian self-rule which triggered the momentum leading to independence. Everywhere the
mood was hopeful as people were inspired by the vision of a new society free of European control.
- BBC News: The Story of Africa
1) What inspired African independence?
______________________________________________________________________________
Score
Document 2
… that colonialism in all its [forms] is an evil which should speedily be brought to an
end;…that the subjection of peoples to alien…domination and exploitation constitutes
a denial of fundamental human rights… and is [a bar] to the promotion of world peace
and cooperation;…
- Declaration of Bandung Conference [of colored peoples] 1955
1) Why should colonialism be ended?
______________________________________________________________________________
Score
Document 3
The benefits the colonial system brought to Africa, even if it brought abuses too, are incontestable…
The Europeans abolished slavery, and ended tribal warfare. They created communications, improved
the standard of living, developed natural resources, introduced scientific agriculture, fought to
control malaria and other diseases…Most important, they brought …western education.
- John Gunther, Inside Africa. 1955
1) According to the author, what were two impacts of imperialism in Africa?
______________________________________________________________________________
Score
Document 4
During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against
white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic
and free society in which all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal
which I hope to live for and to see realized. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
- Nelson Mandela speaking of his struggles against apartheid in South Africa
1) What ideal is Mandela ready to die for?
______________________________________________________________________________
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Score
Document 5
…I explained to them the necessity for backing our demand for “self-government now” with a program
of positive action employing legitimate agitation, newspaper and political educational campaigns, and
the application of strikes, boycotts and noncooperation based on the principle of nonviolence.
- Kwame Nkrumah 1949 (Ghana)
1) How will Nkrumah gain self-government for his people?
______________________________________________________________________________
Score
Document 6
"Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the State becomes lawless or, which is the same
thing, corrupt."
- Mahatma Ghandi
1)What does Ghandi believe think people should do when the state is corrupt?
______________________________________________________________________________
Score
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