Hare some original example free-response questions for the 2024 AP U.S. History exam, along with sample answers:
Document-Based Question (DBQ)
Question: Evaluate the extent to which the women's suffrage movement in the United States from 1848 to 1920 was successful in achieving its goals. Use the documents provided and your knowledge of the period from 1848 to 1920 to construct your response.
Sample Answer:
The women's suffrage movement in the United States was a significant social and political effort aimed at securing voting rights for women. The movement, which began in earnest with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. While the movement was ultimately successful in achieving its primary goal of securing the vote for women, its success was uneven across different regions and among various social groups.
Initially, the movement faced substantial opposition, with many arguing that women's place was in the home, not the political sphere. However, activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton worked tirelessly, organizing rallies, writing articles, and lobbying politicians. Documents from this period highlight the strategic shifts within the movement, such as the formation of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) in 1890, which helped unify efforts and streamline strategies.
One significant document from the early 20th century is a letter from a suffrage activist to President Woodrow Wilson, urging him to support women's voting rights. This document illustrates the persuasive tactics used by suffragists, who framed their arguments around democratic principles and the contributions of women to the nation, especially during World War I.
The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 was a landmark achievement, but it did not immediately result in universal suffrage for all women. African American women, particularly in the South, continued to face barriers due to discriminatory practices like poll taxes and literacy tests. Nonetheless, the movement laid a crucial foundation for future civil rights advancements.
### Long Essay Question (LEQ)
**Question:** Analyze the impact of the New Deal on the American economy and society during the Great Depression. To what extent did it address the problems of the era?
**Sample Answer:**
The New Deal, introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, had a profound impact on the American economy and society in the 1930s. Through a series of programs and reforms, the New Deal aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system.
Economically, the New Deal's most immediate impact was in providing relief to millions of Americans. Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) created jobs for the unemployed, while initiatives like the Social Security Act provided a safety net for the elderly and vulnerable. These measures helped to stabilize families and communities hit hardest by the economic downturn.
On a societal level, the New Deal brought significant changes. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) not only provided jobs but also improved infrastructure and living conditions in one of the poorest regions of the country. The New Deal also promoted labor rights, with the National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) empowering workers to unionize and collectively bargain.
However, the New Deal was not without its shortcomings. While it provided significant relief, it did not fully end the Great Depression. Economic recovery was slow, and unemployment remained high until the onset of World War II. Additionally, New Deal programs often excluded African Americans and other minority groups, reinforcing existing racial inequalities.
Overall, the New Deal addressed many immediate problems of the Great Depression and laid the groundwork for future economic and social reforms. Its legacy can be seen in the lasting institutions and policies that continue to shape American society today.
