What This Document Is
This is a Document Based Question (DBQ) assignment for English (LH 203) at Birmingham-Southern College. It asks students to analyze historical sources and formulate an argument regarding the “Captains of Industry” and “Robber Barons” of the Gilded Age—the period following the American Civil War. The assignment centers on evaluating the positive and negative impacts of these influential businessmen on the American economy and society.
Why This Document Matters
This DBQ is designed for students enrolled in LH 203. It will likely be used as a summative assessment to evaluate understanding of the Gilded Age, historical analysis skills, and argumentative writing abilities. It exists to challenge students to move beyond simple memorization and engage with complex historical interpretations.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document *is* the assignment. It does not provide answers or a completed analysis. Students will still need to conduct independent research, analyze provided documents, and construct their own well-supported argument.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* An overview of the Gilded Age and the debate surrounding “Captains of Industry” versus “Robber Barons.”
* A background essay providing context on the economic growth, industrialization, and social conditions of the era.
* A set of primary and secondary source documents for analysis.
* Specific prompts and guidelines for constructing a DBQ essay.
This preview only provides a description of the assignment’s purpose and scope; it does *not* include the source documents or essay prompts themselves.