After answering the first short answer question, evaluate our AP World History SAQ examples below to see what makes up a perfect answer on the AP World History exam.
1. Read the excerpt provided and then respond to parts a, b, and c.
“Man, are you capable of being just? It is a woman who poses the question; you will not deprive her of that right at least. Tell me, what gives you sovereign empire to oppress my sex? Your strength? Your talents? Observe the creator in his wisdom; survey nature in all her grandeur, which you seem to feel the need to emulate; and give me, if you dare, an example of this tyrannical empire. Your heart is capable of forming bonds of friendship with ours; why do you degrade yourselves by subjugating us?”
— Olympe de Gouges, “The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen,” 1791
a. Describe ONE way in which Gouges’ argument reflects the ideas of the Enlightenment.
b. Explain ONE way in which the feminist movement in the late 18th century, as illustrated by the passage, differed from traditional roles of women in European society.
c. Explain ONE historical situation in the period 1750–1900, other than the one illustrated in the passage, where social or political movements led to significant changes in the societal roles or rights of a specific group.
Sample Perfect Answer:
a. Describe ONE way in which Gouges’ argument reflects the ideas of the Enlightenment.
Olympe de Gouges’ argument in “The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen” reflects the ideas of the Enlightenment by championing the principles of equality and natural rights. The Enlightenment emphasized reason, individualism, and a critical questioning of traditional institutions, authority, and customs. Gouges’ appeal to reason and justice in questioning the oppression of women echoes the Enlightenment’s challenge to established norms and the belief that all human beings are entitled to certain inalienable rights. By invoking the concepts of equality and rationality, she aligns her argument with the broader Enlightenment philosophy that advocated for the reevaluation of societal structures, including those based on gender.
b. Explain ONE way in which the feminist movement in the late 18th century, as illustrated by the passage, differed from traditional roles of women in European society.
The feminist movement in the late 18th century, as illustrated by Gouges’ passage, differed from traditional roles of women in European society primarily in its advocacy for women’s rights and intellectual equality. Traditionally, women in European society were confined to domestic roles, with limited access to education and legal rights, and were largely excluded from political and intellectual life. The feminist movement, as represented by Gouges, challenged these norms by asserting women’s capacity for reason and their entitlement to the same rights as men, including political representation and participation in public discourse. This marked a significant departure from the conventional view of women as primarily suited for domestic duties and subordinate to men.
c. Explain ONE historical situation in the period 1750–1900, other than the one illustrated in the passage, where social or political movements led to significant changes in the societal roles or rights of a specific group.
One historical situation in the period 1750–1900 where social or political movements led to significant changes in societal roles or rights of a specific group is the abolitionist movement and the subsequent emancipation of slaves. Particularly in the United States, the abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 19th century, advocating for the end of slavery. This movement was characterized by a range of activities including moral persuasion, political action, and armed conflict (as seen in the American Civil War). The culmination of these efforts was the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the adoption of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery. This led to a significant change in the societal roles and rights of African Americans, transitioning from a legal status of property to that of citizens with rights (though full equality was far from achieved immediately). This period also saw the emergence of African American leaders and activists who played crucial roles in advocating for civil rights and reshaping American society.
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