Name: ___________________________________

APUSH Exam Review Bootcamp, Day 3:

Historical Thinking Skills (HTS): Periodization
Periodization Essay: Concession Thesis

Most questions in life cannot be settled

with simple yes or no answers. One goal
of our class is to develop more complex
and nuanced arguments. In this exercise,
you will develop a thesis that takes a clear
position, while still acknowledging valid
arguments on the other side of the debate.

EXAMPLE PROMPTS:

1. To what extent was the United States

Constitution a radical departure from the
Articles of Confederation?

2. Early United States foreign policy was

primarily a defensive reaction to
perceived or actual threats from Europe.
Assess the validity of this generalization
with reference to United States foreign
policy on TWO major issues during the period from 1789-1825.

3. Although Americans perceived Manifest Destiny as a benevolent movement, it was in fact an aggressive
imperialism pursued at the expense of others. Assess the validity of this statement with specific reference to
American expansionism in the 1840's.

4. The New Deal did not radically alter American business, but conserved and protected it. Assess the validity of this
statement.

5. What accounted for the growth between 1940 and 1965 of popular and governmental concern for the position of
Blacks in American society?

6. 1968 was a turning point for the United States. To what extent is this an accurate assessment? In your
answer, discuss TWO of the following:
National Politics Vietnam War Civil Rights

PROMPT: 1968 was a turning point for the United States. To what extent is this accurate assessment? In your
answer, discuss TWO of the following:
National Politics Vietnam War Civil Rights

1. BREAK DOWN THE PROMPT

Turning point In other words, how did this year cause change between what came before and what came
after?
To what extent is another way of saying how much?. That is a clue that your response to this prompt
should address both YES and NO arguments.
2. BRAINSTORM
What arguments could be made on both sides of this question?
YES, 1968 was a turning point. NO, it was not a turning point.

What was new and different before 1968 and after in terms of What were continuities and similarities before 1968 and after in
national politics, the Vietnam War, and Civil Rights? terms of national politics, the Vietnam War, and Civil Rights?
3. DECIDE WHERE YOU STAND
Overall, which side do you think has the stronger arguments? ____________________________ (There is no correct
answer here as long as you can support your interpretation with evidence!)

4. MAKE A CONCESSION TO THE OTHER SIDE

What are the most valid and compelling arguments on the other side? (choose 1 or 2)

5. WRITE A CONCESSION THESIS

Write a thesis that states your position, while also conceding 1 or 2 points to the other side in other words, qualify
your argument. Use a dependent clause or phrase (despite, although, however, yet) that indicates which side you
ultimately support. Here are some examples:

Although ______________________________ changed after 1968, it cannot be seen as fully distinct from the the time
before 1968 because ___________________________________.

While some of features of American society after 1968 such as ______________________ are rooted in the time before
1968, it should still be considered a turning point in American history due to ________________________________.

After 1968, a new sense of ______________________ occurred. However, these changes are outweighed by
_____________________________________, suggesting that 1968 was not a turning point in American history.

Despite the fact that ________________________ from before 1968 continued afterward, 1968 can be seen as a
turning point because _________________.

Write your thesis here: