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What does this DBQ question mean?

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Spycrab's picture
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Joined: Feb 2009
What does this DBQ question mean?

"How were racial and ethnic differences employed to define social and political institutions from 1870 to 1900, and what effect did this have on the exercise of power by different groups in America?"

My interpretation:
How did ethnic and racial differences change political and social institutions (such as bars, railroads, restaurants, court?) and how did it grow/shrink the power of certain groups of Americans.

Anywhere close? This question is really hard.

pianogirl2422's picture
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Joined: Mar 2005

Spycrab;92542 wrote:"How were racial and ethnic differences employed to define social and political institutions from 1870 to 1900, and what effect did this have on the exercise of power by different groups in America?"

My interpretation:
How did ethnic and racial differences change political and social institutions (such as bars, railroads, restaurants, court?) and how did it grow/shrink the power of certain groups of Americans.

Anywhere close? This question is really hard.

I think you've got the idea, the key is going to be showing how the definitions to the institutions caused the shift in power between groups.

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MikeGaeta's picture
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Joined: Sep 2008

"How were racial and ethnic differences employed to define social and political institutions from 1870 to 1900, and what effect did this have on the exercise of power by different groups in America?"

Well when I think of "racial and ethnic differences," my mind immediately shifts to minority groups--
the blacks and slavery, new and old immigrants, indians, etc.
But between 1870-1900, I guess that just narrows it down to the latter two.

As far as institutions goes, I'm not all too sure. I mean 1870 did still encompass a couple of years of Reconstruction, but I would refer to things such as the Freedman's Bureau (except that was before 1870 I think), and tensions between Indians and Whites on the Frontier, Hull Houses and slums, etc. that are related to the groups.

Again, I'm just throwing my thoughts out there. Hope that helped at least =)

JP 1000's picture
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Joined: Sep 2008

i have no idea. glad i'm not you.

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