DBQ Essay Writing Federal Government & Westward Expansion

✍🏽 DBQ Essay Writing

Federal Government & Westward Expansion

Today you will turn your document analysis into a full argumentative essay

By Isiah Jones

DBQ: Federal Government & Westward Expansion

​🎯 Objective SWBAT write an argumentative essay explaining how the federal government promoted westward expansion and analyze the impact of that expansion using document evidence.

What You Can Use

📂 Materials

✔ Your completed DBQ packet (Part A)
✔ Your document notes
✔ Loose-leaf paper
✔ Pen or pencil

🚫 No laptops
🚫 No phones
🚫 No collaboration

🧭 What’s Happening Today

Last class: You analyzed the documents
Today: You write the essay

You will:
1️⃣ Plan quickly
2️⃣ Write independently
3️⃣ Use at least 5 documents
4️⃣ Stay silent and focused

Step 1: Write Your Thesis

🧠 PLAN FIRST — DO NOT SKIP

Write this at the top of your paper:

Thesis (1–2 sentences):

The federal government promoted westward expansion by ____________________, which resulted in ____________________ and ____________________.

Open Ended

Write your thesis here

📝 Required Structure

📝 Required Structure

✔ Introduction: backgroud and thesis
✔ Body Paragraph 1 — Federal Actions
✔ Body Paragraph 2 — Impact of Expansion
✔ Body Paragraph 3 — Benefits vs. Harms
✔ Conclusion

Use this structure for your essay.