Part III

DOCUMENT-BASED QUESTION

This question is based on the accompanying documents. The question is designed to test your

ability to work with historical documents. Some of these documents have been edited for the

purposes of this question. As you analyze the documents, take into account the source of each

document and any point of view that may be presented in the document.

Historical Context:

Throughout history, autocratic leaders have exercised authority over their countries

and the lives of their people. The actions of autocratic leaders have both helped and

hurt their countries and their peoples. Examples of such leaders include Emperor

Shi Huangdi, Czar Peter the Great, and King Louis XIV.

Task: Using the information from the documents and your knowledge of global history,

answer the questions that follow each document in Part A. Your answers to the

questions will help you write the Part B essay in which you will be asked to

Select two leaders mentioned in the historical context and for each

• Describe actions taken by the leader that show this individual was an autocrat

• Discuss the extent to which this leader’s use of autocratic power helped and/or

hurt his country or his people