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ability to work with historical documents.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
