SAMPLE ANSWER
1. David Donald argues that reformers were motivated by elite anxiety about losing social status, suggesting their reform efforts were an attempt to regain influence over society. In contrast, Nancy Cott argues that reformers—especially women—were motivated by their social roles and relationships, particularly their responsibilities within the family and community, which led them to pursue moral and social reforms.
Why this earns the point:
-Clearly explains both historians’ arguments
-Identifies difference in interpretation (class anxiety vs social
roles)
-Uses accurate historical framing
2. If one accepts Donald’s interpretation, social reform movements may be viewed more critically as self-serving efforts by elites to maintain control, rather than genuine attempts to improve society. However, if one accepts Cott’s argument, reform movements may be seen as more positive, reflecting grassroots efforts by women to address social problems and improve family and community life.
Why this earns the point:
-Explains both interpretations
-Shows how interpretation shapes historical judgment
-Directly answers the question
3. Donald would likely interpret the temperance movement or the work of Dorothea Dix as efforts by middle-class reformers to impose their values and regain social authority in a changing society. In contrast, Cott would likely argue that these reform efforts reflected women’s expanding roles beyond the home, as they used their moral authority and social networks to address issues like alcoholism and mental health.
Why this earns the point:
-Applies both interpretations to a specific example
-Demonstrates historical reasoning (application)
-Clearly distinguishes viewpoints
SUMMARY
(Donald = class anxiety / elite control--A view of reformers as motivated by cultural anxiety) A view of reformers as motivated by cultural anxiety
(Cott = women’s roles / social networks--A view of social reform as a reflection of women’s social ties) A view of social reform as a reflection of women’s social ties
TEACHING TIP
Students struggle most with:
-Treating this like a summary instead of comparison
-Not applying the interpretation in Question 3
1. David Donald argues that reformers were motivated by elite anxiety about losing social status, suggesting their reform efforts were an attempt to regain influence over society. In contrast, Nancy Cott argues that reformers—especially women—were motivated by their social roles and relationships, particularly their responsibilities within the family and community, which led them to pursue moral and social reforms.
Why this earns the point:
-Clearly explains both historians’ arguments
-Identifies difference in interpretation (class anxiety vs social
roles)
-Uses accurate historical framing
2. If one accepts Donald’s interpretation, social reform movements may be viewed more critically as self-serving efforts by elites to maintain control, rather than genuine attempts to improve society. However, if one accepts Cott’s argument, reform movements may be seen as more positive, reflecting grassroots efforts by women to address social problems and improve family and community life.
Why this earns the point:
-Explains both interpretations
-Shows how interpretation shapes historical judgment
-Directly answers the question
3. Donald would likely interpret the temperance movement or the work of Dorothea Dix as efforts by middle-class reformers to impose their values and regain social authority in a changing society. In contrast, Cott would likely argue that these reform efforts reflected women’s expanding roles beyond the home, as they used their moral authority and social networks to address issues like alcoholism and mental health.
Why this earns the point:
-Applies both interpretations to a specific example
-Demonstrates historical reasoning (application)
-Clearly distinguishes viewpoints
SUMMARY
(Donald = class anxiety / elite control--A view of reformers as motivated by cultural anxiety) A view of reformers as motivated by cultural anxiety
(Cott = women’s roles / social networks--A view of social reform as a reflection of women’s social ties) A view of social reform as a reflection of women’s social ties
TEACHING TIP
Students struggle most with:
-Treating this like a summary instead of comparison
-Not applying the interpretation in Question 3