**This list has been updated to reflect all released topics through 2025.
I created this list for my own quick reference and also provide it to students to give them a visual of what units the DBQ has come from over the year. The LEQ chart is less useful in this regard, as there are always multiple options. But I like having them all linked with the question in one location for easy access. After making this, it was also interesting to clearly see the development of LEQ questions styles over time. Some of the older styles may seem less relevant, but they can be easily adjusted to more recent LEQ language.
The links will take you to the online PDFs that are posted through the College Board website. If you are outside the US and use a VPN, the link may not work, showing access denied. I have to turn mine off to access most resources college board’s site.
I also created an excel version of the charts below for slightly easier access.
DBQ Topics by Unit & Year
Some of the topics overlap more than one unit. I tried to account for this in the chart without being too nit-picky over which unit is technically correct based on the current CED.
A downloadable document with this information can be found HERE.
| Unit | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Topic | |
| Year | ||||||||||||
| 2002 | X | Christianity/Islam views on trade and merchants through 1500 CE | ||||||||||
| 2003 | X | Indentured servitude causes & consequences 19th century | ||||||||||
| 2004 | X | Spread of Buddhism in China | ||||||||||
| 2005 | X | Islamic leaders and 20th century nationalism | ||||||||||
| 2006 | X | Global silver trade 1500 – 1750 | ||||||||||
| 2007 | X | Han & Rome attitudes to technology | ||||||||||
| 2008 | X | Modern Olympic movement 1892-2002 | ||||||||||
| 2009 | X | African reactions to Scramble for Africa | ||||||||||
| 2010 | X | Industrialization in Japan and India 1880-1930 | ||||||||||
| 2011 | X | Green Revolution causes & consequences | ||||||||||
| 2012 | X | Cricket and politics in India 1880-2005 | ||||||||||
| 2013 | X | European struggles for global power – mid 18th century | ||||||||||
| 2014 | X | Chinese peasants and the CCP | ||||||||||
| 2015 | X | Spanish Influenza | ||||||||||
| 2016 | X | Gender & politics in 20th century Latin America | ||||||||||
| 2017 | X | Religious responses to wealth creation 600 CE – 1500 CE | ||||||||||
| 2018 | X | Railroads and Imperialism in Afro-Eurasia 1860-1918 | ||||||||||
| 2019 | X | Portuguese in Indian Ocean Trade | ||||||||||
| 2020 | See AP Classroom | |||||||||||
| 2021 | X | Mexican Revolution | ||||||||||
| 2022 | X | Economic impact of Imperialism in Africa & Asia | ||||||||||
| 2023 | Q1 Q2 | DBQ 1 – Collapse of the QingDBQ 2 – Muslim women and social norms | ||||||||||
| 2024 | Q1 Q2 | DBQ 1 – Communism transforming societyDBQ 2 – Japanese Imperialism | ||||||||||
| 2025 | Q1 Q2 | DBQ 1 – Technology Impacting African SocietiesDBQ 2 – Industrialization’s Impact on Women | ||||||||||
LEQ Topic by Unit & Year
A downloadable document with this information can be found HERE. Apologies for the formatting on the post. The original document is easier to use.
| Unit | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Year | ||||||||||||
| 2002 | Q2 Choose TWO of the areas listed below and analyze how each area’s relationship to global trade patterns changed from 1750 to the present. Be sure to describe each area’s involvement in global patterns around 1750 as your starting point. Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, The Middle East, Eastern Europe, North America, South and Southeast Asia Q3 Analyze and compare the differing responses of China and Japan to western penetration in the nineteenth century. | |||||||||||
| 2003 | Q2 Describe and analyze the cultural, economic, and political impact of Islam on ONE of the following regions between 1000 C.E. and 1750 C.E. Be sure to discuss continuities as well as changes. West Africa South Asia Europe | Q3 Compare and contrast the roles of women in TWO of the following regions during the period from 1750 to 1914. East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Western Europe | ||||||||||
| 2004 | Q2 Analyze the changes and continuities in labor systems between 1750 and 1914 in ONE of the following areas. In your analysis, be sure to discuss the causes of the changes and the reasons for the continuities. Latin America and the Caribbean Russia Sub-Saharan Africa | Q3 Compare and contrast how the First World War and its outcomes affected TWO of the following regions in the period from the war through the 1930’s. East Asia Middle East South Asia (Indian subcontinent) | ||||||||||
| 2005 | Q3 Compare and contrast the political and economic effects of Mongol rule on TWO of the following regions: China Middle East Russia | Q2 Analyze the social and economic transformations that occurred in the Atlantic world as a result of new contacts among Western Europe, Africa, and the Americas from 1492 to 1750. | ||||||||||
| 2006 | Q2 Analyze the cultural and political changes and continuities in ONE of the following civilizations during the last centuries of the classical era. China, Rome, India | Q3 Compare and contrast the goals and outcomes of the revolutionary process in TWO of the following countries, beginning with the dates specified. Mexico 1910 China 1911 Russia 1917 | ||||||||||
| 2007 | Q3 Within the period from 1450 to 1800, compare the processes (e.g., political, social, economic) of empire building in the Spanish Empire with the empire-building processes in ONE of the following. The Ottoman Empire OR The Russian Empire | Q2 Analyze major changes and continuities in the formation of national identities in ONE of the regions listed below from 1914 to the present. Be sure to include evidence from specific countries in the region selected. Middle East Southeast Asia Sub-Saharan Africa | ||||||||||
| 2008 | Q2A nalyze the changes and continuities in commerce in the Indian Ocean region from 650 C.E. to 1750 C.E. | Q3 Compare the emergence of nation-states in nineteenth-century Latin America with the emergence of nation-states in ONE of the following regions in the twentieth century. Sub-Saharan Africa The Middle East | ||||||||||
| 2009 | Q2 Analyze continuities and changes in patterns of interactions along the Silk Roads from 200 B.C.E. to 1450 C.E. | Q3 For the period from 1500 to 1830, compare North American racial ideologies and their effects on society with Latin American/Caribbean racial ideologies and their effects on society. | ||||||||||
| 2010 | Q3 Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political control in TWO of the following empires in the Classical period. Han China, Mauryan/Gupta India, Imperial Rome | Q2 Describe and explain continuities and changes in religious beliefs and practices in ONE of the following regions from 1450 to the present. Sub-Saharan Africa Latin America/Caribbean | ||||||||||
| 2011 | Q3 Analyze similarities and differences in the rise of TWO of the following empires. A West African Sudanic empire (Mali OR Ghana OR Songhay) The Aztec Empire The Mongol Empire | Q2 Analyze changes and continuities in long-distance migrations in the period from 1700 to 1900. Be sure to include specific examples from at least TWO different world regions. | ||||||||||
| 2012 | Q2 Analyze continuities and changes in trade networks between Africa and Eurasia from circa 300 C.E. to 1450 C.E. | Q3 Compare demographic and environmental effects of the Columbian Exchange on the Americas with the Columbian Exchange’s demographic and environmental effects on ONE of the following regions between 1492 and 1750. Africa Asia Europe | ||||||||||
| 2013 | Q2 Analyze how political transformations contributed to continuities and changes in the cultures of the Mediterranean region during the period circa 200 C.E. to 1000 C.E. | Q3 Analyze similarities and differences between the role of the state in Japan’s economic development and the role of the state in the economic development of ONE of the following during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. China Ottoman Empire Russia | ||||||||||
| 2014 | Q3 Analyze similarities and differences in how TWO of the following empires used religion to govern before 1450. Byzantine Empire Islamic Caliphates Mauryan/Gupta Empires | Q2 Analyze continuities and changes in the ways ONE of the following regions participated in interregional trade during the period circa 1500 to 1750. Latin America, including the Caribbean Sub-Saharan Africa Southeast Asia | ||||||||||
| 2015 | Q3 Analyze similarities and differences in TWO of the following trade networks in the period 600 C.E. to 1450 C.E. Your response may include comparisons of biological, commercial, or cultural exchanges. Indian Ocean Silk Roads Trans-Sahara | Q2 Analyze continuities and changes in labor systems in ONE of the following regions within the time period 1450 to 1900. Latin America and the Caribbean North America | ||||||||||
| 2016 | Q2 Analyze economic continuities and changes in trade networks within Afro-Eurasia in the period from 600 C.E. to 1450 C.E. | Q3 Analyze similarities and differences in the causes of TWO of the following revolutions. American Revolution (1775–1781) French Revolution (1789–1799) Haitian Revolution (1791–1803) | ||||||||||
| 2017 | Q2 Describe and explain a significant continuity and a significant change in labor migration in the period 1450–1750 C.E. (Historical thinking skill: Continuity and Change) | Q3 Describe and explain a significant continuity and a significant change in the global balance of political power in the period 1900 C.E. to the present. (Historical thinking skill: Continuity and Change) | ||||||||||
| 2018 | Q2 Emergence and spread of belief systems. | Q3 In the period 1450–1750, oceanic voyages resulted in the Columbian Exchange, which transformed the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Develop an argument that evaluates how the Columbian Exchange affected peoples in the Americas in this time period. | Q4 In the period 1900 to 2001, people and states around the world adopted political ideologies such as communism, fascism, or nationalism to challenge the existing political and/or social order. Develop an argument that evaluates how one or more of these political ideologies challenged the existing political and/or social order. | |||||||||
| 2019 | Q2 & Q3 In the period 600 B.C.E. to 600 C.E., the rise of large-scale empires led to increasing regional and transregional trade. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which the rise of one or more empires contributed to an increase in trade in this time period. In the period 600 to 1450 C.E., trade networks expanded and economic productive capacity increased. Technological innovations and transfers often contributed to this process. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which technological innovations or transfers led to increased economic growth in this period. | Q4 In the period after 1900, the role of the state in the economy varied, with many states adopting policies to control or manage their economies. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which one or more states controlled their economies in this time period. | ||||||||||
| 2020 | No LEQs | |||||||||||
| 2021 | Q2 In the period circa 1200–1450, commerce along exchange networks such as the Silk Roads, the Indian Ocean, and the trans-Saharan networks involved a number of new economic and commercial practices.Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which developments in economic and/or commercial practices in Afro-Eurasia affected trade in this period. | Q3 In the period circa 1450–1750, European expansion affected the development of numerous East Asian and South Asian states.Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which the economies of East and/or South Asian states in this time period changed in response to European expansion. | Q4 In the twentieth century, governments responded to economic crises in various ways.Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which governments (other than the United States government) changed their economic policies in response to the Great Depression. | |||||||||
| 2022 | Q2 In the period before circa 1500, states in the Americas used a variety of institutions, policies, and practices to consolidate and expand their scope and reach.Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which ONE pre-Columbian state in the Americas was successful in consolidating and centralizing its authority during this period. | Q3 In the period circa 1450–1750, the global increase in transregional contacts led to both expansion and contraction of existing religions as well as the development of new religious practices.Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which military conflict or conquest was the main cause of religious change in this period. | Q4 In the late twentieth century, the spread of free-market economic ideas led to numerous changes around the world.Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which the spread of free-market ideas led to economic change during this period. | |||||||||
| Unit | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Year | ||||||||||||
| 2023 Set 1 | Q2 In the period circa 1200 to 1450, the expansion of empires such as the Mongol Empire facilitated trade and communication across Eurasia. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which Mongol expansion affected the peoples of Eurasia. | Q3 In the period circa 1450 to 1750, rulers of land-based empires, such as the mughal, the Ottoman, and the Safavid empires, used a variety of religious, political, and economic methods to legitimize and consolidate their power. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which a land-based empire successfully consolidated or expanded its power during this period. | Q4 In the mid- to late twentieth century, a variety of political, military, and nonviolent methods were used to bring about political and social change. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which an individual, group, or movement in the mid- to late twentieth century successfully challenged existing power structures during this period. | |||||||||
| 2023 Set 2 | Q2 Global cross-cultural interactions, including the transfer of knowledge, scientific learning, and technological developments, increased throughout the period 1200 to 1750. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which ongoing cross-cultural interactions affected trade and/or exploration during the period circa 1450 to 1750. | Q3 Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which Enlightenment ideas were the primary cause of one of the revolutions or independence movements (other than the American Revolution) from the period circa 1750 to 1900. | Q4 In the twentieth century, revolutionary movements were inspired by a variety of ideologies, including communism, nationalism, and/or religious ideas. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which a twentieth-century revolutionary movement was inspired by one of these ideologies. | |||||||||
| 2024 Set 1 | Q2 In the period circa 1200-1750, networks of exchange led to the spread of religions, cultures, ideas, and traditions in many parts of Afro-Eurasia. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which exchange networks contributed to social or cultural change in Afro-Eurasia during this period. | Q3 In the period 750-1900, societies around the globe were affected by new technologies that transformed methods of production. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which the growth of industrialization led to economic or social change during this period. | Q4 In the twentieth century, technological advances in communication, transportation, medicine, and agriculture, and other fields shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which new technologies improved the lives of individuals during this period. | |||||||||
| 2024 Set 2 | Q2 In the period circa 1200-1750, religious traditions were used to establish and legitimize rulers and governments throughout Afro-Eurasia. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which religion was the main source of political legitimacy for rulers in Afro-Eurasia during this period. | Q3 In the period circa 1750-1900, discontent with monarchist and imperial rule spread around many parts of the world and led to significant political changes. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which discontent with monarchist or imperial rule was the main source of new political ideologies or systems of government during this period. | Q4 In the late twentieth century, globalization was driven by a variety of factors, including new tech and economic and political changes. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which globalization was primarily driven by economic factors. | |||||||||
| 2025 Set 1 | Q2 In the period circa 1200 to 1450, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism included ideas about social structures, gender roles, and political authority that influenced societies across Asia. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which one or more of these belief systems shaped societies and/or political systems in Asia during this period. | Q3 In the period circa 1450 to 1750, economic, political, and religious rivalries led many imperial states around the world to expand their territories and influence. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which economic rivalries were the primary motivation for the expansion of European empires during this period. | Q4 During the twentieth century, medical and scientific discoveries affected life expectancies, access to resources, and social and economic structures, which reshaped individual lives as well as entire societies. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which medical and scientific discoveries benefited individuals and/or societies during this period. | |||||||||
| 2025 Set 2 | Q2 In the period circa 1450 to 1750, new connections between world regions led to the movement or transfer of people, animals, plants, and pathogens. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which such movements or transfers led to demographic, cultura, or social changes across the Atlantic region during this period. | Q3 During the eighteenth century, Enlightenment philosophers developed new ideas about individual rights and the role of governments. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which Enlightenment ideas encouraged movements for political change and/or social reform during the period circa 1750 to 1900. | Q4 During the twentieth century, competing political and economic interests along with intense nationalism contributed to global conflicts. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which nationalism was the most important factor contributing to global conflict during this period. | |||||||||