1491–1848
The DBQ and LEQ both give a point for contextualization. Practice telling background from evidence, spotting the paragraph that earns the point, and writing your own.
The rubric: describe a broader historical context relevant to the prompt, meaning events, developments, or processes before, during, or continuing after the prompt’s years. A phrase or a passing reference doesn’t earn the point.
In practice: describe the larger situation that set the stage, usually what came before, and connect it to the prompt in a closing sentence. A specific event inside the prompt’s years usually works better as evidence in a body paragraph.