To answer this assessment correctly, students must identify the event depicted in an iconic historical photograph and clearly explain why the event is historically significant. For the first question, successful students will explain that this is a photograph of a Buddhist monk (named Thích Quảng Đức), who burned himself to protest the Diệm government’s persecution of Buddhists in South Vietnam. For Question 2, successful students might elaborate on one or more of the following:
- The photograph drew international attention to the persecution of Buddhists in South Vietnam and put pressure on the Diệm government to reform its policies.
- It raised international awareness of local opposition to the oppressive policies of the Diệm government, causing many to question whether the United States government should continue to support Diệm.
- The photograph, and the resistance it spawned, influenced the United States’ decision to back a military coup to overthrow Diệm’s government.
Level: Proficient
Question 1
Student clearly and specifically identifies the event depicted in the photograph.
Question 2
Student clearly and specifically explains why the event was historically significant.
Level: Emergent
Question 1
Student provides correct information related to the event but does not clearly identify the significant event.
Question 2
Student correctly elaborates on the event but does not clearly explain why the event is historically significant.
Level: Basic
Question 1
Student does not correctly identify the event.
Question 2
Student does not provide a correct or relevant explanation for why the event was historically significant.
