To answer this question correctly, students must identify the event depicted in a historical photograph and clearly explain why the event is historically significant. For the first question, successful students will identify this as a photo of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. For Question 2, successful students might elaborate on one or more of the following:
- The revolution ended monarchic rule in Iran and established an Islamic republic headed by Ayatollah Khomeini.
- The government established by the revolution dramatically changed Iran’s relationship with the West. Prior to the revolution, Iran had allied with the United States in the Cold War. The new government was staunchly anti-American, which resulted in a shift in power in the region and began a decades-long adversarial relationship with the United States.
- The revolution had a lasting impact on life in Iran. In the decades prior to the revolution, Shah Pahlavi had attempted to Westernize Iranian technology, laws, and customs. After the revolution, the Khomeini government rejected these reforms and implemented policies based on a conservative interpretation of Islamic law.
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 is 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 is historically significant.
