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 Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). For Question 2, successful students might elaborate on one or more of the following:
- The Russo-Japanese War resulted in a dramatic shift in the balance of power in East Asia. The war severely curtailed Russia’s imperialistic aims in Asia and greatly expanded Japan’s power in the region.
- Russia’s defeat helped fuel the Russian Revolution of 1905, which resulted in significant governmental reforms, including the establishment of a constitutional monarch in place of absolute autocracy.
- The Treaty of Portsmouth was brokered by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, which elevated Roosevelt’s international profile and represented the United States’ growing international influence.
- As part of the peace treaty, Russia acknowledged Japanese imperial claims over the Korean Peninsula. Japan then annexed Korea in 1910.
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.
