To answer this question correctly, students must identify the event depicted in an iconic historical photograph and explain why the event is historically significant. For the first question, students should identify that the photo depicts a mushroom cloud from the second nuclear bomb that the United States dropped on Japan in August 1945. For Question 2, successful students might choose to elaborate one or more of the following:
- Some believe dropping of the bomb directly contributed to Japan’s decision to surrender, which ended fighting in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
- Its devastating effects have shaped public perceptions of nuclear war.
- It was a significant factor in rising tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union at the time.
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.
