American History Short Answer
Short answer: Choose three from each section. Define the term and briefly explain its specific significance in American history. A good answer will go beyond one paragraph in the textbook, touching on past and future implications of the event, law, or organization. If you’re not sure what I mean by a particular term, don’t choose that one. Section I: Fifteenth Amendment Social Darwinism Plessy v. Ferguson Muller v Oregon WWI and race The second Klan (1920s) Wagner Act Section II: GI Bill of Rights Truman Doctrine Southern Manifesto Great Society Pentagon Papers Reaganomics NAFTA Essay: Choose one. In your opinion, what was the most important historical development of this period? Choose a theme and trace it through the period (1870s-2000), touching on at least four separate periods including the 1970s-1990s. Formulate a thesis clearly stating the theme, and support your argument with specific information from our course texts. You may also use any primary sources. You should mention specific people, events, legislation, etc in proving your point. Be sure to cite all the evidence you use. Do not use any outside sources unless the information is not available in our course texts. How did events of the 1960s and ’70s shape the last quarter of the 20th century? Choose a historical trend from the earlier period, and trace it through specific historical events of the 1980s and ’90s. You may choose any trend or event in political, social, or economic history. Formulate a thesis in which you clearly state the long-term outcome of that event or trend, and support your argument with specific information from our course texts. You may also use any primary sources. You should mention specific people, events, legislation, etc in proving your point. Be sure to cite all the evidence you use. Do not use any outside sources unless the information is not available in our course texts. Essay should be about 4-5 pages or about 2000 words. Papers that utilize mostly outside sources will fail the assignment. Papers must be carefully edited, use appropriate written English and have a descriptive title. Format citations in Chicago footnote style (Youtube tutorials are available).
