History essay 2

Essay 2

Essay Prompts

· Please choose one question from options 2-5 to answer.

· Please indicate which question you are answering.

· This essay must be 6-8 paragraphs (a paragraph is 3-5 complete sentences, not fragments, not bullet points).  1 paragraph of introduction, 4-6 paragraphs for the body, 1 paragraph of conclusion.

· Each essay must include a thesis statement. You need to make an actual argument that needs to be supported with facts.

· Each essay needs to rely on evidence found in classroom lectures, our textbook,  and the OER textbook. YOU MAY NOT use outside sources, like the internet.

· You must use a primary and secondary source. Lectures do not count.

· You must cite where you got each piece of evidence [For Example: “The Boston Tea Party happened on December 16, 1773” (US History, pg 130) or “Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address avoids discussion the role of slavery in the Civil War (“Gettysburg Address” in Constructing the American Past) or “The City on a Hill Speech was based off Matthew 5:14” (Early Colonial Life Lecture)]

· Put a works cited page.

· Use MLA or Chicago Style citations

Follow the question prompt carefully.  If a question asks you to give four specific examples, give four examples. If the question asks you to discuss the cause and effects, please discuss both.

The number one thing that students do wrong in these essays is over-generalize. Be very clear and very explicit.  Do not tell me, for example, that the national economy changed because “we started using steam.” That will not receive a passing grade.  Instead, you should talk about all the new types of industries, the people who worked them, the policies that went into them, etc, etc.

CHOOSE ONE 

2. Religion has played an important role in the foundation of the United States. From the motivation of the first colonists to the justification of slavery, Americans are uniquely influenced by their faith.  Provide four specific instances where religion was a key factor in US History. Be specific in your response using evidence from your textbook, primary source readings, lectures, videos to support your argument.

3. Explain the concept of Manifest Destiny. First define the term. Second, explain what territories were acquired during the era. Third, outline how they were acquired. Fourth, explain the role racism and xenophobia played in Manifest Destiny. Be specific in your response using evidence from your textbook, primary source readings, lectures, or videos to support your argument.

4. Explain the development of a National Economy beginning with the First Industrial Revolution and ending in the Antebellum Period. Please cite at least four examples while being specific in your response using evidence from your textbook, primary source readings, lectures, videos to support your argument.

5. Key decisions in US politics and military actions (i.e. war) have been made to directly benefit the wealthy and privileged. Identify four actions and how the wealthy would benefit. Be specific in your response using evidence from your textbook, primary source readings, lectures, videos to support your argument.