history essay
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civic_engagement_essay_4.pdf
HISTORY 131: U.S. HISTORY FROM 1865 QUINNEY SUMMER 2017
Civic Engagement Essay #4: War, Democracy, and Freedom
This assignment asks you to think about the United States as a force for democracy in war, and the ways in which American civil liberties are protected and promoted (or not) in wartime. STEP ONE: READ The American Yawp, Chapters 24-27 STEP TWO: WATCH the following videos to learn more about the ways in which the United States stands for democracy in war:
• FDR delivers two speeches with regard to American democracy in World War II: “Great Arsenal of Democracy” speech on December 29, 1940 ‘‘Four Freedoms’ Speech, January 6, 1941 (National Archives)
• Harry S. Truman’s inauguration speech with regard to democracy in the Cold War: Truman inauguration, January 20, 1949 STEP THREE: EXPLORE the following visual sources to learn more about violations of civil liberties in wartime:
• Internment of Japanese Americans during World War II World War II: Internment of Japanese Americans (Atlantic)
• Violation of civil liberties during the Red Scare:
Herb Block’s anti-McCarthyism cartoons Hollywood Blacklist, 1947-1960
STEP FOUR: THINK ABOUT IT. STEP FIVE: Respond to the following prompt (which was also posed to you in Discussion this week 😊) by referring to your reading and the additional sources above as evidence.
During World War II and again during the Cold War, civil liberties in the United States were violated in the name of national security. Does war justify the curtailing of civil liberties? Are there any circumstances under which civil liberties (freedom) should be prioritized over national defense (security)? Explain your answer by citing specific examples and quotes from the sources.
Your response is due to CC on Saturday, August 5, before midnight.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLID ACADEMIC WRITING
• Address every question. Be sure to answer every question in the prompt.
• Organize your thoughts and your argument. Include an introduction that lays out the main argument (thesis). Develop your argument and provide evidence in the body of the response. Conclude the essay with a brief summary.
• Prove your point. Provide ample evidence to support your argument(s) by providing
concrete examples and quotations from your reading. Cite relevant people, places, and events, as well as primary sources as evidence.
• Think for yourself. Answer the questions with your own brainpower, in your own words.
This is not a research paper assignment—this is an historical thinking assignment. The American Yawp and The American Yawp Reader (as well as other sources provided to you for this assignment) are the only sources that you may consult.
• Write clearly and carefully. Does every sentence make sense? Poor spelling, syntax,
punctuation and grammar are often a sign of sloppiness and will weigh heavily against your grade.
• Avoid personal sentiments. Voice your view, but avoid using the first person and personal
sentiments such as “I feel that…” or “I believe that…” Your essay should make an academic argument based on your interpretation of historical evidence—not based on your opinion.
• Follow standard formatting and citation. Your essay should be approximately 750 words,
standard font (Times New Roman, 12pt), double-spaced with 1-inch margins. Use standard citation style such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.
