A Poe Writer Final Paper Understanding History Can Be More D

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A Pus Writer Final Paper: Understanding history can be more difficult than many people imagine. Historians analyze and assess a variety of sources, including primary sources created during the time period being examined and secondary sources written by other historians after the period. Their goal is to interpret the past accurately, considering not only what happened but also why it happened. For the final paper, students will learn about the past and employ the interpretive and analytical methodologies of professional historians. They must select one of the specified topics and analyze its history from 1865 to the present, focusing on six significant events or developments that have impacted the chosen topic.

The paper requires developing a clear thesis statement that summarizes the main conclusions derived from research. This thesis should be supported through a logical argument backed by credible evidence from sources. Each selected event or development must be explicitly connected to the thesis, illustrating its significance in shaping the broader historical narrative about the topic. For example, a paper on African Americans might examine the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Power Movement, explaining how these movements reveal changes in African American roles in society during their respective eras, and how earlier events contributed to later developments.

Students may choose from one of the following topics: Native Americans, African Americans, Immigrants, Women, Foreign affairs, Civil liberties, The economy, or The role and powers of the presidency. The final paper must be between eight and ten pages, double-spaced, and formatted in APA style. It should include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement, a body that explores six key events or developments, and a conclusion that synthesizes findings and reaffirms the thesis. The paper must incorporate at least eight scholarly sources aside from the textbook, including a minimum of two primary sources and four secondary sources from the Ashford Library.

In addition, students must properly cite all sources within the text and on a dedicated references page, adhering to APA formatting. The paper must contain a title page with the paper’s title, the student’s name, course details, instructor's name, and submission date. Critical analysis and thoughtful engagement with the topic are essential to demonstrate understanding beyond mere description. Proper use of sources and adherence to APA guidelines are key components of successful completion.

This assignment provides an opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills in historical research, source critique, and argumentation. By analyzing six carefully chosen events or developments within a defined thematic scope, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how historical processes unfold and influence subsequent events. The final paper will serve as both an academic exercise and a demonstration of mastery in interpreting complex historical narratives.

Paper For Above instruction

The history of racial and societal transformation in the United States from 1865 to the present is marked by significant events that reflect broader shifts in racial identity, civil rights, and societal roles. This paper aims to analyze six pivotal events or developments within this timeframe, focusing on African Americans as a case study, illustrating how these moments contributed to evolving notions of race, equality, and power in American society. The overarching thesis posits that these events collectively underscore the dynamic nature of racial identity and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, shaped by social, political, and cultural forces over more than a century.

Introduction

The post-Reconstruction era in the United States inaugurated a tumultuous period of racial inequality, activism, and legislative change. Understanding how African Americans navigated this landscape requires examining key moments that exemplify their resilience and agency. This paper investigates six critical developments: the end of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow laws, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, the election of Barack Obama, and the resurgence of Black Lives Matter. These events reveal both the progress and setbacks experienced by African Americans and demonstrate how each event contributed to shaping their societal roles.

Reconstruction and the Rise of Jim Crow (1865–1896)

Following the abolition of slavery, the Reconstruction Era sought to redefine African Americans' civil and political rights. Despite initial gains, such as Black voting rights and political participation, the Compromise of 1877 marked the retreat from these advances. Subsequently, Jim Crow laws institutionalized racial segregation, severely restricting African Americans' freedoms (Foner, 2014). This period underscores the resistance to racial progress and the institutionalization of racial inequality, setting the stage for future civil rights activism.

The Harlem Renaissance (1920s)

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural flowering that challenged prevailing stereotypes and showcased African American artistic and intellectual achievements (Lewis, 1994). It revealed a burgeoning sense of racial pride and identity, contributing to a broader societal recognition of African Americans’ cultural contributions. This movement represented a turning point, fostering a new sense of agency and community that would influence future civil rights efforts (Gates & McKay, 1997).

The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s)

The Civil Rights Movement aimed to dismantle segregation and ensure equal rights through protests, legal challenges, and legislative change. Landmark events like Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and the Civil Rights Act (1964) signaled significant victories. The movement also demonstrated the strategic use of nonviolent resistance, inspiring other marginalized groups (Carson, 1991). This era marked a critical turning point in African Americans' pursuit of equality, emphasizing legal and political avenues.

The Black Power Movement (1960s–1970s)

Building on civil rights gains, the Black Power Movement emphasized racial pride, economic empowerment, and self-defense. Leaders like Malcolm X and organizations such as the Black Panther Party articulated a more confrontational stance toward systemic oppression (Marable, 2008). This movement signified a shift towards asserting racial identity and autonomy, influencing contemporary discussions on race and power.

Election of Barack Obama (2008)

Barack Obama's election as the first African American president represented a symbolic milestone highlighting racial progress. His presidency prompted national debates on race, privilege, and representation (Hutchings & Kahl, 2010). While symbolizing hope, it also exposed ongoing disparities, reminding society that racial inequality persisted despite significant advancements.

Resurgence of Black Lives Matter (2013–present)

The Black Lives Matter movement emerged as a response to police brutality and systemic inequities, signifying renewed activism and visibility for racial justice. It underscores the ongoing nature of racial struggles and highlights the importance of grassroots activism in shaping contemporary discourse (Taylor, 2016). The movement reflects the evolving fight for civil rights in the modern era, emphasizing the importance of community-led change.

Conclusion

The six events examined reveal a trajectory of resilience and resistance among African Americans, illustrating their continuous efforts to define and assert their societal roles amidst systemic obstacles. From legal setbacks to cultural renaissance, civil rights victories to modern activism, each development has contributed to the ongoing struggle against racial injustice. Collectively, these moments demonstrate that the history of African Americans' quest for equality is complex and multifaceted, shaped by social, political, and cultural forces over time.

References

  • Carson, C. (1991). The Civil Rights Movement: Roots and Triumphs. New York: Routledge.
  • Foner, E. (2014). Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863–1877. Harper Collins.
  • Gates, H. L., & McKay, N. Y. (1997). The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Norton.
  • Hutchings, V. L., & Kahl, S. (2010). Barack Obama and the politics of racial symbolism. Journal of Race and Politics, 14(3), 471–490.
  • Lewis, D. L. (1994). When Harlem Was in Vogue. Oxford University Press.
  • Marable, M. (2008). Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention. Viking Penguin.
  • Taylor, K.-Y. (2016). From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation. Haymarket Books.
  • Additional scholarly sources as needed to meet the requirement.