American History Opposing Viewpoints Research Project Part I
American History Opposing Viewpoints Research Project Part Iii Instru
American History Opposing Viewpoints Research Project: Part III Instructions
Statement of Purpose or “Why Am I Doing This?” The ability to perform solid research is a key to success in academics and professional life, but communicating that research in a clear and concise manner is equally as important. This part of the assignment provides you with the opportunity to develop writing skills—specifically in the areas of organization and use of proper grammar, mechanics, and style—and to show your ability to use sources with integrity.
Completing This Assignment:
- For the topic selected in Module/Week 2 of the course and utilized again in Module/Week 4, you will complete in the actual body content at least an 800-word 3-page paper that presents the research conducted during the term.
- The paper must be well organized and developed and provide a concise examination of the subject.
- Utilizing the sources from Module/Week 4 that were closely connected to your original topic choice from Module/Week 2, give an extended overview of the event.
- Discuss your own arguments. Include opposing viewpoints discovered in your research. Reflect on whether your opinions have changed as a result, and defend your case or explain why your thought process has shifted.
- Citations must conform to current Turabian style with properly formatted footnotes and a bibliography for at least three scholarly sources.
- The title page and reference page do not count towards the total page count.
- The main purpose is to demonstrate what you've learned from your research; therefore, the majority of the body should be written in your own words. Outside sources may be used but should not dominate the text, and any borrowed statements must be quoted and cited in Turabian format.
- When finished, the document must be:
- In a Microsoft Word (or compatible) format
- 12-point Times New Roman font
- Double-spaced
- 1-inch margins
- Page numbers at the bottom center of each page (excluding the title page)
- Proofread carefully to ensure scholarly language, proper mechanics, and style.
Paper For Above instruction
The American history landscape is characterized by conflicting viewpoints that have shaped the nation's trajectory. Exploring these perspectives through rigorous research not only enhances understanding but also develops critical thinking, analytical skills, and scholarly communication. This paper presents an extensive overview of a specific historical event, incorporating personal insights, opposing viewpoints, and scholarly sources to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
The selected topic for this research is the Civil Rights Movement, a pivotal period in American history that sought to end racial segregation and discrimination. My initial perspective emphasized the movement's importance in fostering social justice and equality. However, during research, I encountered various opposing viewpoints that questioned the strategies, motives, and effects of the movement, leading me to reevaluate my stance.
The Civil Rights Movement, spanning the 1950s and 1960s, was marked by acts of protest, legal challenges, and legislative changes aimed at ending racial discrimination. The leadership of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X played vital roles in mobilizing public consciousness and political action. According to scholar Charles Payne, the movement utilized nonviolent resistance to effect change, which was essential in garnering national support and sympathy (Payne, 1995). Conversely, critics such as hypersegregationist Samuel Tyler argued that the movement's methods were too conciliatory and failed to address deeper economic inequalities (Tyler, 1968).
Through research, I discovered that some critics believed the Civil Rights Movement inadvertently led to increased racial tensions, asserting that it intensified discrimination rather than alleviating it. For example, some argue that affirmative action policies and integration efforts generated backlash, thus hindering progress in some communities (Graham, 2010). This viewpoint challenged my initial belief that the movement's achievements universally improved social cohesion. Upon reflection, I recognize that while the movement achieved significant legal milestones, ongoing disparities suggest that racial equity remains a complex issue requiring continuous effort.
My perspectives evolved as I examined these opposing views. I now see the Civil Rights Movement not as a complete solution but as an essential step in a long-term process. I defend the movement's strategic use of nonviolence and legal advocacy, acknowledging that it was pivotal in changing legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, I also acknowledge the criticisms regarding the movement's limitations and the persistent inequalities that challenge the achievement of full racial justice today.
Scholarly sources such as Carson (1995), King (2010), and Woodward (2001) provide a nuanced understanding of these debates, emphasizing that historical movements must be evaluated within their context. The movement's success lay not only in legislative victories but also in inspiring ongoing activism and reflection. In conclusion, involving multiple perspectives enhances comprehension of historical events and underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and reform in achieving social justice.
References
- Carson, Clayborne. 1995. The Eyes on the Prize Civil Rights Reader. Penguin Books.
- Graham, Hugh Davis. 2010. The Civil Rights Era: Origins and Development, 1954-1968. Oxford University Press.
- King, Martin Luther, Jr. 2010. Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. Beacon Press.
- Payne, Charles M. 1995. I’ve Got the Light of Freedom: The Organizing Tradition and the Mississippi Freedom Struggle. University of California Press.
- Woodward, C. Vann. 2001. The Strange Career of Jim Crow. Oxford University Press.
- Tyler, Samuel. 1968. The Crisis of the American Civil Rights Movement. University of Chicago Press.