Final Exam: A Four-Paragraph Thematic Essay Using Six ✓ Solved

Final exam is a four-paragraph thematic essay using six

The Final Exam is a four-paragraph thematic essay using six primary sources, three in each body paragraph, each paragraph designed around a topical subject, supporting a theme. Create a theme (an interpretive thesis that is proved by evidence from several eras - it can be the theme you've been working on for the last writing assignment) and support it using three primary sources from either three different eras or many eras under three different topics.

So the format is:

I. Analytical Theme and introduction

II. Body paragraph topic sentence Discussion of this topic, proven by three primary sources, properly cited.

III. Body paragraph topic sentence Discussion of this topic, proven by three primary sources, properly cited.

IV. Conclusion

Rules:

  • cite all sources fully with artist/author, title, date and live link
  • all sources must be from the Primary Source Boards
  • paragraphs and examples must be presented in chronological order
  • bold the theme
  • italicize the topic sentences
  • take the time to edit inside Moodle - it won't look right with just copy-and- paste
  • proofread and spell check - this is a formal essay

Essays will be graded on the level of achievement of:

  1. an analytical theme
  2. use of college-level English to clearly express ideas
  3. two body paragraphs, each with a topic sentence, explaining how the sources connect to the ideas of the paragraph and essay
  4. use of at least three primary sources to support the topic of each paragraph and the thesis as a whole (six sources total)
  5. sources correctly cited with author/artist, title, date, and active link
  6. demonstrates an understanding of the era

Paper For Above Instructions

Theme: The evolution of American identity through maps and art.

The United States has undergone significant transformations since its early colonial days. The evolution of American identity is intricately tied to the ways in which its territory was mapped and represented. By examining three primary sources from distinct eras, we can trace how these representations reflect changing perceptions of identity, governance, and territorial expansion.

Body Paragraph 1: Representations of Territory and Identity in Early Maps

One of the earliest depictions of America is found in Abraham Ortelius's 1584 map, "La Florida." This map captures the early Southeastern region of America, providing pivotal insights into the names and locations of Native American towns. Ortelius’s atlas offers a critical perspective on the transformation of these towns in the wake of European colonization (Ortelius, 1584). The details within the map hint at Hernando De Soto’s explorations, making it not just a geographical representation but also a reflection of the era's colonial ambitions and interactions with Native populations. This crucial cartographic work illustrates how early European settlers began to conceptualize the regions they explored, laying the groundwork for a constructed American identity that included both the land and its original inhabitants.

Further into the 18th century, Johann Baptist Homann's map from 1759 titled "Virginia, Marylandia et Carolina in America Septentrionali Britannorum" offers another layer to this evolving identity. This map showcases the establishment of the Georgia colony, which played a significant role as a buffer against Spanish expansion and a refuge for debtors and the poor (Homann, 1759). The representation of this colony highlights the British colonists’ aspirations for growth and security within the ever-changing political landscape of North America. Through Homann's work, we see a shift towards a more defined American identity, one that compensates for European rationale with newfound notions of opportunity and governance.

Body Paragraph 2: Political Art as a Reflection of National Unity

During a tumultuous period in American history, Amos Doolittle’s political cartoon “The Looking Glass for 1787” serves as a stark reminder of the internal conflicts that plagued the nascent nation. Created post-American Revolution, this piece powerfully encapsulates the struggles of a young republic grappling with unity and division (Doolittle, 1787). The cartoon’s depiction of Federalists and Anti-Federalists illustrates the contentious debates surrounding governance, an essential element of early American identity as the country sought to define its political landscape. It signifies the tension between a desire for federal control and the fear of overreach—reflecting the complexities of American identity formation amidst contrasting ideals.

By the early 19th century, the engraving by John Bower titled “A View of the Bombardment of Fort McHenry” from 1819 stands as a powerful symbol of national pride and perseverance. This artwork commemorates the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, which solidified the American spirit and led to the eventual creation of the National Anthem (Bower, 1819). The representation of American resilience against British forces underlines the evolving notion of an American identity rooted in defiance and unity. This piece, too, fits within the broader narrative of an emerging national identity shaped through struggle and conflict.

In the context of technological progress, the power loom photograph from 1851 (J Harrison and Son, 1851) demonstrates another facet of American identity, closely related to industrial growth. The enhanced machinery reflects the transformation of the American landscape through the Industrial Revolution, illustrating a newfound identification with progress and innovation. This era marked the shift from agrarian societies to burgeoning industrial centers, further diversifying the American identity.

Lastly, William Henry Bartlett’s drawing of the “Lockport, Erie Canal” from 1839 represents a significant achievement in American infrastructure that greatly influenced economic and societal development (Bartlett, 1839). This canal was pivotal in linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for the growth of trade and migration patterns. Bartlett’s work visually narrates the spirit of expansion and ingenuity, which became synonymous with American identity during the early 19th century, emphasizing the nation’s progress and unyielding ambition.

Through these primary sources, we see how maps and artistic representations illuminate the complex narrative of American identity. Each source not only provides visual insight into different eras but also underscores how evolving definitions of geography and governance shaped the cultural landscape of the United States. In summary, from early colonial maps to political cartoons and engineering feats, these artefacts collectively reflect the multifaceted identity of a nation in continuous evolution.

References

  • Ortelius, A. (1584). La Florida. Retrieved from [URL]
  • Homann, J. B. (1759). Virginia, Marylandia et Carolina in America Septentrionali Britannorum. Retrieved from [URL]
  • Doolittle, A. (1787). The Looking Glass for 1787. Retrieved from [URL]
  • Bower, J. (1819). A View of the Bombardment of Fort McHenry. Retrieved from [URL]
  • J Harrison and Son. (1851). Power Loom. Retrieved from [Link]
  • Bartlett, W. H. (1839). Lockport, Erie Canal. Retrieved from [URL]

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