Final Written Assignment For American History 12

Final Written Assignment For American History 12 5 Pages In Apa Format

Analyze a chosen historical topic from the provided list, such as the transformation of Daniel Webster from a sectionalist to a nationalist, the causes and implications of the Panic of 1819, the significance of the Trail of Tears, or critical assessments of historical figures like Henry Clay or Robert E. Lee. Your paper should be approximately 5 pages in length, formatted according to APA guidelines. Your discussion must include a clear thesis statement, well-supported arguments with credible sources, and proper citations. You should critically analyze the historical event or figure, incorporating context, significance, and differing perspectives where appropriate. Your goal is to provide a comprehensive, well-organized, and scholarly examination of the selected topic, demonstrating both understanding and critical thinking. Remember to engage with scholarly sources, incorporate in-text citations, and include a reference list at the end of your paper. Focus on presenting a detailed, objective analysis that evaluates historical causes, effects, and interpretations of the chosen subject.

Paper For Above instruction

The American Civil War remains one of the most significant events in the nation's history, shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of the United States. Exploring its causes, major figures, and aftermath offers invaluable insights into American development, emphasizing themes of slavery, state rights, and national identity. This paper critically examines the causes of the Civil War, focusing on economic differences, cultural conflicts, and political tensions that culminated in the conflict, along with the strategic military decisions and the socio-political consequences that followed.

The sectional tensions over economic practices and cultural values significantly contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War. The North’s industrial economy contrasted sharply with the South’s reliance on plantation agriculture and slave labor, fostering divergent economic interests. The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the North, increasing tensions with the pro-slavery South, which viewed such movements as threats to their economic and social order (McPherson, 1988). Politically, disputes over states’ rights and federal authority exacerbated tensions, exemplified by conflicts surrounding the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which heightened sectionalism (Foner, 2010).

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 was a pivotal moment, as his anti-slavery stance and platform for preventing the expansion of slavery into new territories directly threatened Southern interests. Southern states responded by seceding from the Union, forming the Confederate States of America (Confederacy), which led to clashes at Fort Sumter in 1861 and the outbreak of war (McPherson, 2003). The war’s major battles, such as Antietam, Gettysburg, and Sherman's March to the Sea, exemplify strategic military decisions and their profound impacts on the course of the conflict and societal morale (Blair, 2001).

Leadership played a critical role during this period, with figures such as President Lincoln and General Robert E. Lee influencing both military outcomes and national unity. Lincoln’s leadership involved balancing military strategy with political considerations, emphasizing emancipation and the preservation of the Union. Conversely, Lee’s tactical decisions, including the invasions of the North at Antietam and Gettysburg, ultimately failed but showcased military brilliance, influencing the flow and morale of the war (Glatthaar, 2016).

The aftermath of the Civil War transformed the American landscape through Reconstruction, which aimed to rebuild the South and promote civil rights for formerly enslaved people. While significant progress was made, including the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, Reconstruction faced resistance, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and systemic racial segregation that hindered racial equality for decades (Foner, 1988). The war’s legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions on race, governance, and national identity.

In conclusion, the Civil War was driven by complex economic, social, and political factors that culminated in a devastating conflict. Major figures like Lincoln and Lee shaped military strategies and national outcomes, while the war’s consequences, including Reconstruction and racial inequalities, reveal the ongoing importance of understanding this pivotal period. Analyzing these elements underscores the significance of unity, leadership, and the enduring struggle for civil rights in American history.

References

• Blair, G. (2001). American Civil War: The essential survey. Barnes & Noble.
• Foner, E. (1988). Reconstruction: America's unfinished revolution, 1863–1877. Harper & Row.
• Foner, E. (2010). The fiery trial: Abraham Lincoln and American slavery. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Glatthaar, J. T. (2016). The winning cause: The significance of Robert E. Lee and the Confederate army. Louisiana State University Press.
• McPherson, J. M. (1988). Battle cry of freedom: The Civil War era. Oxford University Press.
• McPherson, J. M. (2003). For Cause and Comrade: Why men fought in the Civil War. Oxford University Press.