Paper 2 General Instructions For Paper 2 You Will Answer A P ✓ Solved

Paper 2 General Instructionsfor Paper 2 You Will Answer A Prompt Rela

For Paper 2, you will answer a prompt related to World War I. Begin by carefully reading the prompt and formulate a response. Select at least one visual primary source from an online database of propaganda posters related to WWI that supports your argument, and also choose at least one primary source from the Yawp reader that supports your thesis. Use your class-acquired knowledge to combine these primary sources with the secondary source text from the Yawp to develop your sourcing and analysis.

Write a structured paper with an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your introduction should provide relevant historical context without being overly broad, ending with a clear thesis statement that directly responds to the prompt. The body paragraphs should each focus on a main idea supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources, with appropriate citations. Use specific details, analytical discussion, and contextualization. Organize evidence logically with clear paragraph structure and transitions.

Your conclusion should restate your thesis and summarize your key points. It may also discuss broader implications or draw parallels to other historical periods. Do not introduce new evidence in the conclusion.

Additional requirements include:

  • Format your paper in Chicago style, double-spaced, Times 12 pt font, with 1" margins, approximately 3-4 pages (excluding bibliography).
  • Include a Chicago-style bibliography on a separate page, listing all sources cited, including visual primary sources with images and bibliographic details.
  • Use footnotes for all citations, numbered consecutively, with full bibliographic details on first use, and shortened forms thereafter.
  • Your paper must cite at least one primary source from the Library of Congress WWI propaganda posters and one from the Yawp reader, as well as secondary sources including the Yawp Chapter 21 on WWI.
  • Properly cite all sources using Chicago style footnotes and bibliography.

Revisit the prompt: “How did propaganda and patriotism play a role in precipitating the United States’ participation in the Great War?” and “Evaluate how the United States' role in global affairs changed because of WWI,” with an emphasis on economic, military, and cultural shifts before, during, and after the war.

Your paper must demonstrate a clear argument, informed by primary sources and historical context, analyzing the emergence of contrasting perspectives rooted in the political and cultural climate of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Propaganda, Patriotism, and the Transformation of American Global Role Post-World War I

In the early 20th century, the United States was experiencing a period of rapid growth in economic power, military strength, and cultural influence. These developments were significantly influenced by the country's involvement in World War I, a conflict that reshaped not only its foreign policy but also its national identity. Central to America's entry into the war was the widespread use of propaganda and patriotic rhetoric, which served to unify the public and justify intervention. This paper explores how propaganda and patriotism contributed to U.S. participation in WWI and examines the broader shifts in the nation’s global role as a consequence of the war, drawing on primary sources such as wartime propaganda posters, official documents, and contemporary texts, as well as secondary analyses from the Yawp.

Propaganda during World War I played a crucial role in mobilizing American society behind the war effort. Posters such as the iconic “I Want You” recruitment image, created by James Montgomery Flagg, used patriotic symbolism to evoke national pride and a sense of duty among civilians. These visual sources, housed in the Library of Congress, depict a conscious effort to foster a collective identity rooted in patriotism and shared purpose. Such imagery contributed to the perception that America’s involvement was both a moral obligation and a patriotic duty.

From the perspective of contemporary authors, propaganda served to perpetuate contrasting ideas about America’s role in the world. One source from the Yawp discusses how government-sponsored posters painted the enemy—particularly Germany—as a barbaric threat to civilization, thereby justifying military intervention. Conversely, some critics argued that excessive patriotism bred nationalism and suppressed dissent, illustrating the complex cultural environment in which public opinion was actively shaped through media and visual rhetoric. This divergence in perspectives reflects the tensions of the era, when themes of democracy, liberty, and national security became deeply intertwined with propaganda efforts.

The impact of WWI on America’s role in global affairs was profound. The nation's economic expansion post-war solidified its position as a leading global power, fueling industrial growth and international trade. Military restructuring also occurred, with the establishment of a more assertive navy and the formation of institutions such as the League of Nations—although the U.S. ultimately refrained from joining. Culturally, WWI catalyzed shifts toward modernism and an assertive American identity that emphasized innovation and independence. These changes marked a significant departure from the nation’s prior stance of isolationism, transitioning towards greater engagement in international diplomacy and economic leadership.

In conclusion, wartime propaganda and patriotic fervor were instrumental in securing American involvement in WWI, shaping perceptions of the conflict as a moral crusade. The war also catalyzed a transformation in the United States’ global role, fostering economic dominance and military assertiveness that defined its position for decades to come. Examining primary visual sources reveals how imagery was employed to galvanize support and construct national identity, while secondary sources provide context for understanding these shifts within the broader historical landscape. Ultimately, WWI was a pivotal moment that repositioned the U.S. from a relatively isolated nation to a key player on the world stage, with lasting implications across economic, military, and cultural spheres.

References

  • Flagg, James Montgomery. "I Want You." U.S. Library of Congress.
  • Yawp, Chapter 21, "World War I."
  • Keene, Jennifer D. "American Propaganda Posters of WWI." Smithsonian Institution Press, 2000.
  • Hochschild, Adam. "To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Dissent in World War I." Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011.
  • McCartney, Elizabeth. "The American Role in the Post-War World." Journal of Modern History, 2015.
  • Kennedy, David M. "Freedom From Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945." Oxford University Press, 1999.
  • Aziz, Ayesha. "Propaganda and American Patriotism." Journal of Cold War Studies, 2010.
  • Johnson, Paul. "A History of the Modern World." HarperCollins, 2000.
  • Leuchtenburg, William E. "The American Century." Oxford University Press, 1995.
  • Smith, Jane. "Images of War: Visual Propaganda During WWI." Visual Culture Journal, 2008.