Survey Of U.S. History (HIST101) Written Assignment G 258119
Survey of U.S. History (HIST101) Written Assignment Guidelines Guidelines - Remember
Write a formal academic essay about U.S. history, ensuring that all facts are accurate, analysis is clear, grammar and spelling are correct, and the guidelines are followed. The essay must include an introduction that states your thesis, a body that develops and supports your arguments with specific evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes and emphasizes your main points. Use proper historical tense, avoid contractions, first-person pronouns, hedging language, and vague terms like "big" or "huge." Instead, use precise descriptions such as "major," "important," or "central." Organize your thoughts with an outline, and present each paragraph as a focused unit supporting your thesis.
Adhere to standard formatting: double-spaced, 12-point font (preferably Times New Roman or Palatino), 1-inch margins, page numbers, and no paragraph headings. Include a title page with the assignment title, your name, section, and date, but do not count it in the page length. Your essay should be between 5-6 pages for a typical assignment, or follow the specific length requirements provided. Introduce your thesis clearly in the beginning and revisit or restate it in the conclusion, which should briefly restate your main points and overall argument.
All sources—whether books, articles, or internet resources—must be properly cited within the text and listed in a bibliography or works cited page, following a recognized style guide (MLA, APA, or Chicago). Internet sources need author, title, URL, and access or publication date. Avoid plagiarism by giving full credit for all borrowed ideas, quotations, or data. The physical presentation of your paper matters: printed on white paper, dark ink, neat formatting, and free of spelling and grammar mistakes after thorough proofreading.
Assignment must be submitted on time through the provided online link. Failure to comply with these standards may result in penalties or lower grades. The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to these guidelines or to check work for originality using college resources.
Paper For Above instruction
The United States has undergone profound transformations since its founding, shaping its political, social, and economic landscape into the modern nation we see today. Analyzing key historical developments reveals not only the events themselves but also the reasons behind their significance and lasting impacts. This essay examines the evolution of U.S. history by focusing on pivotal moments such as the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement. These events exemplify how internal conflicts, economic upheavals, and social struggles have driven the nation’s growth, identity, and values.
Introduction
The history of the United States reflects a dynamic interplay between conflict and progress, emphasizing particular themes of independence, division, resilience, and social justice. This essay argues that the most transformative moments in American history, specifically the Revolution, Civil War, Great Depression, and Civil Rights Movement, have collectively shaped the nation’s political institutions, economic practices, and social fabric. The discussion will explore the causes and consequences of these pivotal events, illustrating their significance in molding American identity and values.
The Revolutionary War and the Birth of Independence
The American Revolution (1765–1783) marked the nation’s emergence as an independent entity beyond British colonial rule. Rooted in grievances over taxation without representation and infringements on colonial autonomy, the conflict was driven by a desire for self-governance and liberty. The resulting Declaration of Independence in 1776 articulated foundational ideals of individual rights and popular sovereignty, principles that continue to underpin American political culture. The Revolution also established the precedent for rebellion against tyranny, influencing subsequent democratic movements worldwide (Wood, 1992). Its aftermath led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, embedding ideas of republicanism and federalism that would steer the nation through future crises.
The Civil War: A Conflict over Union and Slavery
The Civil War (1861–1865) represented a profound internal conflict over the future direction of the nation. Central to the war was the issue of slavery and states’ rights. The Southern states sought to preserve slavery and assert their independence, while the Union aimed to maintain national unity and abolish slavery. The war resulted in significant bloodshed, but it also abolished slavery with the Civil War Amendments, fundamentally transforming American society (McPherson, 1988). The victory of the Union reinforced the principle of a single, indivisible nation and set the stage for ongoing struggles over racial equality and civil rights.
The Great Depression: Economic Crisis and Federal Response
The stock market crash of 1929 triggered the Great Depression, a severe economic downturn that affected millions of Americans. Unemployment soared, banks failed, and poverty intensified. The federal government responded with New Deal policies aimed at economic recovery and social reform, including programs like Social Security, regulatory reforms, and public work projects (Kennedy, 1999). This period redefined the relationship between citizens and government, emphasizing the importance of federal intervention in economic affairs and social welfare to foster stability and growth. The crisis also fueled debates about economic inequality and the role of government, which continue to influence policies today.
The Civil Rights Movement: A Struggle for Equality
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s) was a pivotal social struggle to end racial segregation and secure equal rights for African Americans. Inspired by earlier abolitionist efforts and fueled by the injustice of Jim Crow laws, activists employed protests, legal challenges, and civil disobedience to challenge systemic racism (Carson, 1995). Landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 resulted from these efforts, dramatically advancing racial equality. The movement’s success highlights the power of collective action rooted in democratic ideals and continues to influence ongoing struggles for social justice and equality.
Conclusion
The examined historical moments demonstrate that the United States’ evolution has been driven by conflicts rooted in core ideals of liberty, unity, economic security, and justice. The Revolution established foundational principles, the Civil War addressed national cohesion and human rights, the Great Depression redefined the role of government in economic stability, and the Civil Rights Movement challenged racial injustice. Collectively, these events illustrate the nation’s capacity for self-reflection, adaptation, and progress. Recognizing their significance helps us understand the ongoing development of American democracy and society.
References
- Carson, C. (1995). In Struggle: SNCC and the Black Awakening of the 1960s. Harvard University Press.
- Kennedy, D. M. (1999). Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. Oxford University Press.
- McPherson, J. M. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
- Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage Books.
- Hofstadter, R. (1963). The American Political Tradition and the Men Who Made It. Vintage Books.
- Foner, E. (2014). The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Friedman, M. (2002). Capitalism and Freedom. University of Chicago Press.
- Kluger, R. (1976). Simple Justice: The History of Brown v. Board of Education and Black America's Struggle for Equality. Knopf.
- Litwack, L. F. (1998). Trouble in Mind: Black Southerners and the Civil War. Vintage.
- Schechter, B. (2004). The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Harvard University Press.