The Core Assignment Of This Course Is Documented Research ✓ Solved

The core assignment of this course is a documented research

The core assignment of this course is a documented research paper (words in length, approx. 4-6 pages double-spaced, 12-point font). The paper should support a thesis statement with information gained from research or investigation. The paper will not be just a report presenting information but will carefully examine and present your own historical interpretation of the topic you have chosen and your interpretation of the information you have gathered.

The paper may include consideration of problems and solutions, definition of key terms, or may refute arguments against your thesis statement. It is important to choose a topic of interest to you. Approach this assignment with an open and skeptical mind, then form an opinion based on what you have discovered. Suspend beliefs while you investigate and let the discoveries shape your opinion. Once you have found your thesis, write the paper to support it.

You will use critical thinking skills in this process: Choosing an appropriate topic, limiting the topic, gathering information, summarizing sources, analyzing and evaluating sources, defining key terms, synthesizing information, comparing and contrasting sources, testing a thesis, making a historical argument, and using refutation.

To complete this complex paper, it is recommended that you follow these steps: Choose a topic related to chapters covered in The American Yawp (Chapters 1-15) that you would truly like to explore. Your chosen topic should be focused. Pose a question that you really want to answer. Begin with more than one topic in mind. Do some preliminary reading, refining your topic. Summarize your topic, your interest in it, the questions you want to answer, and a hypothesis to test.

Gather information from various sources, using a minimum of four sources for your paper, with at least one being a primary source. Primary sources are contemporary to the times under investigation. Outline the results of your research and the plan for your paper. Write the final draft, including a Works Cited List, using the correct MLA documentation style.

Paper For Above Instructions

Exploring the Impact of the American Revolution on Society

The American Revolution was a pivotal event that not only reshaped the political landscape of the United States but also significantly influenced social structures and cultural norms. This research paper delves into how the Revolution fostered democratic ideals and catalyzed social change, particularly in regards to class structure, gender roles, and slavery.

To frame this discussion, the thesis statement posits that the American Revolution, while primarily a struggle for independence, inadvertently propelled significant societal transformations that laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for equality and civil rights.

The Revolutionary Ideals and Social Class Reshaping

The American Revolution introduced novel ideas about democracy and governance, emphasizing liberty and equality. These ideals influenced the American social structure profoundly. For instance, the concept of "no taxation without representation" resonated with the working class, which began to challenge the established social hierarchy. According to Gordon S. Wood in "The Radicalism of the American Revolution," the Revolution sparked a widespread reconsideration of class relationships, as many Americans began to advocate for a more egalitarian society (Wood, 1991). The dismantling of aristocratic privileges and practices marked a shift towards a merit-based society.

A prime example of this shifting class structure is the rise of the middle class during the post-Revolutionary period. As the war disrupted traditional economic hierarchies, new opportunities emerged for those previously marginalized in society. This burgeoning middle class was pivotal in promoting commercial interests, which would later lead to the Industrial Revolution. Historical records reveal a significant increase in literacy and political participation among these groups, indicating a fundamental societal transformation (Info: Digital History, n.d.).

Gender Roles: Evolving Perspectives

Simultaneously, the Revolution imparted new perspectives on gender roles within society. Women played crucial roles in supporting the war effort, often managing households and businesses while men were away. This involvement laid the foundation for the emergence of women as active participants in public and political life. Notably, Abigail Adams famously urged her husband to "remember the ladies" as the Continental Congress deliberated over new laws, highlighting the need for women's rights in revolutionary discussions (Adams, 1776).

The post-war era saw the beginnings of a redefinition of women's roles, as a society grappling with its identity considered women's contributions. However, despite these advancements, societal norms largely confined women to domestic spheres. Still, the seeds for future advocacy for women's rights were firmly planted during this era, with many women beginning to organize for suffrage and equality within a few decades (DuBois, 1998).

Slavery and the Revolutionary Paradox

Perhaps one of the most paradoxical elements of the American Revolution was its relationship with the institution of slavery. While the Revolution championed freedom and equality, slavery persisted and in some areas, expanded. Many enslaved individuals sought their freedom during the war, siding with the British who promised emancipation. The consequences of this were significant; it ignited debates over the morality of slavery and led to the emergence of abolitionist sentiments in the following decades (Mintz, 1986).

Prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass later articulated the inherent contradiction between the American ideals of freedom and the realities of slavery, arguing that the Revolution laid the foundation for the eventual abolitionist movements (Douglass, 1845). This legacy of dissent regarding slavery underscores how the Revolution stimulated discussions surrounding human rights.

Legacy and Continuing Impact

The American Revolution catalyzed profound societal changes, setting the stage for successive movements advocating equality and recognition of rights across different demographics. The radical ideas of democracy, liberty, and social justice that emerged during this period not only transformed the fabric of American society but continue to resonate in contemporary debates on social equity.

In examining the effects of the Revolution, it becomes clear that its legacy is complex. While it spurred national pride and independence, it also incited societal questions that remain relevant today. By understanding the intricate links between the Revolutionary War and subsequent social changes, one can appreciate the ongoing impact of this historical event.

References

• Adams, Abigail. 1776. "Letter to John Adams."
• Douglass, Frederick. 1845. "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass."
• DuBois, W.E.B. 1998. "Women and the American Civil Rights Movement."
• Mintz, Sidney. 1986. "Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History."
• Digital History. n.d. "The American Revolution and the Early Republic."
• Wood, Gordon S. 1991. "The Radicalism of the American Revolution."
• American Yawp. 2019. "Chapter 5: The American Revolution."
• Hatch, Nathan O. 2006. "The Democratization of the Democratic Party: Historical Perspectives."
• Horowitz, Helen Lefkowitz. 1998. "The Feminization of America."
• Hinks, Peter P. 2009. "The Abolitionist Movement in America."