Patricia Nelson Limerick seeks to complicate our common narratives of history, with clean-cut narratives and definite good guys and bad guys. In place of this, as she reveals, stand complicated and flawed individuals, groups with conflicting motivations and loyalties, and moral shades of grey. Presenting a fuller view of history as she does makes it harder for us to come to simple conclusions, but it also makes it possible for us to learn more.
For this next assignment, I would like for you to take a similar deep dive into a moment of history. You can choose any time or place; however, do not make it too broad (The Revolutionary War, for example, would be too broad; The Battle of Bunker Hill, the Declaration of Independence, or George Washington are better topics). Give us a fuller examination of this moment, and tell us why this fuller knowledge is important. Aside from the bare facts, answer these questions:
1. What is the common narrative of this event? What is it overlooking?
2. How does a more nuanced version of this event present a more complicated vision of history?
3. Why is it important for us to understand the more complicated reality of this story?
This paper has a research component, so you are expected to build your argument upon at least three reliable scholarly sources. Papers must be submitted to Moodle as .doc or .docx files, and must be in Times New Roman font, doubled-spaced with one-inch margins and in MLA format.
Page Minimum: 7
