Throughout the course of American history, the issues of race, gender, national identity, and politics have been constant, yet evolving. During this course, you will be required to write three short summative papers that present your understanding of these issues and their evolving narratives during the periods in study. Some periods of American history might focus more on some issues than others (e.g. slavery & race), but all of these issues have an ever-present narrative.
Using the American Yawp textbook as your reference, please write a 2–3-page, double-spaced paper that summarizes the following issues and their evolving narratives starting from the beginning of ‘The Cotton Revolution’ to the ‘Civil War’ (Chapters 11 -14):
Race
Gender
National Identity
Politics
Focus on the key developments or turning points of these issues. Envision how they were both present and significant during the course of American history. Consider how these issues “changed” or “evolved” from the beginning of the Cotton Revolution to the Civil War. Here some examples of talking points that your papers can address:
How did the perception of race and racial equality in the United States evolve from the Cotton Revolution to the Civil War? What were some of the more profound changes?
How did the role of women evolve from the beginning of the Cotton Revolution to the Civil War? How so?
How did the concept of ‘American National Identity’ change from the beginning of the Cotton Revolution to the Civil War? Was this meaning the same for everyone? Consider the physical and ideological division of the north and south, especially leading up to the Civil War.
What impacts did politics have on the aforementioned periods of American history? (Chapters 11- 14). Consider decisions and/or actions that were the most significant.
These are examples of some of the questions that you might consider address during your writing. You do not have to use these same questions or talking points. Address whatever you think is relevant and important. Again, some of these issues might be more prominent than others during certain periods of American history. If this is the case, focus more on those issues that were prominent. The purpose of these papers is to have you show your recognition of these issues throughout American history and evaluate their changing narratives.
